Bentley to assign gambling task force to new AG

Gov.-elect Robert Bentley announced in a statement sent out Wednesday by incoming Attorney General Luther Strange that he would assign the work of the Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling to Strange when they both take office on Jan. 17.
"By assigning all pending cases and investigative authority to the Attorney General's office, I have transferred the primary responsibility for ensuring that Alabama's gambling laws are enforced statewide to Attorney General-Elect Luther Strange," Bentley said. "I will fully support Attorney General Luther Strange in his efforts to enforce the laws of Alabama, including laws against illegal gambling. Attorney General Strange will follow the law on gambling and he will have my full support."
Strange vowed not to back down from enforcing the state's gaming laws.
The task force has been controversial under Gov. Bob Riley, who created the force that answered to him after disagreements with current Attorney General Troy King over the interpretation and enforcement of gaming laws in Alabama.
The task force, led first by former Jefferson County District Attorney David Barber and now by Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson, raided or attempted to raid several gaming establishments in the state including VictoryLand in Shorter and Country Crossing near Dothan.
The task force, with the help of local law enforcement, has shut down all electronic gaming in the state at casinos not operated by the Poarch Band of Creeks Indians, which have facilities in Montgomery, Wetumpka and Atmore.
Strange and Bentley, in their joint statement, said the casinos that are currently closed because of the threat of a raid by the task force should not mistake the announcement as an invitation to reopen. The announcement, they said, means that the attorney general will be the statewide officer with the "primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting those that own, operate or house illegal gambling machines."
Some proponents of electronic gaming have accused Riley of killing jobs at casinos that have been open for years during tough economic times.
He said he is simply enforcing the law.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Sanderson joins Bloom Group

Alabama governmental affairs firm The Bloom Group announced this month the addition of a new partner, former Alabama House Minority Whip Allen Sanderson.
Sanderson served in the House for 12 years including eight on the Rules Committee that decides which bills come to the floor for debate and eight years on the health committee, four of those as vice chairman. He also worked for more than 20 years as a real estate agent and investor.
Other partners include Hal W. Bloom Jr., the principal, and associates James Dupree Jr., John W. Floyd, and Lisa A. Woodard. The company's client list includes Fortune 500 companies, large associations and companies in the healthcare industry.
The firm, according to a release, has associates with diverse political backgrounds, but believes Sanderson and his legislative experience will be crucial with the new Republican majority in the Legislature.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Roby appointed to key committees for district

Incoming U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, has been assigned to the agriculture and armed services committees, the same posts held by her predecessor.
Roby defeated U.S. Rep. Bobby Bright, D-Montgomery, in the November election.
She was selected for the posts by Republican leadership in the House.
"I am pleased to have been appointed to serve on two prestigious committees, the Agriculture Committee and the Armed Services Committee," Roby said in a statement. "This is great news for our area. Our district is home to significant agricultural production and a number of very important military bases, which are critical to the nation's defense as well as our local economy. My appointment to these committees will directly serve our agriculture base and the military, and is understandably a very good fit for our district.'

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Riley applauds historic ethics overhaul

Gov. Bob Riley said Alabama now has the strictest ethics laws in the nation after the passage of seven bills he pushed during a special session he called to revamp laws here.
"Passing any one of these reforms would have meant a tremendous, positive change for the way the people's business is conducted in Montgomery. Passing all seven of these reforms represents a sea change of historic proportions and will make Alabama the new standard for ethical government in the United States," he said in a statement sent out by his office about 3:45 a.m. Thursday. "In just one week Alabama has gone from having some of the weakest ethics laws in the country to having some of the strongest. The passage of these bills will usher in a new era of transparent, accountable and responsive government in Alabama that can begin the work of restoring the public's trust."

Lawmakers concluded their work about 3 a.m. Thursday after a seven-day special session.

Riley's office will undergo legal review before he signs them into law.

The proposals passed this week would:

Cap lobbyist spending on public officials and public employees

Ban pass through pork

Give subpoena power to the Alabama Ethics Commission

Ban transfers of money between political action committees

End the so-called practice of double dipping in which legislators also hold another job in state government

Require mandatory ethics training for elected officials and public employees at all levels of government

Require those who lobby the executive branch to register as lobbyists with the Alabama Ethics Commission

Stop the state from collecting dues from state pay checks for groups that are politically active including the Alabama Education Association and the Alabama State Employees Association

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Sweeping Ethics Bill Goes to the Governor

At just before 3 a.m. Thursday, the Alabama Legislature passed sweeping changes to the Alabama ethics law that would limit spending by lobbyists, but also open the door for spending by other people and at other events.

House and Senate members concurred on changes to a bill sponsored by state Sen. Bryan Taylor, R-Prattville, that is much changed from the original version that he introduced at the beginning of the special session called by Gov. Bob Riley to overhaul ethics laws in the state. It's even different from the two substituted versions of the bill that moved through the Legislature.

Taylor's original bill would have capped spending by lobbyists to $100 per year and required them to report everything that they spent. The first substituted version of the bill, which was crafted by state Sen. Scott Beason, R-Gardendale, would have kept lobbyists from spending anything, but would have allowed those who hired lobbyists, or principals, to spend up to $250 a day before they had to report it. The second substitute of the bill would also have stopped lobbyists from spending anything to influence lawmakers, but would have capped what principals could spend at $100.

If the governor signs the version of the Taylor bill that is coming to his desk, lobbyists can spend up to $150 a year, and principals, which currently don't exist as a defined class under the law, could spend up to $250 a year.

"Nobody can argue you had $250 per day that was brought down to $250 a year," Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, said of lobbyist spending on public officials.

However, there is no cap on spending at an "educational function or widely attended event," where people can provide "hospitality, meals, and other food and beverages" to public officials. A widely attended event is one with more than 12 people.

Taylor said the law would still include the existing portion requiring any expense over $250 a day to be reported. He said it also stops unlimited hospitality, lodging, and travel for purely social reasons. So, there would still be no reporting of spending on public officials under $250 a day and that would not pertain to certain events.

The bill passed Thursday does not include its own reporting requirement, which was included in the original version. Marsh said they did not see the need for the reporting since the cap was so low. He said they could add in a reporting requirement later if people believe it is an issue.

Taylor said the version they passed restored some of the strongest portions of his original bill. He had said the first version of the bill passed by the Senate created a "huge loophole."

Marsh said he expects the seven ethics bills passed in the last three days to change how people conduct business in Montgomery. He expects the bills, like the one passed early Thursday, to curb the cozy relationships between lobbyists and lawmakers.

Marsh expects their action to limit some of the "wining and dining" of legislators.

Marsh said the Business Council of Alabama, whose President William Canary was at the State House until early Thursday, expressed concerns about the bill. But, he said, no lobbyists were allowed in the conference committee meeting between House and Senate members and he told BCA officials that they were not changing the bill after the committee met.

Senate Minority Leader Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, said he believes the passed bills give the state the most accountable, transparent government in the country.

The Legislature wrapped up the special session called by Riley at about 3 a.m. Thursday after passing the seven bills he was pushing.

-- posted by Markeshia Ricks and Sebastian Kitchen

Lawmakers send double-dipping ban to governor

A body which once had dozens of members who worked for state government voted just before 1:30 a.m. Thursday to prohibit state lawmakers from holding another job in state government.
The Legislature voted to stop lawmakers from serving in the House or Senate while also holding a job at a state agency, in the two-year college system, a four-year university, or in a K-12 school. The State Board of Education voted to stop lawmakers from working in the two-year system, but the bill approved by legislators would give them and others working for the state until the election in 2014 to decide between their state job and their legislative seat.
Republicans pushed for the so-called double dipping ban after widespread corruption in the two-year college system that led to the conviction of the chancellor, state lawmakers, and some top college officials.
The House and Senate reached an agreement on the bill late Wednesday.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Lawmakers give ethics commission subpoena power

The Legislature granted a long-standing request to the Alabama Ethics Commission late Wednesday, giving the panel subpoena power for the first time in its history.
The subpoena power is expected to be a strong tool in helping the commission staff investigate ethics complaints against public officials and public employees.
The bill now goes to Gov. Bob Riley for his signature.
The bill would require that reports and statements filed with the commission be made available on the Internet and reduce from five to four, the number of commission members it would take to authorize an investigation or initiate a complaint. The bill also would no longer limit the filing of a complaint to those who have actual knowledge of the allegations contained in the complaint.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen and Markeshia Ricks

Legislature votes to ban PAC to PAC transfers

The Legislature passed a bill on Wednesday that would stop the longtime practice of transferring campaign contributions between political action committees, which essentially hides the original source of the contribution.
Both chambers unanimously passed a version on Wednesday after members met to work out differences. The bill now goes to Gov. Bob Riley for his signature.
Political observers have argued for years that candidates have used PACs to hide who they were receiving campaign funding from.
"It's been a long time coming," said Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

House Passes Amended Ethics Overhaul Bill

After more than five hours of debate and nearly 20 amendments, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would overhaul the state's ethics law.

In a 102 to 0 vote, House members passed a twice substituted bill sponsored by Sen. Bryan Taylor, R-Prattville. The bill would keep lobbyists from spending anything to influence public officials, but would allow those that hire lobbyists to spend up to $50 per occurrence, or $100 a year.

The bill will now return to the Senate where it will likely be sent to a conference committee.

Some of the House amendments include a provision that would ensure that lawmakers would not be in violation of the ethics law if they eat and drink at a wedding reception, or receive sports tickets whose fair market value exceeds their face value.

-- posted by Markeshia Ricks

Legislature passes bill that could hurt AEA, ASEA

The Alabama Senate, unlike the House of Representatives, quickly passed a bill that could hurt organizations that represent educators and state employees on Wednesday.
The bill, which would stop the state from taking dues out of checks for organizations like the Alabama Education Association and the Alabama State Employees Association, now goes to Gov. Bob Riley for his signature.
Senate Republicans quickly shut down debate, taking a vote 45 minutes after convening. The House spent 15 hours debating the bill on Tuesday and early Wednesday.
The Alabama House of Representatives passed the bill 52-49 at about 3 a.m. Wednesday.
The bill would stop the state from deducting dues or funds for political action committees from state pay checks for organizations that are politically active including the AEA and the ASEA.
Republicans have said that state resources should not be used to collect dues for organizations that are politically active.
Democrats believe the bill is politically motivated and aimed to hurt the AEA, which typically supports Democratic candidates. The association is a force in state politics and the bill could hurt its financial resources.
Senate Minority Leader Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, said the bill is targeted at the AEA because that organization supported Robert Bentley in the Republican primary instead of Riley's candidate of choice, Bradley Byrne. He said it is one of the most political bills he has seen since he was first elected to the Legislature in 1982.
Paul Hubbert, head of the AEA, agrees with Bedford and believes the bill is retaliation. The AEA traditionally supports Democratic candidates for the Legislature and other state offices including governor.
Hubbert and legislative Democrats are concerned that, if these organizations are not able to automatically withdraw dues from state checks, that it could cut the number of employees who are members and hurt the representation those groups have at the State House. They have said some members of these groups, such as custodians and bus drivers, might not have checking accounts and be able to send in their dues.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Check-off Bill Heads to the Governor

The most controversial bill in the governor's call for a special session on ethics reform is finally on its way to his desk for his signature.

The bill stops the payroll deductions for the thousands of public employees and teachers in the state to pay dues and make political contributions to organizations like the Alabama Education Association and the Alabama State Employee Association. It was fought until the bitter end by Democrats in the House and Senate, arguing that the bill was not about ethics reform but retaliation against AEA for its role in defeating Bradley Byrne's campaign for governor.

House members debated the bill from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 3 a.m. today because of a filibuster organized by the Democratic minority. Before the House received the bill Senate members had debated the bill for hours because of a dogged filibuster by Senate Democrats. In the end it boiled down to votes. The Republicans had the votes to get the bill passed, and they did.


Senate members took another hour to finally concur on amendments made by the House.

-- posted by Markeshia Ricks

Hubbard very disappointed in new Republicans

Newly elected House Speaker Mike Hubbard, who is also chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, said he was very frustrated with how three Republicans who recently switched parties voted on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Those Republicans joined with Democrats who opposed a bill that would ban politically active groups such as the Alabama Education Association from being able to have their members deduct dues from state paychecks.
Reps. Lesley Vance of Phenix City, Steve Hurst of Munford and Mike Millican of Hamilton, who all announced last month they were switching parties, voted with Democrats on the measure, which narrowly passed 52-49.
Hubbard said it was an opportunity for them to show they are "true Republicans" and support true Republicans ideals.
The fourth Republican who recently switched parties, Alan Boothe of Troy, was very ill on Tuesday and was not at the State House.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

House narrowly passes bill that could hurt AEA

The Alabama House of Representatives narrowly passed a bill that could devastate unions representing state teachers and employees early Wednesday morning after about 15 hours of debate that spanned two days.
Democrats diligently delayed a vote on the bill, but they ran out of options and Republicans approved the bill 52-49 at almost 3 a.m.
The bill would stop the state from deducting dues from state pay checks for organizations that are politically active including the Alabama Education Association and the Alabama State Employees Association.
Republicans have said that state resources should not be used to collect dues for organizations that are politically active.
House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, said it is not fair for taxpayers to pay for the costs to deduct those dues and deduct money for political action committees operated by those organizations.
Even though Democrat after Democrat asked state Rep. Lynn Greer, R-Rogersville, how much deducting the dues costs the state, he was never able to produce a figure for them.
"We know it cost something," Greer said. " ... It might be a large amount. It might be a small amount."
Democrats believe the bill is politically motivated and aimed to hurt the AEA, which typically supports Democratic candidates. The association is a force in state politics and the bill could hurt its financial resources.
House Minority Leader Craig Ford, D-Gadsden, said he feels the bill discriminates against teachers and state employees.
Hubbard said those are the talking points for Democrats. He said people can still be members of organizations and they can still pay their dues, but the state cannot deduct them from checks if the organization is politically active. The speaker said he is a member of the National Rifle Association, but those dues do not come out of his state check.
"That's the way everybody else does it," Hubbard said.
The Senate has already passed the bill, but the House amended it so the Senate would need to concur or a committee could be established to try to work out the differences.
The bill would allow state auditors to ensure the dues collected through state paychecks are not used for political purposes.
Rep. Richard Lindsey, D-Centre, said that would create additional bureaucracy and the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts would have to hire additional auditors and need additional office space.
Rep. Greg Wren, R-Montgomery, said saying the process on Tuesday and Wednesday was deliberative was an understatement. He said they were tough votes, but there was a "full and fair hearing."
Members voted on a variety of amendments and Democrats used the rules to talk for 10 minutes at a time to fill most of the 15 hours.
Republicans tried to shut off debate earlier Tuesday, but they did not have the necessary three-fifths vote to shut down the Democratic filibuster.
Wren said he supported the bill as part of an overall ethics package. Gov. Bob Riley called lawmakers into special session to address a variety of ethics reforms.
Hubbard said he expects lawmakers to pass the other ethics bills with most of them receiving bipartisan support.

--posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Senate fights over Riley appointments

The state Senate started fighting late Tuesday over appointments recommended by Gov. Bob Riley to serve on boards, commissions and other state panels.
The Senate shut down and eventually adjourned after getting bogged down late Tuesday over the appointments.
Senate Minority Leader Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, said Riley has had eight years to make appointments and that he is trying to push through political appointments in the last hours of his administration. He said there are about 60 pending confirmations.
"The truth is Governor Riley's term is over," Bedford said, before commending Riley for some of his work in the last eight years.
Even though he has friends who are on the list of appointees, Bedford said the appointments should be made by Gov.-elect Robert Bentley, a Republican. He said the new governor is able to "make his mark" through his appointments. Riley is also a Republican.
"Bob Riley is the governor until Jan. 17," said Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur.
Orr said the appointments to the Alabama A&M Board of Trustees "hang in the balance."
Bedford also argued that those appointments, which require confirmation by the Senate, did not belong in a special session about ethics.
"This has nothing to do with ethics," Bedford said.
Orr said they need to appoint a fifth member to the Alabama Ethics Commission to ensure there is a full panel.
Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, said the Republicans have the votes to move forward with the confirmations, but had offered to move forward with just some of those appointments agreed on by the Democrats.
"The votes are there to approve all of them, but we want to compromise," Marsh said.
Orr added: "the olive branch was extended and it was rejected."
Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, said the appointments process has not always reflected the diversity of the state.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

House reconvenes at 12:01 a.m., continues debate on ethics bill

Democrats in the Alabama House of Representatives pushed the special session on ethics to a sixth day by delaying action on a bill they believe would hurt the Alabama Education Association and other politically active organizations.
The House adjourned at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday and reconvened at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.
Democrats kept filibustering the bill for the better part of 12 hours on Tuesday.
They are fighting a bill they believe would be devastating to the AEA and the Alabama State Employees Association. The bill would prohibit the AEA, ASEA and other politically active organizations from collecting dues through automatic payroll deduction from state payroll.
Democrats believe the bill is politically motivated and aimed to destroy the AEA.
Republicans believe that state resources should not be used to collect dues for organizations that are politically active.
Republicans tried to shut down the debate on Tuesday, but did not have the necessary three-fifths vote required to stop debate on a bill.
The Senate adjourned closer to 11 p.m.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Republicans unable to shut down debate on ethics bill

Republicans failed to shut off debate Tuesday afternoon on a bill that would stop the state from deducting dues for organizations such as the Alabama Education Association from state paychecks.
Democrats have delayed on Tuesday to keep the bill, which they believe would hurt the AEA and the Alabama State Employees Association, from coming up for a vote. They have said the bill is politically motivated and does not belong in the current special session on ethics.
Republicans have said that state resources should not be used to collect dues from organizations that are politically active.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Senate cuts key parts of Riley ethics overhaul

The Alabama Senate, led by Republican Sen. Scott Beason, replaced the ethics overhaul supported by Gov. Bob Riley and replaced it with a simplified version that stops all lobbyist spending on public officials. But, it does not stop those who the lobbyists work for from spending on those officials.
The sponsor of the original bill, Sen. Bryan Taylor of Prattville, expressed his concerns that the bill was opening a “huge loophole.” He said it will not stop the wining and dining of public officials, only changing who pays for it.
"Fundamentally, this doesn't change anything about the system in Montgomery or back home," Taylor said. " ... I'm afraid that it will end up being window dressing."
Taylor's proposal capped, with some exceptions, the spending of lobbyists and others with interests before public officials at $25 a day and $100 a year. Also, his proposal would have stopped universities from giving lawmakers football tickets, but that would be allowed under the Beason version.
Riley called legislators into a special session to overhaul ethics laws in the state. They could pass a variety of bills by Tuesday.
Taylor said he knows that some of his colleagues were concerned because they were confused by some portions of his bill.
Beason, R-Gardendale, said his version was simpler, avoids unintended consequences, and addresses the sometimes corrupting cozy relationship between legislators and lobbyists. If the changes are passed, a lobbyist could not buy an official a cup of coffee, he said.
Beason does not believe the changes weaken the bill. If other problems arise, he said the Legislature will address those at that time.
"The problem was all of the questions weren’t answered," he said of the comprehensive Taylor proposal.
Taylor said the lobbyists and special interests are working very hard "to get us all addicted to the good ol' boy system that has been in place for too long."
Nothing in the altered bill would stop legislators from being taken on a purely social trip, from going on other travel, or being taken golfing, Taylor said.
Taylor's bill would have required online reporting of all lobbyist spending on public officials and public employees, but since all lobbyist spending would be prohibited that is not in the Beason version.
Beason's version also asked the Alabama Ethics Commission to, by the fifth day of the legislative session that begins in March, submit a report on what other states have successfully enacted to improve ethics there.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Senate passes bill opposed by teacher, state employee groups

The Alabama Senate passed a controversial bill on Friday that would stop the state from deducting dues for organizations or political action committees from the checks of state employees.
After hours of debate on the issue, senators passed the bill 22-12. The bill now goes to the House for debate.
Democrats believe the bill is politically motivated and is aimed at the Alabama Education Association and the Alabama State Employees Association. They said the bill could gut the organizations that represent teachers, other state employees, retirees, and state troopers.
Republicans believe that state resources should not be used to collect dues for organizations that are politically active.
The Senate still has several bills on its agenda for Friday including an ethics overhaul, a ban on state employees serving in the Legislature, and a proposal that would give more power to the Alabama Ethics Commission.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Democrats criticize "Punish AEA Bradley Byrne Relief Act"

Senate Democrats criticized their Republican colleagues for beginning Friday's business considering a bill that would stop the state from taking out dues for organizations and political action committees.
Some organizations of teachers, state employees, and public safety officers opposed the bill, believing it would hurt them.
Republicans believe that state resources should not be used to collect dues for organizations that are often politically active.
Democrats believe the bill is targeted at the Alabama Education Association and the Alabama State Employees Association.
Paul Hubbert, head of the AEA, believes his organization is being attacked because it supported Robert Bentley in the Republican primary and fought against Bradley Byrne, who was the choice of several prominent Republicans including Gov. Bob Riley.
Riley, a Republican, called a special session that started Wednesday for lawmakers to address ethics.
Senate Minority Leader Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, encouraged his colleagues to switch the first and last bills on the agenda for Friday so they would take up the ethics overhaul first and the "punish AEA Bradley Byrne Relief Act" last.
Bedford said if they were truly addressing ethics in this session then they should address that and then get to the ban on automatic payroll deduction if there is time.
Democrats said the payroll deduction is not an ethics issue.
Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, said it is about ethics because state resources should not be used to collect those dues. He said Republicans have the vote to pass the bill today in the Senate.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Gov.-Elect Bentley Makes Two Cabinet Announcements

Gov,-elect Robert Bentley has appointed Dr. R. Bob Mullins Jr., a general practice physician from Valley with nearly 40 years experience, as director of the Alabama Medicaid Agency. And he also will keep on Gov. Bob Riley-appointee and state Banking Department Superintendent John Harrison.

Bentley said he's known Mullins since they were growing up together in Columbiana.

“He is a family doctor of long standing and is eminently qualified to be Medicaid director," Bentley said in a statement. "He understands the issues our Medicaid agency faces from the provider side as well as the patient and health care institutions’ perspective. I have every confidence that Dr. Mullins is the right man for the job and will work with all those affected by our Medicaid agency."

Mullins is a 1968 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He served two years as a military physician in the United States Army and began his private practice in Valley in 1973.

He also served as chairman of the Rural and Indigent Care Committee of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA), vice speaker and speaker of MASA’s House of Delegates and College of Counselors and delegate to the American Medical Association’s House of Delegates. He was president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama in 2004-2005.

Bentley also announced Wednesday that John D. Harrison, a community banker and former Mayor of Luverne would continue in his role as superintendent of the State Banking Department.

Harrison served as director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs from 2003-2005 and was named banking superintendent in 2005.

“John Harrison has performed very admirably in his role as superintendent of the State Banking Department and I want him to continue in that important position,” Bentley said in a press release. “He is highly regarded in financial and banking circles. In this economic downturn we need someone in this important role who enjoys the confidence of fellow regulators, the financial community, and consumers."

-- posted by Markeshia Ricks

Hubbard Elected Speaker, Gaston Speaker Pro-Tem

Rep. Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, has been elected the next speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives.

Hubbard, who helped orchestrate the Republican takeover of both chambers of the Alabama Legislature, said he was humbled by the confidence 100 of his colleagues who were present to vote Wednesday placed in him. There were no no votes.

Hubbard praised outgoing Speaker Seth Hammett for his leadership. Hammett has been speaker the entire 12 years that Hammett has been a member of the House.

Hubbard said that today is not about partisanship, but fulfilling the words on the seal of the House of Representatives seal -- vox populi, or voice of the people.

"It doesn't say 'voice of the powerful', or 'voice of the special interest' or 'voice of the campaign contributors'. It says 'voice of the people,'" Hubbard said. "We'll work everyday to make sure your voice is heard in this chamber."

The members present also voted unanimously for Rep. Victor Gaston, a Republican from Mobile, to be the next speaker pro tempore.

Clerk of the House Greg Pappas has obtained tenure and does not need to be re-elected.

-- posted by Markeshia Ricks

Democrats Announce Ethics Bills

The Democratic members of the Alabama Legislature unveiled their own package of ethics reforms bills in a press conference held an hour before the special session started Wednesday.

"The whole focus of this special session is on reforming our ethics and campaign laws to make government more accountable and more transparent to the public," said House Minority Leader Craig Ford. "We believe this package of bills includes strong legislation that is not included in the Republicans' bills."

The package includes the following:

-- Revival of former state Rep. Jeff McLaughlin's bill to ban PAC-to-PAC transfers that was passed multiple times, but never became law.

-- A bill that would require the Secretary of State to establish a searchable online database for campaign finance records. Candidates, campaign committees and PACs would be required to post all campaign finance reports online.

-- Revival of former state Rep. Randy Hinshaw's bill to require campaign disclosure for political advertising and the source of funding for PACs.

-- A bill raising the lobbyist registration fee from $100 to $500. The funds would go to the Ethics Commission.

Ford said in addition to this package of bills, the Democrats said they plan to work with the Republicans to offer amendments to the governor's package of ethics reform bills.

"We have expressed to the Republican leadership that we are willing to work with them, and we plan to make sure that everyone follows through and that we pass true, strong ethics reform," Ford said.

-- posted by Markeshia Ricks

Bentley to keep some members of Riley Cabinet

Gov.-elect Robert Bentley said Wednesday that his team would announce two Cabinet appointments by the end of the day and that they have reached decisions in some of the major areas. He would not be specific about the positions or who was being named to those key posts.
Bentley talked to lawmakers at legislative orientation in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday.
After leaving Tuscaloosa, Bentley said he had interviews with potential staff later Wednesday and said he is interviewing several members of the administration of Gov. Bob Riley who were interested in continuing to serve in his administration.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Bentley not involved in crafting ethics bills, warns lawmakers about unintended consequences

TUSCALOOSA -- Gov.-elect Robert Bentley said he was not consulted or involved in crafting the legislation that lawmakers began considering Wednesday as part of a special session to overhaul ethics in Alabama
He did warn lawmakers, in his first address to them since being elected Nov. 2, to remember the consequences of the bills they pass.
Gov. Bob Riley, who will be in office until mid-January, decided to call lawmakers into a special session that begins today to address ethics after sweeping Republican wins in November.
Bentley had said he would call a special session to address ethics reform at the beginning of the next regular session and that, if Riley did call a special session, he would not stand on the sidelines. He said he would be leading the fight.
But, on Wednesday, he said "I have decided to let the Legislature do its job."
Bentley, a Republican, said he was briefed by legislative leadership on the proposals. He said he had not studied the bills in depth, but had looked at outlines.
Bentley said he would not be critical of the legislation and would not point to any bills he did or did not want included in the proposals lawmakers are considering. He has previously expressed concerns about legislation that would ban lawmakers from holding another state job.
"We have to be fair. We have to make sure everyone is treated fairly," Bentley said Wednesday. "You can go too far. You always have to be careful about the ramifications."
But, Bentley told lawmakers at their legislative orientation at the University of Alabama school of law, "If you don't clean it up and you don't do it right, we're going to work on it again March 1," which is the beginning of the next regular legislative session.
Bentley said he is a simple man and suggested, when addressing ethics, "simplicity is better."
"The people of Alabama want total transparency. They want to know where the money comes from, where it's going to, who gave it to you," Bentley said to applause from lawmakers. " … You can make things simple or you can make things complicated. I'm leaving that up to y'all. But I have faith you can do things and I have faith you can do things right."
Bentley told lawmakers he hopes they can deal with ethics so that they can move on to other issues and work with him on creating jobs.
"Thank you for getting this out of the way," he said of ethics. "Hopefully, we won't have to talk about it on March 1."

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Republicans select Gaston for House leadership post

TUSCALOOSA -- Republicans selected Rep. Victor Gaston of Mobile as their choice to be speaker pro tem of the Alabama House of Representatives.
Gaston, who retired as an assistant principal with Mobile public schools and who helps manage his family's timber and farm business, is the longest serving Republican in the House. He was elected in 1982 and was one of eight Republicans at the time.
House Republicans selected Gaston on Tuesday during a closed-door caucus meeting during legislative orientation at the University of Alabama law school.
Gaston, 67, said the role of the speaker pro tem is largely based on the speaker and the membership. He said his goal would be to work with the speaker and legislators to achieve their goals.
Rep. Mike Hubbard of Auburn, who previously received the vote of the Republican majority to be their choice as speaker, said the speaker does determine the duties of the pro tem and he wants Gaston to be a liaison with all of the members of the Legislature and help them with any issues, suggestions or questions. He said Gaston could also be a liaison with the Senate.
Gaston has a lot of institutional knowledge and could be a great help to members, Hubbard said. He said there is not one Republican and probably not one member of the entire House that Gaston has not helped, inspired, or encouraged.
Gaston "has an enormous amount of respect in our caucus and in the entire House," Hubbard said.
The full House, because of the large Republican majority, is expected to vote Hubbard and Gaston as leaders in the chamber when they begin a special session Wednesday to address ethics reform.
Some lawmakers had discussed Rep. Paul DeMarco of Homewood as a candidate for the pro tem position because he had expressed interest in becoming speaker of the House. Gov.-elect Robert Bentley met with Hubbard and DeMarco after the election to try to work out a power sharing agreement.
Gaston, who represents west central Mobile County, said his selection was overwhelming. He said he did not seek out the position of pro tem, but was encouraged to consider it by several members.
Republicans took strong control of the House in the Nov. 2 election, giving them the majority for the first time in more than 130 years.
Gaston, when asked about the dramatic Republican gains since he was elected in 1982, said "any word you can use for great change and great exciting change would be applicable." He said he has watched the Republicans grow "step by step" and the November election the “step turned into a flood.”
Gaston has been a delegate to the Republican National Convention six times.
He retired as a principal in 1997. Gaston was a teacher before serving as a principal.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Public can comment to lawmakers on ethics proposals

Alabama legislators will host a public hearing to allow the public to comment on ethics bills from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday in the historic House chambers in the state Capitol.
People who are interested in commenting can sign up in the House chamber. They can find the bills at www.governor.alabama.gov.
Gov. Bob Riley called a special session for lawmakers to address ethics reforms such as stopping legislators from holding another state job, prohibiting the transfer of money between political action committees, requiring online reporting of lobbyist expenditures on public officials, and limiting the gifts that can be given to public officials and public employees.
He called them into session beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen

Riley sets special session for Dec. 8

Gov. Bob Riley announced Wednesday that he is calling a special session to tackle ethics reform and it will begin Dec. 8.
Riley wants lawmakers to stop the transfer of money between political action committees, to ban legislators from holding any state job, education or otherwise, and to give subpoena power to the Alabama Ethics Commission. The package also includes bills requiring those who lobby the executive branch to register as lobbyists and severely curtailing what an elected official or public employee can accept from almost anyone.
Riley has had lawmakers introduce similar bills in previous sessions, but blames Democrats for killing those proposals.
Now, after the Nov. 2 election, Republicans have taken the majority in the House and in the Senate, and Riley wants to move quickly to enact these reforms, even before Gov.-elect Robert Bentley takes office next month.
The governor determines which issues are addressed in a special session, keeping other issues from drowning out those he considers more important. Legislators cannot bring up other issues without approval of a supermajority of lawmakers.
And someone who knows a lot about the kinds of reforms that Riley has been pushing for the last eight years, has been tapped by the new Republican legislative leadership to help shepherd the effort.
Sen. Bryan Taylor, R-Prattville, said if the package of bills that would be up for consideration during the special session is passed, Alabama would once again have the strongest ethics laws in the country.
Taylor served as policy director and legal counsel for Riley before he decided to run for the Alabama Senate, and he had a hand in crafting the legislation that the governor had tried unsuccessfully to get passed.
This time around not only is he helping to craft the bills, he'll be inside the Alabama Legislature working to get his fellow lawmakers to pass them.
Highlights of the legislative package include the proposed ban on transfers between political action committees that Taylor said is stronger than the original bill carried by former state Rep. Jeff McLaughlin, D-Guntersville. Moving money between political action committees helps hides the original source of the contribution.
"It's the kind of rule that someone would think twice about before disobeying it," Taylor said of the provision regarding spending.

-- posted by Markeshia Ricks and Sebastian Kitchen