Capitol Journal

We have a preview of the upcoming legislative week. We also report on some concerns that a time-factor may prevent bills related to the Florida school shootings from getting passed in the current session. We also report on the Statehouse mourning the death of Rep. Allen Treadaway’s daughter in a traffic accident. And we’re joined by Rep. Corey Harbison of Cullman, who will discuss his bills to increase penalties for both domestic abuse and distribution of deadly drugs.

We report on last nightʼs Alabama execution being called off. We also report on another legislative bill in response to the Florida school shootings. Weʼre joined by Cong. Mike Rogers , who says he doesnʼt think gun control is the answer to the school violence. Weʼre also joined by Rep. Pebblin Warren of Tuskegee, who says her daycare bill is headed to the Senate, where it could receive final passage. And we discuss all of the weekʼs top state government news in our "Week in Review" segment

We report on tonight’s scheduled execution of Doyle Lee Hamm for the 1987 murder of Cullman motel clerk Patrick Cunningham. We report on today’s Senate passage of a bill that would mandate nitrogen hypoxia as a third execution alternative in the state. We also report on a new bill that would raise the age to buy an assault weapon in Alabama from 18 to 21. And we’re joined by Gordon Stone, Executive Director of the Higher Education Partnership of Alabama. He will discuss Thursday being “Higher Education Day” at the Statehouse.

We report on today’s Senate committee approval of a $30 million supplemental appropriation for prisons to help hire more mental health staff and more correctional officers. We also report on Senate committee approval of a bill that would further regulate unlicensed daycare centers. And we’re joined by Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow of Red Bay, who discusses the new bill to arm trained teachers and how he passed similar legislation for Franklin County five years ago.

We report on the Senate today taking up the $2 billion state General Fund budget. We also report on Rep. Will Ainsworth visiting a school in his district to talk up his bill that would arm some teachers to protect against violence like that seen in south Florida last week. And we’re joined by Rep. Mary Moore of Birmingham, who will discuss a renewed Democratic call to expand Medicaid in the state. 

We're joined by Rep. Margie Wilcox of Mobile, who discusses next month’s long-awaited launch of collegiate and charity boat decals. Wilcox sponsored the enabling legislation, and she says proceeds will benefit the schools, the charities and state parks. We're also joined by Republican gubernatorial candidate and evangelist Scott Dawson, who will discuss his campaign. He says he was inspired to run because of a "broken heart" over ethics failures in state government.

We report on one state lawmaker reacting to the Florida school shootings by introducing a bill that would allow Alabama teachers to carry guns on campus, with proper training. We're joined by U.S. Attorney Louis Franklin of Montgomery, who will discuss this week’s sentencing of former House Majority Leader Micky Hammon for felony mail fraud. We're also joined by Alabama Ethics Commission Director Tom Albritton, who will discuss increasing calls for clarity on the state ethics law. And we talk with Rep. David Faulkner of Mountain Brook about this week’s final passage of his bill to expand ridesharing companies statewide.

In the wake of the Florida school shooting tragedy, we report on a bill introduced today that would allow some Alabama educators to receive firearms training and be authorized to carry concealed weapons on campus. We also report on former House Majority Leader Micky Hammon of Decatur being sentenced today to 3 months in prison for converting campaign funds for personal use. And we’re joined by Rep. Jack Williams of Vestavia Hills, who will discuss his bill that would require health and safety training for volunteer youth sports coaches.

We report on a House committee today approving a bill that would tighten regulation of religious-affiliated and other unlicensed daycare centers around the state. A similar bill passed the House last year, but died in the Senate. And we’re joined by Rep. Lynn Greer of Rogersville, who discusses his bill that would expand Alabama’s "Stand Your Ground" law to churches, to allow for better protection in light of a rash of church shootings around the country. Greer’s bill will be considered by a House committee tomorrow.

We report on this week’s expected House consideration of a bill that would take the state out of the marriage license business. We also report on expected House committee action this week on legislation that would both expand the "Stand Your Ground" law to churches and impose more regulations on religious-affiliated daycare centers in the state. And we’re joined by Acting State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, who discusses the status of the state health emergency surrounding the flu outbreak. Harris will also talk about helping author a report on the opioid crisis in Alabama.