>> FROM OUR STATE HOUSE STUDIO IN MONTGOMERY, I'M TODD STACY.

WELCOME TO CAPITOL JOURNAL.

IT WAS AN ACTION PACKED WEEK IN THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE AS THE HOUSE AND SENATE MET FOR THE SEVENTH AND EIGHTH LEGISLATIVE DAYS.

THAT LEAVES 22 LEGISLATIVE DAYS THEY CAN MEET BETWEEN NOW AND MAY 19.

THIS WEEK THE LEGISLATURE GAVE FINAL PASSAGE TO A BILL ESTABLISHING A VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER THAT WILL OFFER ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS ON A VARIETY OF ISSUES, INCLUDING JOB PLACEMENT AND CONNECTING TO COUNSELING.

LEGISLATIVE LEADERS AND THOSE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR CELEBRATED THE BILL'S PASSAGE AND SAID IT WILL BE A GAME CHANGER FOR VETERANS ONCE OPERATIONAL.

>> ALABAMA'S HOME TO ALMOST 400,000 VETERANS.

WE TAKE PRIDE IN BEING ONE OF THE MOST MILITARY AND VETERAN-FRIENDLY STATES IN AMERICA.

WE MADE BIG STRIDES IN IMPROVING A VETERAN'S QUALITY OF LIFE ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO MENTAL HEALTH AND TACKLING HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT.

THE ALABAMA VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER IS ALL ABOUT HELPING VETERANS SUCCESSFULLY TRANSACT FROM MILITARY TO CIVIL LIFE.

THESE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN HAVE BEEN SO SACRIFICIAL TO THE SERVICE OF THIS COUNTRY AND PROTECTING THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY AND I THINK IT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SERVE THEM IN THE BEST WAY WE CAN.

WHEN VETERANS ARE IN CRISIS OR NEED OF SERVICE, THE LAST THING THEY SHOULD HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IS NAVIGATING THE MAZE OF STATE GOVERNMENT.

THAT'S WHY CREATING A ONE STOP SHOP WHERE VETERANS CAN ACCESS JOB TRAINING, MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CARE AND OTHER SERVICES THAT WILL HELP THEM TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE.

OUR VETERANS NEED SOMEONE FIGHTING FOR THEM.

EVERYBODY UP HERE IS DOING THAT BECAUSE OUR VETERANS FOUGHT FOR US.

>> THERE ARE 16.4 MILLION VETERANS IN THE UNITED STATES AND EVERY 90 MINUTES ONE OF THEM TAKES THEIR LIFE.

WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT.

WE HAVE A DISPROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF HOMELESSNESS, POVERTY AND JUST SO MANY DIFFERENT ISSUES THAT WE HAVE BOTH THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS, AND, SO, WITH ACTIONS LIKE TODAY, YOU KNOW, YOU'VE HEARD THE NUMBER 400,000 VETERANS LIVING IN THIS STATE, THAT'S FOURTH PER CAPITA IN THE UNITED STATES.

THEY COME HERE FOR A REASON, AND, SO, WHAT I WANTED TO DO WITH THIS ALABAMA RESOURCE CENTER IS TO CREATE A HUB SO THAT THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE FOUGHT AND SERVED FOR OUR COUNTRY AND FOR US THAT, DURING A VERY DIFFICULT TIME OF TRANSITION, THAT WHAT WE CAN DO IS ASSIST WITH THAT INTO THEIR CIVILIAN LIFE.

>> THE SENATE THIS WEEK CONTINUED TO DEAL WITH A MORE CONTROVERSIAL VETERANS AFFAIRS BILL.

LEGISLATION TO BRING THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CLOSER IN LINE WITH STATE GOVERNMENT AND MAKE THE COMMISSIONER A CABINET OFFICIAL WAS BROUGHT TO THE FLOOR FOR THE SECOND TIME WITH A SUBSTITUTE VERSION THAT MET MANY OF THE DEMANDS FROM VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS ABOUT THE MAKEUP OF THE BOARD AND HOW THOSE APPOINTMENTS ARE MADE.

IN THE END, BILL SPONSOR SENATOR ANDREW JONES SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO GET IT OVER THE FINISH LINE AND SEND IT TO THE HOUSE.

>> I KNEW WE HAD THE VOTES, AND I'VE ALWAYS HAD THE PHILOSOPHY THAT, WHEN YOU GOT THE VOTES, YOU GO WITH IT.

I FEEL LIKE, YOU KNOW, THERE ARE SOME FOLKS AS PART OF THE PROCESS THAT ARE NOT GOING TO BE HAPPY WITH ANY CHANGE WHATSOEVER AND, OBVIOUSLY, SOME OF THOSE FOLKS ARE VOCAL BUT, AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE HAD A PROCESS, FOLKS WERE HEARD, INPUT WAS GIVEN.

A SUPERMAJORITY, 21 OF THE SENATORS VIEWED THIS WAS A BILL THEY COULD GO BACK AND SUPPORT TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS.

WE SAID ALL ALONG WE WANT TO ELEVATE THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO A CABINET-LEVEL POSITION, SOMEONE FULLY IN STATE GOVERNMENT.

AN AGENCY FULLY IN STATE GOVERNMENT THAT HAS THE RESOURCES TO BEAR OF STATE GOVERNMENT.

SOMEONE WHO HAS THE EAR OF THE GOVERNOR, HAS ACCESS TO ALL THE GOVERNOR'S TEAM AND CABINET AS A CABINET OFFICIAL HIM OR HERSELF, THAT IS ESSENTIAL TO MOVING US FORWARD TO BECOMING THE MOST VETERAN-FRIENDLY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES.

>> ADDRESSING VIOLENT CRIME CONTINUES TO BE A TOP ISSUE THIS SESSION.

THE HOUSE THIS WEEK TOOK ACTION IN COMMITTEE AND ON THE FLOOR ON THE "SAFE ALABAMA" PACKAGE OF BILLS.

AMONG THE BILLS THAT PASSED WERE HOUSE BILL 188 FROM REPRESENTATIVE ALLEN TREADAWAY.

IT WOULD CREATE A SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

IT'S PART OF AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE RECRUITMENT OF POLICE.

HOUSE BILL 216 FROM REPRESENTATIVE RUSSELL BEDSOLE WOULD PROVIDE FOR FIREARM HOLDING AGREEMENTS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL AND OFFER CIVIL IMMUNITY FOR FIREARM HOLDING LICENSEES.

HOUSE BILL 137 FROM REPRESENTATIVE REX REYNOLDS WOULD REAUTHORIZE THE STATE'S WIRETAPPING PROGRAM AND ALLOW LAW ENFORCEMENT TO HAVE AN INTERPRETER LISTEN IN ON WIRETAPS AUTHORIZED BY THE COURTS.

ALSO PASSING WAS HOUSE BILL 199 FROM REPRESENTATIVE TRAVIS HENDRIX.

DUBBED THE JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY AND MONITORING ACT, IT WOULD ALLOW FOR THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING OF JUVENILES AWAITING THEIR CASE TO BE HEARD.

IT ALSO REPEALS THE 72-HOUR CONFINEMENT LIMIT FOR JUVENILE STATUS OFFENDERS WHO VIOLATE COURT ORDERS.

THIS WAS A KEY COMPONENT TO THE SAFE ALABAMA CRIME PACKAGE AND IT WAS ALSO HENDRIX'S FIRST BILL TO PASS THE HOUSE.

>> I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY WHO HELPED ME OUT.

THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER.

I THANK ALL MY CO-WORKERS.

MAN, IT'S BEEN AMAZING, AND I REALLY DO BELIEVE THAT THIS BILL WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

THANK Y'ALL SO MUCH.

THIS BILL WAS IMPORTANT BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, BEING A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER, WHEN YOU'RE DEALING WITH A LOT OF YOUTH AND KIDS, A LOT OF THE KIDS JUST WANT ATTENTION, THEY WANT SOMEBODY TO SUPPORT THEM AND BE THERE FOR THEM.

AS OFFICERS, WE SEE IT AND DEAL WITH IT EVERY DAY.

SO THAT'S WHY THIS BILL WAS IMPORTANT TO ME TO HELP, YOU KNOW, JUVENILE JUSTICE AUTHORITY, YOU KNOW, PROBATION'S OFFICER, THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM TO HELP THEM OUT AND LET THEM KNOW WE'RE TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO ASSIST AND HELP YOU OUT.

THIS WAS A BIPARTISAN EFFORT.

IF IT WASN'T FOR THEM AND MY COLLEAGUES, THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE.

SO THIS WAS A GREAT DEAL.

>> ANOTHER KEY PART OF THE SAFE ALABAMA CRIME PACKAGE WAS UP IN THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE THIS WEEK.

HOUSE BILL 202 FROM REPRESENTATIVE REX REYNOLDS WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY EXPAND LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

SUPPORTERS SAY IT IS A CRITICAL TOOL TO HELP RECRUIT AND RETAIN MORE POLICE OFFICERS AMID THE CURRENT SHORTAGE, BUT DEMOCRATS HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT HOW FAR THOSE PROTECTIONS SHOULD GO.

>> H.B.

202 ESTABLISHES A NEW FORM OF LEGAL PROTECTION FOR ALABAMA LAW ENFORCEMENT, A SHOW OF SUPPORT THAT HELPS RECRUIT AND RETAIN OUR OFFICERS.

THIS BILL WOULD PROVIDE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IS JUSTIFIED AND IMMUNE FROM CRIMINAL PROSECUTION FOR USE OF FORCE AGAINST A PERSON IN THE PERFORMANCE OF CONDUCT WITHIN HIS OR HER DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY UNLESS THE USE OF FORCE VIOLATES THE PERSON'S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO BE FREE FROM THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE.

>> THAT BILL WAS CARRIED OVER IN COMMITTEE AND AN AMENDED VERSION IS EXPECTED TO COME NEXT WEEK.

COMING UP LATER IN THE SHOW, I'LL TALK WITH STATE REPRESENTATIVE ONTARIO TILLMAN ABOUT DEMOCRATS CONCERNS WITH THE BILL.

ANOTHER BIG TOPIC THIS SESSION: IMMIGRATION.

THIS WEEK, THE HOUSE PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE TOOK UP LEGISLATION DEALING WITH IMMIGRATION LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE DETENTION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

HOUSE BILL 7 FROM REPRESENTATIVE ERNIE YARBROUGH WOULD ESTABLISH A PROCESS FOR STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES TO COORDINATE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS.

HE SAID IT MIRRORS THE LAKEN RILEY ACT PASSED BY CONGRESS LAST MONTH.

>> H.B.

7, THE LAKEN RILEY ACT, AS WE WORKED WITH SEVERAL MEMBERS IN THE COMMITTEE LAST SESSION, I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO RECEIVE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SPEAKERS WORKING WITH A.G.S AND D.A.

'S ON THE AMENDMENT AND IT GIVES THE ABILITY AND FORMAL WAY FOR STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT TO WORK WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN A GUIDED AND STRUCTURED WAY TO ENFORCE EXISTING IMMIGRATION LAWS AND IT'S THE SAME BILL BEFORE YOU AS LAST SESSION.

>> THAT BILL ADVANCED THROUGH COMMITTEE AND NOW GOES TO THE FULL HOUSE.

THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER IMMIGRATION BILLS ON THE MOVE.

SENATE BILL 63 FROM SENATOR LANCE BELL ALSO PASSED COMMITTEE THIS WEEK.

IT WOULD REQUIRE STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO TAKE FINGERPRINTS AND DNA SAMPLES OF ANYONE THEY DETAIN WHO IS IN THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY.

THAT BILL NOW GOES TO THE FULL HOUSE AND COULD SEE FINAL PASSAGE SOON.

OTHER BILLS BEING INTRODUCED AND STARTING THE PROCESS ARE HOUSE BILL 302 FROM REPRESENTATIVE BEN ROBBINS, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE LABOR BROKERS WHO EMPLOY MORE THAN FIVE FOREIGN WORKERS TO REGISTER THROUGH E-VERIFY.

HOUSE BILL 304 FROM REPRESENTATIVE JAMIE KEIL WOULD AUTHORIZE THE IMPOUNDMENT OF VEHICLES OF THOSE OPERATING ILLEGALLY AND WITHOUT A DRIVERS LICENSE.

HOUSE BILL 3 FROM REP. CHIP BROWN WOULD MANDATE ENHANCED CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR ANYONE HERE ILLEGALLY WHO IS CONVICTED OF FELONIES AGAINST MINORS.

HOUSE BILL 297 FROM REPRESENTATIVE JENNIFER FIDLER WOULD PLACE A 4 PERCENT FEE ON ANY FOREIGN WIRE TRANSFERS.

AND HOUSE BILL 298 FROM REPRESENTATIVE BROCK COLVIN WHICH WOULD EXCLUDE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER STUDENTS WHO DON'T PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS FROM BEING COUNTED TOWARD'S A SCHOOL'S ATHLETIC CLASSIFICATION.

I CAUGHT UP WITH SOME OF THE SPONSORS TO DISCUSS THE BILLS TO DISCUSS THE DETAILS.

REPRESENTATIVE FIDLER EXPLAINED THAT HER BILL PLACING A FEE ON FOREIGN WIRE TRANSFERS IS MEANT TO HELP LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, HOSPITALS AND SCHOOLS RECOUP COSTS COMING FROM AN INCREASED IMMIGRANT POPULATION.

>> THERE ARE PARAMETERS AROUND THAT.

THERE IS A SUNSET ON THIS BILL, AND THE REASON BEING IS BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO HAVE A FEE ON ANYTHING THAT -- WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE KNOW THE MONEY IS SPENT FOR THIS IMMIGRATION ASSIMILATION PROGRAMS, AND THAT'S THE NAME OF THAT FUND.

SO THE FEE WOULD COME THROUGH THE SECURITIES COMMISSION, WHO REGULATES, THEY'D KIND OF WATCH THAT, MAKE SURE IT GOES TO THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT WITH THESE TWO FUNDS SET UP, 1.5% WITH THE SHERIFFS FUND AND THE 2.5% CALLED THE COMMUNITY IMMIGRATION ASSIMILATION RESOURCE FUND AND THAT'S HOW IT WOULD TRICKLE DOWN.

WITH THE STEADY GROUP TO CONTINUE TO WATCH THAT AND MAKE SURE THAT THE COMMUNITIES ARE RECEIVING THE MONEY AND IT'S RELIEVING THE BURDEN ON THOSE COMMUNITIES IN THOSE AREAS.

>> REPRESENTATIVE ROBBINS DISCUSSED THE IMMIGRATION PACKAGE MORE BROADLY, SAYING LAWMAKERS ARE TAKING A DIFFERENT APPROACH FROM THE HB 56 EFFORT BACK IN 2011.

HE SAID THEIR PROPOSALS ARE TARGETED AND LAWFUL.

>> WE HAVE A VERY DIFFERENT APPROACH.

I KNOW YOU SAID THAT BROAD-REACHING, I SAID WE'RE NOTHING LIKE THE BILL YOU WERE DISCUSSING EARLIER.

OURS ARE CUTTING-EDGE APPROACHES ON WHAT STATES CAN DO, AND WE ARE NOT HITTING EVERYONE WITH A BROAD HAMMER AND TRYING TO JUST MAKE HEADLINES.

WE WORKED REALLY HARD ON HOW IS IT -- WHAT CAN THE STATE DO, AND THAT'S WHY WE'RE TALKING ABOUT PROTECTING OUR STATE DOLLARS, AND WE ALSO ARE TALKING ABOUT HOW DO WE SIMULATE LEGAL IMMIGRANTS INTO THE STATE.

THIS IS NOT AN ANTI-IMMIGRANT PROPOSAL.

WE STILL ARE A VERY WELCOMING STATE.

WE ARE JUST SAYING HOW TO WE KNOW THAT WE ARE COLLECTING ALL THE TAXES THAT WE SHOULD.

FOR INSTANCE, WE'RE UPDATING PORTIONS OF THE TAX CODE TO MAKE SURE -- BECAUSE SOME IMMIGRANTS DON'T GET SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS BUTS WITH A USCIS NUMBER AND WE'LL PRIOR THEM TO NOTIFY US SO WE CAN PROPERLY TAX THE IMMIGRANT.

ON THE FLIP SIDE, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THE IMMIGRANTS AREN'T RECEIVING BENEFITS THEY SHOULDN'T LIKE EVERY ALABAMIAN.

>> IN THE SENATE THIS WEEK, LAWMAKERS PASSED SENATE BILL 1 WHICH WOULD OFFER WORKERS COMP INSURANCE TO TEACHERS AND OTHER EDUCATION WORKERS.

SENATOR SAM GIVHAN SAID HE WAS SURPRISED TO LEARN A FEW YEARS AGO THAT EDUCATION EMPLOYEES DON'T HAVE WORKERS COMP AND HE BEGAN A PROCESS TO REMEDY THAT.

>> WE DON'T REALIZE THAT WE ENTRUST OUR MOST PRECIOUS POSSESSION TO THOSE TEACHERS, THOSE ADMINISTRATORS IN THE CLASSROOM TO KEEP THEM SAFE, AND OFTENTIMES TEACHERS ARE NOT SAFE.

SO, AGAIN, I WANT TO JUST THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS LEGISLATION.

IT IS MUCH NEEDED.

IT IS OVERDUE.

>> SHE WAS MAKING AN EFFORT TO GO AND TRY TO KEEP A STUDENT FROM HURTING HIMSELF OR HERSELF, AND SHE ENDED UP COLLIDING WITH A METAL POST OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT ON THE PLAYGROUND, AND IS PERMANENTLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED.

BASICALLY, YOU KNOW, DIDN'T GET MUCH MORE THAN A WHOLE HANDFUL OF GRATITUDE FROM THE STATE OF ALABAMA, AND THIS IS SOMETHING WE NEED TO RECTIFY.

>> I'LL SIT DOWN WITH SENATOR GIVHAN TO DISCUSS HIS BILL IN MORE DETAIL LATER IN THE SHOW.

LEGISLATION DEALING WITH THE ALABAMA BOARD OF PHARMACY WAS MOVING THIS WEEK.

THAT BOARD HAS COME UNDER SIGNIFICANT SCRUTINY OVER THE LAST YEAR AFTER THE EXAMINERS OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS FOUND MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF NON COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW, INCLUDING THROUGH AN INCREASED FEE SCHEME TO MEMBER PHARMACIES.

STATE LAWMAKERS ADVANCED LEGISLATION IN PART MEANT TO CLEAN UP THE BOARD.

>> WHAT THIS BILL DOES, IT IS AT ITS BASE A SUNSET BILL, MEANING WE HAVE RENEWED THE BOARD FOR ONE YEAR BASED ON THEIR AUDIT FINDINGS AND THE PUBLIC EXAMINER.

BUILT INTO THAT RENEWAL IS A LOT OF CHANGES ON HOW THE BOARD OPERATES WHICH IS NOT A TYPICAL SUNSET RENEWAL.

TYPICALLY, IT'S JUST A RENEWAL.

SO WE'VE REALLY CHANGED A LOT ON HOW THE BOARD OPERATES, HOW THEY'RE STRUCTURED AND HOW THEY DEFINE FINES AND PENALTIES AND CIVIL PENALTIES AND SUCH.

SO IT'S A VERY COMPLICATED BILL REGARDING -- WHEN IT COMES TO SUNSETS.

WE ARE NOT ALL THE WAY FINISHED WITH IT, RIGHT.

WE HAVE ANOTHER STEP TO TAKE FROM THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE AND THEN ITS GOES TO THE SENATE.

SENATOR KELLY AND I HAVE WORKED HARD TOGETHER ON THIS, AND I FEEL WE'RE RIGHT WHERE WE NEED TO BE WITH IT.

IT IS A BILL THAT DOES CHANGE A LOT IN HOW THE PHARMACY BOARD OPERATES.

BUT AT THIS POINT, YOU KNOW, THEIR GUIDANCE WAS VAGUE, AND THIS CLEARS UP SO MUCH STUFF.

I'VE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT THE PHARMACY INDUSTRY AND THE LEGALITIES OF HOW THEY OPERATE, AND, SO, I AM BETTER FOR LEARNING ALL THAT, BUT AT THE SAME TIME I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE BOARD HAD CLEAR GUIDANCE AND THE PHARMACISTS AND PRODUCERS AND OTHERS HAVE CLEAR GUIDANCE ON HOW TO OPERATE IN THE STATE.

IT WAS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR ME.

>> THAT BILL PASSED THE HOUSE AND NOW GOES TO THE SENATE.

AND IT'S NOT THE ONLY BILL IMPACTING PHARMACIES THIS SESSION.

PHARMACISTS ACROSS ALABAMA SAY THEY'RE STRUGGLING TO STAY IN BUSINESS DUE TO THE WAY THEY'RE REIMBURSED FOR PRESCRIPTIONS, AND LAWMAKERS SPENT PART OF THIS WEEK DEBATING POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.

AT THE CENTER OF THE ISSUE--PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS, OR PBMS--COMPANIES THAT NEGOTIATE DRUG PRICES BETWEEN INSURERS AND PHARMACIES.

SOME SAY PBMS HELP LOWER COSTS, WHILE OTHERS ARGUE THEY'RE MAKING MEDICATIONS MORE EXPENSIVE AND PUTTING SMALL PHARMACIES AT RISK.

CAPITOL JOURNAL'S JEFF SANDERS HAS A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DEBATE FROM THE ALABAMA SENATE.

>> THE SENATE BANKING AND INSURANCE COMMITTEE HELD A PUBLIC HEARING ON TWO BILLS AIMED AT TIGHTENING PBM REGULATIONS.

SENATE BILL 93 FROM SENATOR ANDREW JONES WOULD PREVENT PBMS TO ALLOW PHARMACISTS TO BE MORE TRANSPARENT.

SENATE BILL 9 TAKES A DIFFERENT APPROACH, FOCUSING ON PBM'S CONTROL OVER DRUG PRICING BY ENSURING ANY MANUFACTURER REBATES GO DIRECTLY TO CONSUMERS INSTEAD OF INSURANCE COMPANIES OR PBMS.

UM THEY PAINTED TO OTHER STATES WHO HAVE SEEN MAJOR SAVINGS.

>> WILL DRIVE DOWN DRUG COSTS, VIRGINIA ESTIMATES $50 MILLION A YEAR IN STATE MONEY, KENTUCKY ESTIMATES 100 MILLION AND THEY HAVE BUILT ONE ALMOST LIKE WE'RE PASSING.

>> PHARMACISTS SAYS THE CURRENT SYSTEM IS UNSUSTAINABLE.

ANNA SAID SHE SPENT OVER $80,000 ON A SINGLE DRUG LAST MONTH BUT BARELY MADE PROFIT AFTER PBM REIMBURSEMENT.

>> I GOT A PROFIT OF $71.

DOESN'T COVER THE STAFF, THE DISPENSING, THE TRANSACTION FEES.

WE HAVE TO PAY TO RECEIVE A PRESCRIPTION FOR YOU IF IT COMES ELECTRONICALLY.

WE HAVE TO PAY TO SEND A REQUEST TO YOUR DOCTOR.

WE HAVE TO WORK OUR TIME.

WE HAVE LABELS.

WE HAVE OVERHEAD AND WE WANT WHAT'S FAIR.

>> WITH TWO COMPETING BILLS IN THE SAME COMMITTEE, SENATOR JONES SAYS HIS GOAL IS TO PUSH FORWARD LEGISLATION THAT'S BOTH EFFECT I AND REALISTIC.

>> I KNOW BOBBY GILES WITH THE PHARMACY ASSOCIATION OF ALABAMA HALLS MET WITH FOLKS ON THE OTHER SIDE AND WE CONTINUE TO AND TRY TO FIND A MIDDLE GROUND.

AS I SAID AT THE VERY BEGINNING, MY GOAL IS TO HAVE THE STRONGEST BILL POSSIBLE THAT COULD ACTUALLY PASS AND GET TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

>> AT THE SAME TIME, INSURANCE PROVIDERS RAISE CONCERNS ABOUT ENFORCEMENT.

TED HAAS WITH BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF ALABAMA SAYS THE STATE HAS LAWS WITH MORE OVERSIGHT.

>> THE STATE OF ALABAMA NEEDS MORE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES.

WE'D LIKE TO WORK WITH THE PHARMACIES TO MAKE SURE WE PUT THOSE THINGS IN PLACE.

>> FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING, NO VOTE WAS TAKEN ON EITHER OF THE BILLS GIVING LAWMAKERS AT LEAST ANOTHER WEEK TO POSSIBLY COME UP WITH A COMPROMISE.

REPORTING FROM THE STATE HOUSE IN MONTGOMERY, I'M JEFF SANDERS FOR "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THE HOUSE ALSO HAD A BUSY WEEK, BOTH IN VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND ON THE FLOOR.

RANDY SCOTT REPORTS ON THE HOUSE FOR CAPITOL JOURNAL.

HERE'S HIS STORY.

>> ARRIVING AT THE ALABAMA STATE HOUSE EARLY TUESDAY ARE MEMBERS OF THE NAACP.

THEY WANT TO ADDRESS PROPOSALS AND CONCERNS WITH LAWMAKERS.

>> HERE IN ALABAMA, WE HAVE SOME MAJOR CHALLENGES.

WE HAVE SOME MAJOR BILLS THAT WE ARE GOING TO BE FACING AND DISCUSSING.

>> ACTION IN THE HOUSE CHAMBER STARTS WITH BILLS SUCH AS HOUSE BILL 188, OFFERING LONG-TERM LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FINANCIAL AID FOR FAMILY MEMBERS.

>> DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR COLLEGE TUITION AND ASSOCIATED EXPENSES TO ELIGIBLE DEPENDENTS OF LONG-TERM LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

THE PROGRAM IS ADMINISTERED BY THE ALABAMA COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, AND APPLIES TO UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS AND PARTICIPATING PUBLIC TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

>> ALSO IN THE HOUSE, SENATE BILL 70.

ITS PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE HELP FOR ALABAMA VETERANS RAINING FROM LIVING ARRANGEMENTS TO CAREER TRAINING.

>> THIS INITIATIVE SERVES AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN A VETERAN'S LAST DAY OF MILITARY SERVICE AND THEIR FIRST DAY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

THE AVRC WOULD HELP LOWER VETERANS' UNEMPLOYMENT RATES, SCREEN AND PROVIDE FOR MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS AND ASSIST WITH VETERAN HOUSING OPTIONS.

>> HOUSE BILL 188 AND SENATE BILL 70 ARE APPROVED.

THE HOUSE PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE FEATURES A LENGTHY DEBATE ON HOUSE BILL 103.

REPRESENTATIVE BARBARA DRUMMOND OF MOBILE SPONSORS THIS MEASURE SEEKING TO IMPROVE RULES FOR GUN SECURITY.

>> THIS BILL WOULD PROVIDE, IF A PARENT -- IF A CHILD BRINGS THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN'S GUN ON TO A PUBLIC SCHOOL INSIDE THE BUILDING, THEIR PARENT WILL BE HELD LIABLE.

AND THE PENALTY FOR THAT, AND I'VE WORKED ON THAT SEVERAL TIMES, IS NOW JUST A MISDEMEANOR, BECAUSE WE SIMPLY WANT THEM TO LOCK IT UP FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN.

YOU'VE GOT A LOT OF DIVORCED PARENTS, YOU'VE GOT A LOT OF PARENTS THAT HAVE JOINT CUSTODY, AND YOU HAVE A LOT OF PARENTS THAT YOU'VE GOT SOME WAYWARD CHILDREN THAT DO THOSE THINGS.

BUT I'M NOT FOR THE BILL BECAUSE OF THAT ISSUE.

>> HOUSE BILL 103 FAILS TO PASS.

AT THE ALABAMA STATE HOUSE, RANDY SCOTT, "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> TURNING NOW TO WASHINGTON, WHERE ALABAMA'S SENATORS WERE ENGAGED IN THE CONFIRMATION OF NEW FBI DIRECTOR KASH PATEL.

SENATORS TOMMY TUBERVILLE AND KATIE BRITT WASTED NO TIME CALLING ON PATEL TO FILL OPEN POSITIONS AT THE FBI'S GROWING CAMPUS AT REDSTONE ARSENAL IN HUNTSVILLE.

ALEX ANGLE REPORTS FROM CAPITOL HILL.

>> ALABAMA SENATORS KATIE BRITT AND TOMMY TUBERVILLE ARE ALREADY MAKING REQUESTS OF KASH PATEL, WHO IS CONFIRMED TO LEAVE THE FBI ON THURSDAY BY A VOTE OF 51 TO 49.

>> THE CONFIRMATION IS CONCERNED.

>> HOURS AFTER OFFICIAL, TUBERVILLE MADE A REQUEST URGING PATEL TO FILL 1,000 OF 4,000 OPEN SLOTS AT THE FBI CAMPUS IN HUNTSVILLE.

BROUGHT UP REDSTONE ARSENAL AT THE CONFIRMATION HEARING LAST MONTH.

>> WORKING DILIGENTLY EVERY DAY TO MAKE SURE THAT MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM ARE THE BEST TRAINED.

>> PATEL COMMITTED TO VISITING THE ARSENAL AND OPENING THE SLOTS.

>> THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF THE FBI'S CAPABILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE AROUND THE NATION THAT EXIST TO THE TUNES OF BILLIONS.

NOT ONLY IS IT A 38,000-ACRE SPRAWLING CAMPUS, THIS CONGRESS BUILT 2,500 SEATS BUT 4,000 SEATS REMAIN OPEN.

>> THE LETTER HIGHLIGHTED THE 38,000-ACRE CAMPUS THAT HOUSES TRAINING FACILITIES AND MENTIONED TECHNOLOGICAL AVAILABILITIES IN HUNTSVILLE.

AS THROATS OUR NATION COMES SOPHISTICATED, REDSTONE'S OPERATIONS WILL NEED TO CONTINUE GROWING, HE SAID.

PATEL IS CONTROVERSIAL TO LEAD THE BUREAU BECAUSE OF FIERCE LOYALTY TO DONALD TRUMP AND CONCERNS TO BE INDEPENDENT IN THE POSITION.

BRITT AND TUBERVILLE STOOD BY HIM THROUGHOUT THE CONFIRMATION PROGRESS.

>> IT'S GOING TO TAKE A LOT OF HARD WORK TO RIGHT THIS SHIP.

TRUST HAS TO BE PUT BACK INTO THE FBI.

KASH PATEL IS THE RIGHT MAN TO DO THE JOB.

>> WHILE BY THE AND TUBERVILLE DOUBT REDSTONE ARSENAL AS A DEFENSE HUB, HUNTSVILLE IS BRACING FOR CHANGES.

ELON MUSK DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY IS EXAMINING NASA AND THE DEPARTMENT'S CONTRACTS AND FUNDING LEADING TO UNCERTAINTY FOR FEDERAL WORKERS.

BOEING IS PLANNING TO LAY OFF 71 PEOPLE IN HUNTSVILLE BECAUSE OF CHANGES TO THE ARTEMIS PROGRAM.

TUBERVILLE REMAINS CONFIDENT REDSTONE ARSENAL WILL BE SPARED FROM A MAJOR IMPACT FROM DOGE.

>> WE OBVIOUSLY NEED EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE IN HUNTSVILLE ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO SPACE.

>> REPORTING ON CAPITOL HILL, ALEX ANGLE, "CAPITOL JOURNAL" >> THIS WEEK MARKED HIGHER ED DAY AT THE STATE HOUSE.

STUDENTS AND ADMINISTRATORS FROM ALABAMA'S 14 PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES GATHERED IN THE CAPITAL CITY TO RALLY IN SUPPORT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TELL LAWMAKERS ABOUT THE POSITIVE IMPACT IT HAS ON THE STATE.

TODAY INCLUDED A PARADE, A RALLY AT THE STATE HOUSE, AND A BARBECUE LUNCH FOR LAWMAKERS AND STAFF ON THE CAPITOL LAWN.

>> WE COULDN'T BE MORE PLEASED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THE STORY OF OUR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES WITH THESE ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO, EVERY DAY, ARE MAKING VERY DIFFICULT DECISIONS AND WE JUST WANT TO HELP THEM TO UNDERSTAND WHY WE BELIEVE THAT UNIVERSITIES ARE SO CRITICAL.

EVERY ONE OF THESE THOUSAND STUDENTS HERE CAME BECAUSE THEY HAVE A DREAM, THEY HAVE AN INTEREST IN PURSUING THAT DREAM AND HAVE CHOSEN ALABAMA'S UNIVERSITIES TO INVEST THEIR TIME, ENERGY AND RESOURCES, AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS UNDERSTAND THE PASSION THAT OUR FOLKS HAVE FOR THIS DREAM AND FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY AND THE ROLE OUR UNIVERSITIES PLAY IN MAKING THOSE DREAMS TURN INTO A REALITY.

>> AND TODAY WE ARE HERE ADVOCATING FOR NOT ONLY GRADUATE STUDENT RETENTION IN ALABAMA BUT ALSO FUNDING FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOR OUR UNIVERSITIES.

AS WE KNOW, COLLEGE IS KIND OF ONE OF THE MAIN BASES OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA BUT NOT MUCH RETENTION WHEN IT COMES TO STUDENTS WHO GRADUATE FROM COLLEGES IN ALABAMA.

OUR BIG GOAL THIS YEAR IS TO TRY TO ENCOURAGE COLLEGE GRADUATES TO BUILD THEIR BUSINESSES IN ALABAMA, TRY TO STAY IN ALABAMA AND FOLLOW THEIR CAREER PATHS AND MAXIMIZE WITH EVERYTHING THE STATE HAS TO OFFER.

>> SOME POLITICAL NEWS THIS WEEK, SECRETARY OF STATE WES ALLEN ANNOUNCED THAT HE WILL RUN FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

IN 2026.

ALLEN HAS RISEN FAST IN ALABAMA POLITICS, FIRST ELECTED TO THE HOUSE FROM TROY IN 2018 THEN ELECTED STATEWIDE AS SECRETARY OF STATE IN 2022.

IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT, ALLEN SAID HE'S GAINED A LOT OF EXPERIENCE IN BOTH OF THOSE OFFICES AND WANTS TO APPLY IT TO THE LT.

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

THAT SEAT WILL BE VACANT ON THE 2026 BALLOT AND SEVERAL CANDIDATES ARE EXPECTED TO RUN.

LIKE I SAID, ACTION PACKED WEEK.

WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK WITH THIS WEEK'S GUESTS.

>> WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

JOINING ME NEXT IS STATE SENATOR SAM GIVHAN FROM HUNTSVILLE.

THANKS FOR COMING ON THE SHOW.

>> GLAD TO BE HERE WITH YOU TODAY.

IT'S BEEN A BUSY SESSION SO FAR.

UP HERE IN THE SENATE, Y'ALL HAVE BEEN FAST AT WORK.

BIG ISSUES, CRIME, IMMIGRATION, BUT YOU HAVE THE FIRST BILL, SB 1, RIGHT, THE FIRST FILED BILL OF THE SESSION HAVING TO DO WITH WORKERS' COMP FOR TEACHERS.

I KNOW YOU HAD THIS LAST YEAR BUT YOU'VE BROUGHT IT BACK THIS YEAR.

EXPLAIN WHAT THIS DOES.

>> SURE.

UNFORTUNATELY, I HAD TO DISAPPOINT A LOT OF MY FELLOW SENATORS OF BOTH PARTIES COME UP BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO BE CO-SPONSORS AND LAST YEAR I HAD MANY OF THEM TO BE CO-SPONSORS BUT I WANTED THAT COVETED SB 1.

WE WERE STARTING TO TAKE BILLS AND I RUSHED DOWN AND GOT IT IN, SO I GOT SB 1.

WE GOT TRIPPED UP IN THE HOUSE LAST YEAR JUST LATE IN THE CALENDAR AND THAT WAS UNFORTUNATE, BUT WE HAD GOOD CONVERSATIONS WITH THE SPEAKER AND IT'S GOING TO BE ONE OF THEIR PRIORITIES THIS YEAR.

SO MANY PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE OUR TEACHERS AND OTHER PEOPLE THAT WORK WITHIN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM DO NOT HAVE WORKERS' COMPENSATION BENEFITS FOR ON THE JOB INJURIES.

WHAT THIS DOES IS IT ESTABLISHES A FUND THAT WILL PROVIDE WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE FOR OUR EDUCATION EMPLOYEES.

SO MANY PEOPLE DEALING WITH -- FIRST OF ALL, PEOPLE CAN GET HURT ANYWHERE ON ANY JOB.

IT'S LESS LIKELY IN AN EDUCATIONAL SETTING THAN, SAY, FOR A CONSTRUCTION SITE.

SO, YOU KNOW, OUR STATE EMPLOYEES, FOR INSTANCE, YOU KNOW, WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WOULD HAVE A HIGHER ACCIDENT RATE THAN -- OR INJURE RATE, MAY NOT BE AN ACCIDENT -- THAN OUR TEACHERS WOULD.

BUT WE ALSO HAVE TEACHERS DEALING WITH EMOTIONALLY-CONFLICTED CHILDREN AND SOMETIMES THEY ARE VERY STRONG AND HAVE HURT SOME OF THESE TEACHERS.

WE'VE GOT SOME JUST TERRIBLE STORIES.

I'VE HAD SOME PEOPLE REACH OUT TO ME AND THEY'RE, LIKE, HEY, IF I CAN HELP YOU WITH THIS, YOU KNOW, IT WAS 20 YEARS AGO OR WHATEVER AND THEY ARE TELLING ME ABOUT HOW THEY WERE MISTREATED WHEN THEY WERE PUBLIC EDUCATION EMPLOYEES NOT BEING COMPENSATED FOR THEIR TIME OFF, NOT BEING COMPENSATED FOR THEIR INJURIES, AND HAVING TO MAKE A CLAIM WITH THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS.

AND EVERYBODY AGREES THAT THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS PROCESS WE HAVE NOW IS NOT WORKING.

SO WE NEED TO HAVE, LIKE WITH FOR OUR STATE EMPLOYEES, WE NEED TO HAVE WORKERS' COMPENSATION COVERAGE.

THIS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY IN THE SENATE, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH PEOPLE IN THE HOUSE.

THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS.

SO I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING THIS ACROSS THE FINISH LINE THIS YEAR.

>> I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU WHAT HAPPENS NOW, IF YOU DO GET HURT?

I'M THINKING ABOUT, ALSO, LUNCHROOM WORKERS.

>> MAINTENANCE WORKERS, FULL-TIME BUS DRIVERS.

>> WHAT HAPPENS RIGHT NOW IF SOMEBODY GETS HURT ON THE JOB?

>> RIGHT NOW, AND THIS IS STILL PRESERVED, IS FOR 90 DAYS, THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD HAS TO, YOU KNOW, PAY THEM FOR THAT, BUT ONLY FOR 90 DAYS, AND SOME OF THESE PEOPLE ARE PERMANENTLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED.

IT MAY BE UNUSUAL, BUT IT HAPPENS, AND SOMETIMES INJURED FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME WHERE 90 DAYS ISN'T GOING TO BE ENOUGH.

AND, THEN, ALSO, SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT COVERED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR OUR PUBLIC EDUCATION EMPLOYEES.

DON'T ASK ME WHAT THAT STANDS FOR BUT IT'S PUBLIC EDUCATION HEALTH INSURANCE.

SO, SOME PEOPLE AREN'T COVERED BY THAT.

PEEHIP WORKED VERY WELL WITH US ON THIS BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTINUE TO COVER THE HEALTHCARE COSTS UNDER THEIR EXISTING PROGRAM FOR THEIR PEEHIP EMPLOYEES.

NOT EVERYONE IS COVERED BY THAT SO WE WOULD BE BACK COVERING THE PEOPLE THAT DON'T HAVE PEEHIP.

WE WOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE LONG-TERM COMPOSITION BECAUSE IF YOU HAVE TEN YEARS YOU CAN TAKE EARLY RETIREMENT BUT CAN'T DO THAT IF YOU'RE SHORT OF TEN YEARS.

SOME OF THESE BAD YEARS WERE LESS THAN TEN YEARS IN THE SYSTEM, SO WE WOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THEM LONG-TERM COMPENSATION FOR THEIR INJURIES THEY SUFFERED ON THE JOB.

SO WE'RE REALLY BRINGING THINGS DOWN TO WHERE I THINK CERTAINLY PUTTING IT ON PAR WITH THE STATE EMPLOYEES, WHAT WE DO THERE.

IT'S NOT -- CANDIDLY, IT'S NOT AS GREAT AS PRIVATE INSURANCE WOULD BE FOR WORKERS' COMP BUT IT IS A MUCH BETTER SITUATION THAN I THINK THE PUBLIC EDUCATION PEOPLE I'VE HEARD FROM ARE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT.

>> SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ON ITS WAY TO PASSAGE THIS YEAR?

>> I'M PRETTY CONFIDENT IT WILL BE.

>> OKAY.

YOU ALSO HAVE A BILL DEALING WITH THE ALIEN OF MEDICAL CONCEPT FOR -- AND I GUESS RAISING THAT AGE.

TALK ABOUT WHAT THIS BILL DOES AND WHY.

>> SB 58 IS THE BILL NUMBER, AND THERE'S ACTUALLY A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT -- WELL, NOT A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT, THERE'S A HOUSE BILL VERSION OF IT AND A SIMILAR SENATE BILL VERSION THAT SENATOR STUTS IS CARRYING.

WE'RE WORKING IN CONCERT TOGETHER WITH SUSAN DUBOSE AND THE HOUSE TO TRY TO WORK WITH THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY AND OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS.

THEY HAVE -- THEY BEING PRIMARILY THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY HAS COMPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT IT.

FOR THE VIEWERS THAT DON'T KNOW, RIGHT NOW THE ALIEN OF CONSENT IN ALABAMA FOR MEDICAL DECISIONS IS 14, AND WE'RE ONE OF THE FEW -- VERY FEW IN THE NATION THAT IS THAT LOW.

MOST STATES ARE 18.

SOME STATES ARE 16.

SOME STATES ARE 16 FOR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

SO, WHAT THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY AND OTHERS HAVE COME FORTH WITH CONCERNS.

WE'VE DONE A NUMBER OF CARVE-OUTS FOR ABUSE SITUATIONS.

OBVIOUSLY, WE DON'T EXPECT, YOU KNOW, CHILDREN IN ABUSE SITUATIONS TO HAVE TO GET PERMISSION FROM THEIR PARENTS.

WE'VE GOT CARVE-OUTS FOR EMERGENCIES, A NUMBER OF CARVEOUTS FOR KIDS THAT GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL EARLY AND GO TO COLLEGE OR WHETHER THEY GO TO COLLEGE OR NOT, IF THEY'RE EMANCIPATED, A LONG LIST OF THINGS, WE ARE PRESERVING THOSE TYPES OF THINGS.

FOR INSTANCE, IF A CHILD GETS PREGNANT, THEN THEY BECOME THE PARENT, AND, SO, THEY WOULD BASICALLY BE FREE OF THIS, AND THEY WOULD HAVE CONTROL OVER THEIR CHILD'S HEALTHCARE DECISIONS.

SO, BASICALLY, ALL THE AMENDMENTS, AT LEAST FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, THAT HAVE BEEN PROPOSED BY THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, I HAVE AGREED TO OTHER THAN THE AGE, AND THEY WANT TO COMPROMISE WITH US ON THE ALIEN.

FRANKLY, THAT'S GOING TO BE A CAULKS DECISION, PERHAPS.

I DON'T KNOW THAT WE'LL MAKE IT THIS NEXT WEEK, BUT WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, YOU THINK OUR CAULKS WILL MAKE THAT DECISION.

>> WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 16 AND 18?

>> WELL, A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY, HEY, MY KID'S 16, I WANT TO SEND THEM TO A DERMATOLOGIST BY THEMSELVES OR WHATEVER.

WELL, YOU CAN ALWAYS GIVE A WAIVER, THAT'S BUILT IN.

IF IT'S NOT BUILT IN, I CAN PUT A FORMAL WAIVER IN THERE BECAUSE IF A PARENT FOR WHATEVER REASON WANTS TO RELEASE THAT AUTHORITY, I'M ALL FOR THEM DOING THAT, THAT'S THEIR FREEDOM TO DO SO.

SO, ONE OF THE ARGUMENTS IS THAT, WELL, THE KID CAN DRIVE THEMSELVES TO THE DOCTOR, THE AGE OUGHT TO BE 16, THAT'S SOMETHING WE WILL BE DEBATING.

>> OKAY.

Y'ALL ALSO -- THE LEGISLATURE WAS RECENTLY PRESENTED WITH A REPORT ABOUT OUR ETHICS CODE.

HAD SOME PRETTY TOUGH CRITICISMS OF IT, BUT ALSO SOME RECOMMENDATIONS.

I'M WONDERING HOW THAT HAS BEEN RECEIVED IN THE SENATE.

>> SO, I HAVEN'T HEARD -- I DON'T REMEMBER HOW MANY PAGES IT IS.

>> IT'S SIGNIFICANT.

>> BUT IT IS SIGNIFICANT.

SOMEBODY HAD SAID SOMETHING ABOUT, WELL, I READ THE WHOLE THING AND IT'S 100 AND WHATEVER PAGES, SOMEBODY LEANED OVER TO ME AND WHISPERED AND SAID THEY DIDN'T READ IT BECAUSE IT'S X NUMBER OF PAGE ALSO AND A DIFFERENT NUMBER.

NONETHELESS, IT IS VERY THOUGHTFULLY WRITTEN.

IT'S BY JIM BOPP, WHO IS VERY WELL RESPECTED IN THE LEGAL COMMUNITY.

HE IS ON THE UNIFORM LAW COMMISSION WITH ME.

CYNTHIA AND I ARE RELATIVELY NEW APPOINTEES TO THAT COMMISSION, BUT I GOT TO MEET HIM THROUGH THAT.

HE HAS EVALUATED OUR BILL AND COMPARED IT TO THE AMERICAN LAW INSTITUTE STANDARDS FOR, YOU KNOW, ETHICS FOR, YOU KNOW, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.

HE'S COMPARED IT TO MANY OTHER STATES OR MAYBE EVERY OTHER STATE, BUT THERE'S A VERY THOROUGH COMPARISON.

JIM BOPP IS A VERY CONSTITUTIONAL ORIENTED PERSON AND HE HAS COMPARED A LOT OF ISSUES THERE AND BEING BASICALLY VIOLATIVE OF PREACH, WHAT HE CONSIDERS TO BE UNCONSTITUTIONAL BURDENS OUR CURRENT SYSTEM HAS.

SO WE'LL LOOK AT THAT AND SEE HOW WE CAN TAKE THE REGIME REPRESENTATIVE WOOD WORKED WITH LAST YEAR AND I WAS ABLE TO MAKE A LOT OF AMENDMENTS TO IN THE SENATE, WE WOULD START WITH THE SENATE VERSION -- WE NEVER PASSED IT OUT OF THE JUDICIARY, WE ADOPTED A SUBSTITUTE, BECAUSE THERE WERE LOOPHOLES I FELT NEEDED TO BE CLOSED DOWN, WE DID TWEAKS HERE AND THERE, SO WE WERE GOING TO START WITH THAT SENATE JUDICIARY SUBSTITUTE, AND THEN WE WERE GOING TO LOOK AT WHERE DID THE BOPP REPORT SAY WE WERE OFF BASE.

SO WE'LL GO FROM THERE.

HOPEFULLY WE'LL BE WORKING WITH THAT OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THEN THE MEMBERS WILL GET A CHANCE TO -- EVERYBODY'S HAD A CHANCE TO REVIEW IT.

HOW MANY HAVE REVIEWED IT I COULDN'T SAY.

WE'LL HAVE MORE DISCUSSIONS ON THAT GOING FORWARD.

>> ALWAYS A THORNY ISSUE.

SO IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT APPLIES TO SO MANY PEOPLE.

WHILE WE HAVE A LITTLE TIME, I WANTED TO ASK YOU ABOUT THE STATE HOUSE.

IT'S HARD TO IGNORE, THE BUILDING GOING UP BEHIND US HERE.

THEY SEEM TO BE REALLY GOING FAST ON THAT.

YOU'RE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE THAT Y'ALL REALLY GOT THAT IN MOTION.

I'M WONDERING WHAT'S THE LATEST, ARE YOU PLEASED WITH THE PROGRESS SO FAR?

>> VERY PLEASED WITH THE PROGRESS WE'VE HAD.

SOMEBODY SAID, WELL, YOU SHOULD TAKE ALL THE KUDOS WHEN YOU GET THEM AND WE OBVIOUSLY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED HERE IN THE LEGISLATURE, BUT THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM ALSO OF ALABAMA ARE MANAGING THIS AND DONE A GREAT JOB SO FAR.

THEY'VE HELPED ATTACH DOWN THE COSTS.

WE'VE HAD TO REWORK BIDS.

RSA HAD A MORE AGGRESSIVE CALENDAR.

SO SOME PEOPLE SAY, HEY, YOU HAVE BEEN DELAYED IN YOUR CONSTRUCTION.

NOT THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE.

WE HAD A MORE, I THINK, YOU KNOW, THE GOAL WAS TO BE AVAILABLE TO GO IN FOR THE NEXT QUADRENNIUM.

>> 2027.

>> RIGHT.

SO, THOSE OF US THAT ARE SERVING NOW, YOU KNOW, UNLESS WE'RE REELECTED, ARE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO SERVE IN THIS NEW STATE HOUSE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE.

SO WE DID HAVE TO SLOW THE PROCESS DOWN, BUT IT DID NOT INTERFERE WITH THE 2027 TIMELINE.

THE REASON WE HAD TO SLOW IT DOWN IS BECAUSE OF THE TIGHT TIMELINE THAT WAS BEING PUSHED, THE BIDS WERE JUST SIMPLY TOO HIGH, SO WE HAD TO BRING IT IN, BREAK IT UP, CHANGE THE TIMELINES AND NOT HAVE THEM SO MUCH UNDER THE GUN ON, YOU KNOW, LIQUIDATED DAMAGES AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE WHERE IT WAS UNTENABLE.

THEY WOULD HAVE TO CHARGE US SOMETHING REALLY HIGH TO JUSTIFY IT.

SO WE BROKE THAT DOWN A LITTLE BIT.

SO FAR, WE'RE 90% BID ON THE PROJECTS AND $5 MILLION UNDER BUDGETS.

THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN IN THE GOVERNMENT WORLD.

>> IT DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN ANYWHERE, SO THAT'S CERTAINLY GOOD NEWS.

IT'S A NEEDED PROJECT IN TERMS OF ACCESS TO THE BUILDING.

THE PUBLIC IS BEING ABLE TO INTERACT WITH Y'ALL ESPECIALLY ON THE COMMITTEE SIDE.

IT'S AN IMPORTANT STEP TO TAKE.

YOU MENTIONED NSRA.

I REMEMBER GOING BACK TO SOME OF THESE DECISIONS, THAT BROUGHT A COMFORT LEVEL TO Y'ALL SAYING, OKAY, THEY ARE EX PETERS AT THIS, THEY KNOW THOUSAND TO DO IT AND THAT MADE YOU MORE COMFORTABLE MOVING FORWARD.

>> ABSOLUTELY, THEY HAVE EXPERIENCE IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE.

THEY HAVE BUILT A NUMBER OF BUILDINGS PARTICULARLY IN MONTGOMERY, NOT ONLY HERE BUT ELSEWHERE.

THEY KNOW HOW TO KEEP COSTS IN CHECK.

THEY GET PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF A DEAL, BUT THEY HAVE A VESTED INTEREST IN US NOT SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY ON THIS, RIGHT.

I MEAN, THEY NEED TO GET THEIR RETURN, BUT, WHEN YOU NEED TO LOOK AT WHAT WE WOULD HAVE HAD TO BORROW IN THE MARKET FOR THIS, WHAT WE WOULD HAVE PAID A GENERAL CONTRACTOR THAT WAS BASICALLY ALL HANDLED BY RSA, THERE'S A LOT OF BUILT-IN NATURAL SAVINGS IN THE WAY WE'RE HANDLING THIS.

I THINK IT WAS A VERY RESPONSIBLE WAY FOR US TO HANDLE IT.

>> WE'RE OUT OF TIME.

THANKS FOR COMING ON THE SHOW.

WE'LL SEE YOU NEXT WEEK.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

JOINING ME NEXT IS STATE REPRESENTATIVE ONTARIO TILLMAN FROM BESSEMER.

THANKS FOR COMING ON THE SHOW.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

GLAD TO BE HERE.

>> TALKING ABOUT THE ISSUE OF CRIME.

>> YES.

>> PROBABLY THE SIGNATURE ISSUE OF THIS SESSION.

GOVERNOR SAYS IT'S THEIR TOP PRIORITY, MOST LEGISLATIVE LEADERS SAY IT'S THEIR TOP PRIORITY, AND THERE IS BIPARTISAN COMMON GROUND ON THIS, BUT WITH THIS POLICE LIABLE TO BILL, THAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL PIECE SO FAR, YOUR CAUCUS VOICED CONCERNS ABOUT THAT.

I WAS HOPING YOU COULD GIVE VOICE TO THOSE CONCERNS ABOUT THIS BILL THAT WOULD OFFER LIABILITY PROTECTIONS TO POLICE.

>> YES.

FROM OUR INHERENT POSITION, WE AGREE THAT THE CRIME IS RAMPANT AND THAT WE DO NEED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND IT'S TIME FOR US TO COME TOGETHER TO DO THAT.

THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE AGREE ON AS, YOU KNOW, DEMOCRATS AS WELL AS REPUBLICANS.

BUT, WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HOUSE BILL 202, WHICH IS THE POLICE IMMUNITY BILL, AS SOME PEOPLE CALL IT BACK THE BLUE BILL, OUR POSITION IS IT'S BECOMING TOO EXPANSIVE WHEN WE'RE DEALING WITH POLICE IMMUNE AT THIS BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR OFFICERS ARE OUT THERE DOING THEIR JOB AND DOING THEIR JOB TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY AND WE SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT.

BUT, WE ALSO DON'T WANT TO CLOSE THE DOOR ON CITIZENS, EVERYDAY CITIZENS, WHEN THEY ARE TRYING TO FILE LAWSUITS AGAINST "BAD OFFICERS" AND WE BELIEVE THERE ARE TOO MANY PROCEDURAL HURDLE ALSO IN THE BILL AS IT IS RIGHT NOW.

>> INSTANCES OF BRUTALITY OR WRONGFUL SHOOTING, THAT'S THE KIND OF THING YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT?

>> WE, BECAUSE IT'S DEALING WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE, AND IN ALABAMA WE DO HAVE IMMUNE AT THIS FOR OFFICERS CURRENTLY AS WE DO RIGHT NOW.

BUT AS THE BILL IS IN ITS CURRENT FORM, IT'S PROBLEMATIC, AND WE DON'T WANT TO, AS I SAY, WE DON'T WANT TO EXPAND IT.

REPRESENTATIVE REX REYNOLDS IS CARRYING THE BILL AND HE HAS BEEN AMENABLE TO MEET AND TALK WITH US AS WELL AS THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

SO, IT'S BEEN AN ONGOING WORKING RELATIONSHIP, THUS FAR, AND IT'S BEEN PRETTY GOOD.

>> I WAS GOING TO ASK ABOUT THAT BECAUSE I'M HEARING THERE COULD BE A NEW VERSION OF THE BILL.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

AS A MATTER OF FACT, WE JUST HAD A MEETING TO DISCUSS SOME OF THE ISSUES AND SOME OF THE CONCERNS THAT WE MAY HAVE ON THE BILL.

SO, YOU KNOW, THEY ARE ACCEPTING THE CONCERNS AND THEY ARE GOING TO GO BACK, WE WORK THE BILL, AND THEN ISSUE ANOTHER SUB POTENTIALLY.

BUT I REALLY WANT TO COMMEND REPRESENTATIVE REYNOLDS AS WELL AS THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR DOING SO.

>> IT'S GOOD TO SEE CONVERSATIONS HAPPENING ABOUT THAT.

>> YES.

>> ON THE ISSUE, IN GENERAL, ON CRIME, WHAT DO YOU HEAR FROM YOUR FOLKS MAYBE IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY OR FOLKS JUST CONCERNED ABOUT THE ISSUE OF CRIME, WHAT ARE THEY ASKING FOR IN TERMS OF SOLUTIONS?

>> WELL, MOST PEOPLE ARE ASKING FOR SAFETY.

THEY WANT TO BE PROTECTED, THEY WANT TO BE SAFE IN THEIR OWN HOMES AND NEIGHBORHOODS, WHICH WE ALL AGREE TO.

AND WHEN YOU'RE LOOKING AT IT FROM THE LAW ENFORCEMENT SIDE OF IT, THEY WANT TO MAKE IT HOME AS WELL.

THEY WANT TO BE SAFE, AND THEY HAVE EVERY REASON TO DO SO.

SEE, TO ME, WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT BACKING THE BLUE, THEN LET'S DO MORE THINGS TO HELP OUR POLICE OFFICERS.

WHY NOT INCREASE POLICE OFFICER PAY?

WHY NOT PROVIDE MORE ADDITIONAL TRAINING TO POLICE OFFICERS?

WHY NOT PROVIDE INCENTIVES WHEN IT COMES TO BUYING HOMES, PURCHASING CARS?

WE CAN DO DIFFERENT THINGS OF THAT NATURE THAT REALLY SHOW OUR APPRECIATION TO OUR OFFICERS AND LET OUR OFFICERS KNOW THAT WE REALLY DO SUPPORT YOU GUYS AND WE'RE GOING TO GIVE YOU WHATEVER TOOL YOU NEED TO EFFECTUATE ARRESTS, SOLVE A CRIME AND TO PROTECT AND SERVE.

>> I KNOW THAT GLOCK SWITCH PROPOSAL HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY A LOT OF POLICE BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, THEY COULD BE ENDANGERED BY SOME OF THESE THINGS.

>> YES.

>> AND THEY'RE SEEING IT THREATEN CITIZENS AS WELL.

>> YES, AND THAT'S A BILL THAT IS FILED BY REPRESENTATIVE ENSLER THAT WE'RE TRYING TO OUTLAW THE GLOCKS, WHICH PRETTY MUCH EVERY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENT I SPOKE TO IS IN AGREEMENT WITH THAT BECAUSE IT SHOULDN'T BE ON THE STREET.

IT'S A MECHANISM THAT CAN TURN A REGULAR SEMIAUTOMATIC INTO A FULLY AUTOMATIC WEAPON WHICH IS VERY DETRIMENTAL AND DANGEROUS AND YOU'RE CREATING MORE SITUATIONS YOU'RE PUTTING OUR OFFICERS IN.

>> DO YOU SEE BIPARTISAN COOPERATION ON THE ISSUE OF CRIME?

DO YOU THINK, AT THE END OF THE DAY, A LOT OF THAT WILL BE BIPARTISAN?

>> YES, I DO.

FOR EXAMPLE, WITH REPRESENTATIVE REYNOLDS, HE IS SHOWING THE EFFORT TO WANT TO FIGURE THIS WHOLE ENTIRE CRIME PIECE OUT.

SAME THING WITH THE SPEAKER.

WE HAVE DIFFERENT PEOPLE WE'RE MEETING WITH AND BRINGING TO MIND TO THE TABLE, TO ME, IS THE WAY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE FROM THE BEGINNING.

COME TO THE TABLE, AIR OUR CONCERNS, TELL ME YOUR PERSPECTIVE, AND LET'S FIND COMMON GROUND.

IF WE'RE DOING THAT, THIS IS WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT, WHAT THE CITIZENS OF ALABAMA DESERVE AND RIGHT NOW YOU'RE SAYING THAT.

>> DON'T SEE A LOT IN WASHINGTON BUT GOOD THERE'S SOME OF IT HAPPENING IN ALABAMA.

>> YES, WE'LL DO OUR JOB IN ALABAMA.

>> SWITCHING GEARS, YOU HAVE A BILL TO MAKE ELECTION DAY A STATE HOLIDAY.

I'VE HEARD ABOUT SOME OF THE PROPOSALS EVEN ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL FOR A WHILE.

THAT'S AN INTERESTING CONCEPT.

WHAT'S THE FEEDBACK?

>> THE FEEDBACK IS MIXED.

A LOT OF PEOPLE DO LIKE THE IDEA BECAUSE YOU'RE -- WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE EMPHASIS ON OUR ELECTIONS ARE PARAMOUNT BECAUSE THEY CHANGE LIVES, THEY AFFECT PEOPLE'S FUTURES, THEY AFFECT OUR LIVES IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT WAYS, SO WHY NOT MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN INCREASE VOTER ENGAGEMENT, VOTER TURNOUT, MAKE IT A STATE HOLIDAY.

SO, NOW, YOU CAN GO TO THE POLLS AT DIFFERENT TIMES, IT ALSO CAN REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF TIME YOU'RE STANDING IN VOTING LINES.

SO THE BILL HAS A NUMBER OF POSITIVES.

SO, WE'RE TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO DO THAT AND PUSH THAT FORWARD AND MAKE VOTING -- BECAUSE, TO ME, WE SHOULDN'T HAVE BARRIERS WHEN IT COMES TO VOTING.

IT SHOULD BE DONE WITH EASE.

I THINK, IF WE CAN DO THAT, THAT'S A STEP FORWARD.

>> OF COURSE, NOT EVERYBODY GETS OFF ON STATE HOLIDAYS, RIGHT?

>> YES.

>> IF YOU'RE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, YOU MIGHT HAVE TO WORK.

>> YOU MAY HAVE TO.

>> WHAT ABOUT THAT?

WHAT COULD BE DONE TO HELP THOSE TYPE FOLKS HAVE SOME TIME OFF?

I GUESS IT IS ALREADY STATE LAW THAT YOU'RE ALLOWED TO TAKE TIME TO GO VOTE.

>> MM-HMM.

ABSOLUTELY.

THIS IS ALSO WHERE WE'RE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE COMMON GROUND BECAUSE WE HAVE PRIVATE EMPLOYERS WHO, YOU KNOW, SOME OF THESE EMPLOYEES MAY WANT THE SAME TYPE OF PRIVILEGES AS WELL.

SO THIS IS WHERE WE'RE TRYING TO BE AMENABLE TO THE BILL, TO WORK THE BILL, AND ANYONE WHO HAS A CONCERN FOR THE BILL, THEY CAN DEFINITELY LET US KNOW SO WE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT WE CAN DO.

>> ELECTION DAY IS A STATE HOLIDAY.

WHAT ARE THE PROSPECTS?

ANY CHANCE IT ACTUALLY GETS THROUGH THE PROCESS?

>> I DON'T KNOW YET.

IT'S TOO EARLY TO TELL.

>> IT TAKES A WHILE SOMETIMES.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

IT TAKES A WHILE.

THE CONCEPT, A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE TO WRAP THEIR MIND AROUND THE CONCEPT OF IT, AND THEN SEEING HOW CAN IT WORK, YOU KNOW, THE PRACTICALITY OF IT.

BECAUSE IN THE BILL IS TO MAKE OUR GOVERNOR'S RACE, STATE HOLIDAY, AS WELL AS THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE.

SO IT WOULD BE EVERY FOUR YEARS, SUBSEQUENT TWO YEARS.

>> THAT WAS ONE TO WATCH FOR SURE.

ANOTHER PIECE OF LEGISLATION YOU HAVE HAS TO DO WITH CHANGING THE WAY TEACHERS ARE PAID TO SCHEDULE.

I WAS UNAWARE THIS WAS AN ISSUE.

TALK ABOUT WHAT YOUR BILL DOES.

>> CURRENTLY IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA, TEACHERS ARE BEING PAID ONCE A MONTH.

WITH THIS BILL THAT I FILE, IT WOULD CHANGE IT FROM ONCE A MONTH TO SEMIMONTHLY.

FOR EXAMPLE, THE FIRST AND 15TH OF EACH MONTH.

THE IMPETUS OF THE BILL IS THE FACT I ACTUALLY USED TO BE A CLASSROOM TEACHER, I TAUGHT FOR TEN YEARS, SO I UNDERSTAND THE PAY PIT FALLS WITH THIS BECAUSE, LET ME GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE, THIS PAST DECEMBER, MOST TEACHERS WERE PAID ON DECEMBER 18TH.

THE TEACHER DID NOT RECEIVE ANOTHER PAYCHECK UNTIL JANUARY 31 OF 2025.

LOOK AT THAT LONG PERIOD OF TIME THAT THEY HAVE TO GO FIGURE OUT WAYS TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

>> RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HOLIDAYS, TOO.

>> RIGHT.

AND IT'S VERY DISMISSIVE TO SAY TEACHERS HAVE TO BUDGET BETTER.

>> WHY HAS IT BEEN LIKE THIS?

ALL THIS TIME, IT'S ALWAYS BEEN ONCE A MONTH?

>> YES.

>> BECAUSE THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND MOST GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, TOO, IT'S TWICE A MONTH.

>> YES, AS FAR AS HERE IN THE STATE HOUSE, IT WAS ONCE A MONTH AT ONE POINT AND THEN SWITCHED TO SEMIMONTHLY.

YOU ALSO HAVE SURROUNDING STATES LIKE SOME IN GEORGIA, SOME IN TENNESSEE AS WELL AS FLORIDA WHERE THEY ACTUALLY PAY THEIR TEACHERS SEMIMONTHLY WHICH IS MAKING THEIR STATE MORE ATTRACTIVE WHEN IT COMES TO EDUCATION, AND WE NEED TO DO THE SAME HERE IN ALABAMA.

>> INTERESTING.

THAT'S ONE TO WATCH, TOO.

AND YOU MENTIONED BEING A CLASSROOM TEACHER.

YOU KNOW, WE SAW THAT ALABAMA DID MAKE SOME STRIDES ESPECIALLY IN THE LOWER GRADE ON READING AND MATH, ESPECIALLY COMPARED TO OUR OTHER STATES.

DO YOU SENSE SOME MOMENTUM THERE IN TERMS OF MAYBE WE'RE NOT MAKING LEAPS AND BOUND BUT WE'RE GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION IN TERMS OF READING AND MATH?

>> YES, WE REALLY ARE.

I THINK THAT WE ARE IMPROVING IN A LOT OF AREAS AND A LOT OF SUBJECT MATTERS AND THAT THE A GREAT THING.

THAT'S WHAT WE NEED TO CONTINUE THAT MOMENTUM.

WE DON'T NEED TO LOSE THAT AT ALL, BECAUSE EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT.

ANY FOUNDATION TO WHAT WE DO IN OUR STATE IN ANY SOCIETY, WE NEED A GREAT EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.

ALABAMA'S A GREAT STATE, AND WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE IT AND CONTINUE TO MAKE IT A GREAT STATE, AND IT STARTS WITH EDUCATION.

IT STARTS WITH BUSINESS.

IT STARTS WITH SAFETY, AND WE NEED TO DO THAT.

I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

I KNOW, YOU KNOW, THERE'S A LOT GOING ON IN THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU COMING TO SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE AND WE'LL SEE YOU NEXT WEEK.

>> ABSOLUTELY, GLAD TO BE HERE.

>> WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> THAT'S OUR SHOW FOR THIS WEEK.

THANKS FOR WATCHING.

WE'LL BE BACK NEXT WEEK STARTING MONDAY WITH OUR NIGHTLY COVERAGE OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE.

YOU CAN CATCH THOSE EPISODES 10:30 HERE ON ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

FOR OUR "CAPITOL JOURNAL" TEAM, I'M TODD STACY.