>> GOOD EVENING.

FROM OUR STATEHOUSE STUDIO IN MONTGOMERY, I'M DON DAILEY.

THANKS FOR JOINING US!

TOPPING OUR BROADCAST TONIGHT, THE 2021 REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDED THIS WEEK WITH LAWMAKERS APPROVING A NUMBER OF NOTABLE BILLS.

GOVERNOR KAY IVEY HAS BEEN BUSY SIGNING A LOT OF THEM INTO LAW, INCLUDING ONE THAT LEGALIZES THE LIMITED USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THE STATE.

IT'S SPONSOR, SENATOR TIM MELSON OF FLORENCE, SAYS IT'LL TAKE UP TO 15 MONTHS TO PUT ALL THE ACCOMPANYING RULES AND REGULATIONS IN PLACE.

>> SOME OF THESE THINGS CAN GO ON CONCURRENTLY.

LIKE THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION CAN GO AHEAD AND START THE PROCESS OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR PHYSICIANS WHO WANT TO RECOMMEND IT AND GET THE LICENSE IN PLACE.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE MEMBERS THAT WILL BE APPOINTED TO THE COMMISSION CAN INTERVIEW AND VETTING PEOPLE AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE GOOD, APPROPRIATE PEOPLE FOR THE POSITION.

AND THEN, AFTER THAT, THEY WILL HAVE TO MEET AND SET THE GUIDELINES AND RULES AND FOLLOW THEM AND DETERMINE WHO WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO GROW IT.

I SAY QUALIFIED AND REALLY MEET THE CRITERIA.

THE COMMISSION MEMBERS HAVE TO UNDERGO SENATE CONFIRMATION AND WE WILL BE BACK IN JANUARY AND HOPEFULLY THAT WILL EXPEDITE IT.

>> SENATOR MELSON SPENT THREE YEARS TRYING TO PASS HIS MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGISLATION BEFORE FINALLY GETTING IT OUT THIS YEAR.

THE MEASURE STEADILY GAINED SUPPORT DURING THAT TIME, BUT NOT FROM THE STATE'S ATTORNEY GENERAL.

STEVE MARSHALL HAS PUSHED BACK ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA, AND HE TELLS "CAPITOL JOURNAL" THAT HE WISHES THAT THE FINAL LAW HAD BEEN MORE LIMITED IN SCOPE.

>> I WOULD HAVE WANTED TO SEE A GREATLY REDUCED NUMBER OF CONDITIONS, PARTICULARLY JUST SIMPLY LIMITED TO END OF LIFE AND SEIZURE DISORDERS.

AND THEN WE ALLOW FOR RESEARCH TO TELL US WHETHER OR NOT IT IS APPROPRIATE GOING FORWARD.

WE HAVE SEEN NOW CERTAIN MEDICINES COME FORWARD THAT WERE APPROVED BY THE FDA THAT HAVE THC TO DEAL WITH CERTAIN CONDITIONS PRESCRIBED IN THE BILL BUT INSTEAD WE HAVE ELECTED A LEGISLATURE TO DEFINE MORE MEDICAL PRACTICE AND POLICY, NOT CONSISTENT WITH ANYTHING THAT I'VE SEEN OUR LEGISLATURE DO IN THE PAST.

>> THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL JOIN US ON THE BROADCAST SHORTLY TO TALK MORE ABOUT IT.

>>> GOVERNOR IVEY THIS WEEK ALSO SIGNED INTO LAW A NUMBER OF OTHER BILLS, INCLUDING A COUPLE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM MEASURES, A BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW RESTAURANTS WITH OUTDOOR DINING TO PERMIT DOGS, AND LEGISLATION THAT WOULD LIFT THE BAN ON YOGA IN STATE SCHOOLS.

THE GOVERNOR WAS BEING URGED, BY SOME, TO VETO A BILL THAT WOULD DELAY A PROVISION OF THE ALABAMA LITERACY ACT THAT MANDATES THAT THIRD GRADERS WHO CAN'T READ AT GRADE LEVEL BE HELD BACK.

THE DELAY WAS SPONSORED BY SENATOR RODGER SMITHERMAN OF BIRMINGHAM, WHO RECENTLY TOLD "CAPITOL JOURNAL" THAT HE FEELS LEARNING LOSS RESULTING FROM THE PANDEMIC NECESSITATES DELAYING HOLDING CHILDREN BACK.

>> WE'RE SETTING THEM UP IN A SITUATION TO FAIL.

WE NEED TO EXTEND THE TIME SO OUR TEACHERS CAN GET FULLY PREPARED, SO THE STUDENTS CAN GET ALL OF THE HANDS ON THAT NAY NEED AND THEN HAVE A SERIES OF PRETESTING.

>> THE AUTHOR OF THE ALABAMA LITERACY ACT IS URGING GOVERNOR IVEY TO VETO SMITHERMAN'S HOLD BACK DELAY LEGISLATION.

REPRESENTATIVE TERRI COLLINS OF DECATUR SAYS SHE FEELS THAT IF A CHILD IS PASSED OUT OF THE THIRD GRADE AND HASN'T BEEN PROPERLY TAUGHT TO READ, THAT THE STATE WOULD BE FAILING THAT CHILD.

COLLINS RECENTLY TOLD "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ABOUT THE HOLD BACK DELAY.

>> WHILE I'M NOT OPPOSED TO IT, I'M OPPOSED TO IT THIS TIME.

I THINK THE SENSE OF URGENCY KEEPS EVERYBODY ON TRACK.

IT ENCOURAGES PEOPLE, IF YOU ARE STUDENTS TO BE IN A SUMMER PROGRAM THIS SUMMER BECAUSE OF THE LEARNING LOSS WE HAD WITH SCHOOLS BEING OUT SO MUCH THE END OF LAST YEAR AND SOME EVEN DURING THIS YEAR.

I THINK WE STILL NEED TO GET TEACHERS IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

>> REPRESENTATIVE COLLINS SAYS IF INITIAL TESTING SHOWS A NEED TO DELAY HOLDING THIRD GRADERS BACK, THAT COULD BE DONE EARLY NEXT YEAR.

>>> A BILL THAT WOULD BAN SO-CALLED ‘VACCINE PASSPORTS' IN THE STATE RECEIVED FINAL APPROVAL THIS WEEK.

UNDER IT, ALABAMA WOULD NOT REQUIRE PROOF OF VACCINATION FOR RESIDENTS TO ENTER CERTAIN BUILDINGS OR ATTEND EVENTS.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" RANDY SCOTT REPORTS FOR US TONIGHT.

>> MOST ATTENTION ON THE REGULAR SESSION'S FINAL HOURS FOCUSED ON A LOTTERY AND THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET, BUT OTHER BILLS GRABBED THE SPOTLIGHT, TOO.

ONE BEING SENATE BILL 267 WHICH DEALT WITH COVID-19-RELATED POLICIES FOR ALABAMA.

>> IT PROHIBITS A VACCINE PASSPORT FOR WHEN YOU WALK INTO A BUSINESS.

IN OTHER WORDS, EVERY PERSON THAT WALKS INTO A BUSINESS, THERE'S BEEN CONCERN -- I ACTUALLY SAW ON THE NEWS LAST NIGHT WHERE SOME STATES ARE GOING TO THE POINT WHERE YOU HAVE TO SHOW YOU HAVE BEEN VACCINATED BEFORE GOING INTO A BUSINESS.

THIS PREVENTS THAT.

>> YOU ARE SAYING IF A PRIVATE ENTITY, A PRIVATE BUSINESS, EVEN ME AS A PRIVATE BUSINESS OWNER, IF I DECIDE THAT I DON'T WANT ANYBODY TO ENTER MY PLACE OF ESTABLISHMENT THAT HAS NOT BEEN VACCINATED, DOES THAT AMENDMENT FORBID ME FROM DOING THAT?

>> YES.

>> THANK YOU.

>> HAVE YOU EVER HAD COVID?

>> I'VE NOT.

>> I HAVE AND IT'S NOT NICE.

SCARY, VERY SCARY.

I THINK OF IT ALL THE TIME.

I SAY, WELL, I'M BLESSED AND FORTUNATE THAT I WAS ABLE TO GO THROUGH IT AS WELL AS I DID.

TO HAVE CAN TWO KIDS WITH IT, TO LOSE COUSINS AND PEOPLE IN MY COMMUNITY FROM IT.

I AM NOT AGAINST YOUR BILL BUT I WOULD URGE US TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

>> I WOULD SAY THOSE BUSINESS OWNERS HAVE THE ABILITY TO PUT UP A SIGN REQUIRING A MASK IF THEY WANT TO.

THAT'S THEIR BUSINESS AND THEY ARE PAYING THE MORTGAGE AND THEY CAN DECIDE WHATEVER THEY WANT TO DO THEMSELVES.

>> SENATE BILL PASSES THE HOUSE AND RETURNS TO THE SENATE FOR APPROVAL AND MAKINGS ITS WAY TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

FOR IS "CAPITOL JOURNAL," I'M RANDY SCOTT.

>> LEGISLATION THAT WOULD BAN CURBSIDE VOTING IN THE STATE ALSO RECEIVED FINAL APPROVAL THIS WEEK.

IT'S AN ISSUE THAT STEMMED FROM ELECTION HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS RAISED DURING THE PANDEMIC.

OPPONENTS OF THE BAN CONTENDED IT MADE VOTING HARDER, SUPPORTERS SAID IT WOULD STRENGTHEN BOTH SECURITY AT THE POLLS AND BALLOT CHAIN OF CUSTODY.

>>> MEANTIME, LAWMAKERS THIS WEEK GAVE FINAL PASSAGE TO THE STATE'S RECORD $2.4 BILLION GENERAL FUND BUDGET.

HOUSE BUDGET CHAIR STEVE CLOUSE OF OZARK SAID MONDAY NIGHT THAT THERE WERE A LOT OF NEEDED ELEMENTS IN THE SPENDING PLAN FOR NON-EDUCATION STATE AGENCIES.

>> MENTAL HEALTH CONTINUES.

WE WILL PUT ANOTHER MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS CENTER IN.

THE VHR MEDICAID WAS IN GOOD SHAPE FOR ONCE THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF THE EMERGENCY FUNDING THEY GOT FROM COVID-19.

AND OF COURSE INCREASES AT THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, WHICH WE CONTINUALLY HAVE ISSUES.

SO, YOU KNOW, I FELT LIKE THIS WAS A GOOD BUDGET.

IT'S OBVIOUSLY THE LARGEST BUDGET WE HAVE EVER HAD IN THE HISTORY OF THE STATE.

SO, I THINK IT'S GOING TO DO A LOT OF GOOD HERE.

>>> GOVERNOR IVEY TODAY SIGNED THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET INTO LAW.

THE STATE'S RECORD EDUCATION BUDGET HAD ALREADY RECEIVED FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL WAS ALSO SIGNED INTO LAW.

>>> DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS THIS WEEK WERE HERALDING A NUMBER OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE JUST-WRAPPED-UP LEGISLATIVE SESSION, DESPITE ALL OF THE CHALLENGES OF THE PAST YEAR.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" KAREN GOLDSMITH SPOKE WITH A COUPLE OF KEY DEMOCRATIC LEADERS IN THE UPPER CHAMBER.

>> WE KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IN 30 DAYS IN THE MIDST OF COVID.

WHEN WE CAME BACK IN, COVID NUMBERS WERE STILL HIGH.

WE WERE ABLE TO COME IN AND HAD A LOT OF CHECKS AND BALANCES AND HERE WE ARE ON THE 30th DAY.

TO GET THROUGH 30 DAYS IS A VICTORY.

>> HE ADDS THE NATIONAL STRIFE ALSO MADE THE SESSION A DIFFICULT ONE.

>> SYSTEMIC RACISM GOING ON ACROSS THE NATION AND WE'RE STILL LOOKING AT A LOT OF BILLS PASSED THROUGH THE HOUSE, THE RIOT BILLS.

>> THE MINORITY PARTY OPPOSED THE BILL BECAUSE THEY SAY IT WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO ALABAMA'S BLACK POPULATION.

>> IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE EXCLUSIVE TO AFRICAN-AMERICANS, BUT IT IS PRIMARILY TO AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND THAT IS THE SETTING UP A DEFINITION AND A PROCESS TO LABEL CERTAIN BEHAVIOR AND ACTIVITY AS A RIOT.

>> THEY KEPT THE RIOT BILL FROM PASSING.

>> DESPITE THE CHALLENGES, THE GROUP OF SIX SENATE DEMOCRATS HAD SEVERAL WINS THIS SESSION.

>> WE WERE ABLE TO SEEK PROCUREMENT BILLS, ACCESS TO CRIMINAL BILLS.

WE GOT SOME CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM DONE.

WE WERE ABLE TO MAKE SURE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, SOME NAME CHANGES CAME OFF, SOME UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES.

SO WE FEEL GOOD BASED ON OUR AGENDA.

IT IS STRONG AND FOR THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA TO MOVE FORWARD.

>> FOR "CAPITOL JOURNAL," I'M KAREN GOLDSMITH.

>> THE RIOT BILL WASN'T THE ONLY ONE THAT DIDN'T GET OUT OF THIS YEAR'S REGULAR SESSION.

AMONG THE OTHERS WAS CONTROVERSIAL LEGISLATION THAT SOUGHT TO BAR TRANSGENDER YOUTH FROM UNDERGOING CERTAIN MEDICAL TREATMENTS.

AND, OF COURSE, A COMPREHENSIVE GAMBLING PLAN FAILED TO GET OUT OF THE LEGISLATURE.

HOUSE SPEAKER MAC MCCUTCHEON OF MONROVIA SAID THIS WEEK THAT TIME FOR THE MEASURE SIMPLY RAN OUT IN HIS CHAMBER.

>> THE SENATE TOOK THE LEAD ON THE GAMING ISSUE.

IT BECAME MORE THAN A LOTTERY.

IT WAS A COMPREHENSIVE GAMING PACKAGE.

AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WENT BACK TO A LOTTERY AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN BACK TO A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE AND THROUGH ALL OF THEIR WORK -- NOT TO DISCREDIT THEIR WORK -- BUT THROUGH ALL OF THEIR WORK, THE HOUSE DIDN'T GET THE BILL UNTIL THERE WERE FIVE LEGISLATIVE DAYS LEFT TO WORK WITH.

WE WENT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY.

MY HAT'S OFF TO THE HOUSE MEMBERS.

THEY WORKED VERY HARD, A LOT OF HOURS AND WEEKENDS WORKING WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE TRYING TO TAKE WHAT THE SENATE SENT US AND COME UP WITH A BILL WE THOUGHT WE COULD PASS.

>> AT THE SAME TIME, THE LAWMAKER WHO WAS ONE OF THE PRIMARY CHAMPIONS OF A COMPREHENSIVE GAMBLING PLAN THIS YEAR SAYS HE'S VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT SOMETHING DIDN'T GET OUT.

SENATOR DEL MARSH OF ANNISTON TELLS "CAPITOL JOURNAL" THAT HE PLANS TO BRING GAMBLING LEGISLATION BACK NEXT YEAR AND THAT HE DOESN'T SUPPORT THE ARGUMENT THAT TIME SIMPLY RAN OUT FOR THE HOUSE TO AGREE ON A PLAN.

>> THAT'S A POOR EXCUSE.

I'M NOT GOING TO DEFEND ANYBODY.

THE BILL WAS THERE.

ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO WORK WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND THE HOUSE.

THERE WAS NOT THE DESIRE THERE TO GET IT DONE BOTTOM LINE.

IT'S NO THE FIRST TIME, IN MY OPINION, THE HOUSE HAS FAILED.

THE PRISON ISSUE IS ANOTHER ONE.

THE PRISON PASSED TWO SENATE BILLS.

THE HOUSE DIDN'T GET IT DONE AND THE GOVERNOR HAD TO TAKE IT ON HERSELF TO GET IT DONE AND THAT'S A QUESTION WHETHER THAT WILL GET DONE.

>> SENATOR MARSH WILL JOIN US LATER IN THE BROADCAST TO TALK MORE ABOUT GAMBLING AND ABOUT EDUCATION REFORM LEGISLATION THAT WAS IMPORTANT TO HIM THIS YEAR.

WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> YOU CAN VIEW PAST EPISODES OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE TIME AT ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION'S WEBSITE AT APTV.ORG.

CLICK ON THE VIDEO TAB ON THE MAIN PAGE.

YOU CAN CONNECT WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" AND LINK TO PAST EPISODES ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" FACEBOOK PAGE.

>> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE MARSHALL IS WITH US.

I WANT TO BEGIN WITH THE LAWSUIT FILED OVER THE PRISON PLAN.

A JUDGE DISMISSED IT AFTER YOUR OFFICE HAD ASKED THE CASE BE DISMISSED.

TELL US ABOUT THE ARGUMENT YOU MADE THERE.

IT IS MORE ABOUT POLICY, AN ARGUMENT AND COMPLAINT.

IT WAS SAYING IT WAS AN IMPROPER ACTION AS A MATTER OF FACT OF POLICY AND NOT LAW.

>> THE PLAINTIFFS, WHO OF COURSE INCLUDED STATE AUDITOR JIM ZEIGLER AND JOHN ROGERS OF BIRMINGHAM CONTENDED THE DEAL WAS UNCONSTITUTIONAL, THAT THE LEGISLATURE DIDN'T HAVE A PROPER SAY IN THE MATTER.

>> ACCORDING TO THE LEGISLATURE, COULD HAVE ACTED AND WE HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE PAST WHERE THE LEGISLATURE REFUSED TO ACT IN THE AREA OF PRISONS AND PROVIDING FOR CONSTRUCTION FUNDS TO BUILD NEW FACILITIES.

HERE THE GOVERNOR ACTED WITHIN HER AUTHORITY AND THE EXECUTION OF THE LEASES AND JUDGE GRIFFIN AGREED WITH THAT APPROACH AS FAR AS THE DEFENSE OF THIS CASE.

>> NOW WE LOOK TO SEE WHERE THIS MIGHT GO.

THE LEASE DEAL HAS HIT SOME ROAD BLOCKS WHERE FINANCING IS CONCERNED.

I THINK IT'S UNTIL JUNE 1st, MAYBE, WHERE THEY COULD GET THE FINANCING ISSUES WORKED OUT OR THERE MIGHT BE A DEAL WITH THE STATE ON THE TABLE.

>> IT IS.

I THINK IT IS DISAPPOINTING WHEN YOU SEE THE FALSE NARRATIVE ADVANCED BY MANY ON THE LEFT.

ON WIN HAND, THEY ARGUE WE ARE INAPPROPRIATELY CARING FOR INMATES.

AT THE SAME TIME, WHEN WE HAVE A FACILITY PLAN TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUES THAT ARE ASKED TO BE ADDRESSED WE ARE ACCUSED OF DOING SOMETHING IMPROPER, NOT ONLY THAT BUT TO SAY THE FINANCING PLAN IS TO FINANCE PRIVATE PRISONS.

THAT'S NOT THE CASE.

THESE ARE STATE-RUN FACILITIES TO PROVIDE ALABAMA INMATES AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL SERVICES, FOR EXAMPLE, ON THE MENTAL HEALTH SIDE AND APPROPRIATE ACTION FOR GOVERNOR IVEY IN MOVING FORWARD.

THE REALITY IS I THINK THE PRISON CONSTRUCTION PLAN IS NEEDED.

IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE'LL USE IN RESPONSE TO THE ALLEGATIONS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE ISSUE BEING RESOLVED AND BEING ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD.

>> THE ISSUE HAS OFTEN BEEN TALKED ABOUT IN TERMS OF IT MAY MERIT A SPECIAL SESSION, IN THE LEGISLATURE, AT SOME POINT BEFORE THE YEAR IS UP IF THE PRIVATE LEASE DEAL DOES FALL APART.

THE FEDERAL LAWSUIT, DOES AT THIS TIME ADD A CERTAIN DEGREE OF STRESS IN GETTING SOMETHING DONE?

WE KNOW WE ARE WATCHED CLOSELY.

>> IT IS CLEARLY SOMETHING FOR US IN THE NATURE OF THE RESPONSE, THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ALLEGATIONS TO SAY WE HAVE A PLAN MOVING FORWARD.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WHATEVER ARISES, WHETHER THE GOVERNOR'S PLAN OR THE LEGISLATURE ACTING IN A WAY AND BEING THE FUNDING AUTHORITY.

BUT WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO DO WHAT THE GOVERNOR HAS PROPOSED AND THAT'S HAVE AN ALABAMA PLAN DEALING WITH FACILITIES WE HAVE THAT ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE PURPOSES IN WHICH CORRECTIONS IS DESIGNED AND THEN BE ABLE TO OFFER THAT TO THE JUDGE IN THE FEDERAL CASE AS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT ALABAMA IS DOING TO ADDRESS WHATEVER ALLEGATION THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE IS MAKING.

>> ONE OTHER ISSUE BEFORE WE MOVE ON.

YOU MENTIONED THE PUSH BACK AGAINST THE STATE NOT OWNING THESE FACILITIES.

THERE'S ALSO BEEN PUSH BACK FROM OPPONENTS WHO SAID BUILDING NEW PRISONS AREN'T GOING TO SIGNIFICANTLY SOLVE OUR ISSUES WHERE CORRECTIONS ARE CONCERNED.

>> WHEN YOU HEAR THE CONCERNS BEING RAISED, THE FACT THAT OUR STAFF RATIOS ARE NOT SUFFICIENT FOR THE FACILITIES AND THE NEW FACILITIES WILL ALLOW US TO USE LESS STAFF AND KEEP NOT ONLY STAFF BUT INMATES SAFER WHEN IT WOULD REDUCE THE NUMBER OR PERCENTAGE OF DORMITORY HOUSING WE HAVE FOR INMATES THAT GIVE RISE TO THE CONCERNS RAISED BY THE ADVOCATES.

THEY WANT THEIR CAKE AND TO EAT IT TOO.

WHAT THEY WANT IS FOR US TO HOUSE FEWER INMATES IN THE STATE.

THE REALITY IS, WE HAVE A CRIME PROBLEM, NOT AN INCARCERATION PROBLEM.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT 80% OF INMATES IN THERE FOR VIOLENT OFFENSES AND 50% FOR CAPITAL MURDER, RAPE AND ROBBERY, THAT SHOWS WE HAVE A VIOLENT POPULATION IN THERE BECAUSE THEY HAVE COMMITTED SERIOUS CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY.

I LOOK FORWARD TO THESE FACILITIES BEING BUILT AND WE WILL ADDRESS THE ISSUES RAISED.

>> ALSO IN THAT VEIN, HOW DO YOU THINK WE DID ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM?

IT WAS A PREDOMINANT ISSUE THIS YEAR.

>> WE WERE ABLE TO INTERVENE IN A WAY WE WEREN'T PROVIDING INCENTIVE TIME CREDIT FOR VIOLENT OFFENDERS OR THOSE WHO COMMITTED SEXUAL ASSAULT BY DOING COURSE WORK.

I'LL LEAVE IT TO THE LEGISLATURE TO DEFINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE POLICY BUT IT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO WEIGH IN WHEN WE THINK THE EFFORTS POTENTIALLY COULD JEOPARDIZE PUBLIC SAFETY.

WE WERE PLEASED THAT THAT PARTICULAR BILL, THAT THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CAME BACK AND SAW WHAT WE WERE IDENTIFYING AS SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS ON PUBLIC SAFETY WITH THAT BILL MOVING FORWARD AND HOPE THE GOVERNOR WILL SIGN IT IN THAT FORM.

>> LET'S MOVE ON AND TALK ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

IT IS LAW NOW.

GOVERNOR IVEY SIGNED IN TO LAW, THE BILL THAT PASSED THE LEGISLATURE THIS YEAR THAT WOULD LEGALIZE THE USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THE STATE.

I KNOW YOU HAVE HAD RESERVATIONS FROM THE GET GO.

>> SIGNIFICANT RESERVATIONS.

ONE THING I TRY TO IDENTIFY IS NOT ONLY WHERE THE RESEARCH SHOWS THERE WERE CONCERNS BUT AS SOMEONE WHO STUDIED THE OPIOID PROBLEM FOR A LONG TIME, THERE'S MUCH SIMILARITIES INTO HOW OPIOIDS WERE INITIALLY MARKETED AND HOW WE SEE MEDICINAL MARIJUANA AS WELL.

TO SOME EXTENT THE NARRATIVE HAS BEEN IT WAS GOING TO END OF LIFE, HOSPICE TYPE SITUATIONS AND FOR CHILDREN WITH SEIZURE DISORDERS.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE BREADTH AND SCOPE OF THE CONDITIONS WHERE SOMEONE IS ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA, THEY RAISE CONCERNS PARTICULARLY IN THE AREA OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEPRESSION.

I DON'T BELIEVE THE RESEARCH AND THINK IT IS FAIRLY CLEAR THAT MOST STUDIES WOULD ARGUE THAT'S NOT THE CASE BUT OUR LEGISLATURE HAS DECIDED DIFFERENTLY THAN THE OPINION I OFFERED.

THE GOVERNOR OBVIOUSLY SIGNED IT.

WE HAVE RAISED THOSE CONCERNS FOR THREE YEARS.

SO THOSE ARE NOTHING NEW.

I THINK THE CONCERNS THAT OTHERS HAVE RAISED, INCLUDING MYSELF, ABOUT THE FACT THAT THIS IS REALLY ADDITIONAL STEP TOWARD RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA IS CONSISTENT WITH THE HISTORY WE HAVE SEEN WITH OTHER STATES AND WE'LL SEE HOW THEY DEAL WITH THAT MOVING FORWARD.

>> WOULD HAVE RATHER NOT GONE HERE AT ALL OR PREFER A MORE TIGHT PIECE OF LEGISLATION.

>> I WOULD HAVE WANTED TO SEE A GREATLY REDUCED NUMBER OF CONDITIONS, SIMPLY END OF LIFE AND SEIZURE DISORDERS AND ALLOW FOR RESEARCH TO TELL US WHETHER IT IS APPROPRIATE GOING FORWARD.

WE HAVE SEEN NOW CERTAIN MEDICINES COME FORWARD APPROVED BY THE FDA THAT HAVE THC AS A COMPONENT TO DEAL WITH CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS BILL.

BUT INSTEAD, WE HAVE ALLOWED FOR AN ELECTED LEGISLATURE TO DEFINE REALLY MORE MEDICAL PRACTICE AND POLICY, NOT CONSISTENT WITH ANYTHING I'VE SEEN OUR LEGISLATURE DO IN THE PAST.

>> THE PRIMARY SPONSOR OF THE LEGISLATION, SENATOR MELSON SAID HE EXPECTS THIS LAW TO BE TWEAKED AS WE MOVE ALONG.

IS THAT PROMISING TO YOU AT ALL THAT IT MIGHT BE TWEAKED.

>> MY GUESS IS IT IS TWEAKED AROUND THE EDGES.

THE CONDITIONS I HAVE IDENTIFIED, THINK IT IS WHOLLY INAPPROPRIATE TO DO IT.

WE WILL MONITOR THAT AND WEIGH IN WHEN WE SEE THERE ARE CONCERNS.

AT THE SAME TIME, WHAT IT APPEARS IS ALABAMA MADE THAT DECISION NOW AND IT IS MY RESPONSIBLE TO HELP THOSE THAT HAVE REGULATORY RESPONSIBILITY MOVING FORWARD TO DO THAT IN THE RIGHT WAY.

>> BEFORE WE CLOSE, YOU HAVE ALSO HAD A LOT OF RESERVATIONS ABOUT GAMBLING LEGISLATION PROPOSED.

THERE WAS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ON THE TABLE THIS YEAR.

IT DID NOT GET OUT BUT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY IT MAY BE BACK NEXT SESSION.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT PROSPECT?

>> WHEN WE REWARD THOSE ENTITIES THAT HAVE CONSISTENTLY VIOLATED THE LAW, WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN SHUT DOWN AND REOPEN AGAIN AND THEY ARE GOING TO BE REWARDED AS A RESULT OF THIS LEGISLATION, I THINK THAT IS EXTREMELY CONCERNING.

THE OTHER THING THAT IS CLEARLY NOT TAKING PLACE IN THIS PROCESS IS ANYBODY WANTING A DIALOGUE TO BE ABLE TO ALLOW US TO IDENTIFY THOSE PARTICULAR CONCERNS WE HAVE SEEN ABOUT BEING ABLE TO REGULATE GAMBLING MOVING FORWARD, PARTICULARLY WHEN YOU HAVE MISDEMEANORS AS THE ONLY PENALTY FOR SOMEBODY WHO'S VIOLATED THE LAW.

EVEN IF WE ALLOW FOR GAMBLING TO TAKE PLACE IN CERTAIN FACILITIES, YOU STILL HAVE THE POSSIBILITY OF ILLEGAL GAMBLING MOVING FORWARD.

YET WE HAVEN'T SET PENALTIES SUFFICIENT IN A WAY TO DISCOURAGE THAT AND I THINK WE WILL DEAL WITH THE SAME SITUATION WHERE YOU HAVE LOCAL OFFICIALS AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ABLE TO DO THEIR JOB TO SHUT DOWN ILLEGAL ACTIVITY AND WE HAVE SEEN IT IN MULTIPLE JURISDICTIONS ACROSS THE STATE AND ALSO SEEN OTHERWISE WHERE OFFICIALS HAVE TURNED A BLIND EYE AND ALLOWED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY TO TAKE PLACE AND MOVE FORWARD AND THAT'S CONCERNING.

>> DID YOU THINK IT WAS AN OVERLY BROAD ARGUMENT UNDER SUCH A PIECE OF LEGISLATION WE WOULD REGULATE GAMBLING AND TAX IT AS WELL.

THE BIG ARGUMENT BEING THE REGULATION OF THE GAMBLING.

>> CLEARLY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A COMMISSION ESTABLISHED BUT WE WOULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WE HAVE NOW WHERE WE HAVE IN CERTAIN JURISDICTIONS THINK THEY WANT GAMBLING TO ALLOW FACILITIES TO REMAIN OWN WHEN IT IS AGAINST THE LAW.

WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOUR YEARS AND HOPEFULLY WE WILL HAVE TWO TRIALS THIS SUMMER TO SHUT DOWN THE FACILITIES THAT HAVE BEEN OPERATING FOR A LONG TIME.

IF YOU LISTEN TO THE DEBATE YOU HAD PROPONENTS ACKNOWLEDGE WHAT THEY ARE DOING IS UNLAWFUL.

THAT'S A SLIPPERY SLOPE FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO WHAT IS CLEARLY CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.

>> ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE MARSHALL, ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU ON THE SHOW.

>> THANK YOU.

AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> YOU ARE WATCHING ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION.

♪ NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, SENATOR DEL MARSH OF ANNISTON IS BACK IN THE STUDIO WITH US.

NICE TO HAVE YOU ON THE SHOW.

>> PLEASURE TO BE HERE.

>> YOU WERE THE CHAMPION COUGH A GAMBLING PLAN EARLIER IN THE SESSION WHICH ESSENTIALLY DIED BUT WAS MIRACULOUSLY BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE LATER IN THE SESSION.

IT ULTIMATELY DIDN'T MAKE IT OUT.

>> IT MADE IT OUT OF THE SENATE.

>> YES, BUT THE HOUSE GRIDLOCKED OVER IT AND IT'S NOT GOING TO COME OUT THIS YEAR.

>> VERY DISAPPOINTED AT THAT.

VERY DISAPPOINTED.

I HAD A BILL EARLY ON AS YOU MENTIONED.

I WORKED WITH McCLENDON THAT CAME OUT WITH A LOTTERY BILL THAT BECAME A COMPREHENSIVE BILL, AS I EXPECTED.

GOT IT THROUGH, I BELIEVE WITH 23, 24 VOTES IN THE SENATE, SENT IT DOWNSTAIRS.

THEY HAD A LOT OF TIME TO WORK ON IT.

UNFORTUNATELY THE HOUSE I THINK WHITED TOO LATE TO GET ON THE PIECE OF LEGISLATION.

IT'S A SHAME.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA WANT THIS SETTLED.

THEY WANT TO CONTROL GAMING.

THEY WANT TO SEE TAX REVENUE FROM THE GAMING AND MAKE SURE THE REVENUES GO WHERE THEY WANT THEM TO GO, AREAS SUCH AS BROADBAND AND IT WAS UNFORTUNATE THE HOUSE FAILED TO GET THAT BEFORE THE PEOPLE TO MAKE THE VOTE.

>> MATT McCUTCHEON TOLD US ON THE SHOW THAT HE SEES THIS POSSIBLY COMING UP FOR A VOTE NEXT YEAR IN THE REGULAR SESSION AND YOU COULD GET IT OUT IN TIME OSTENSIBLY TO GET ON THE NOVEMBER 22 BALLOT.

ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THAT?

>> I AM.

WE PLAN TO COME BACK WITH ANOTHER COMPREHENSIVE BILL NEXT YEAR.

I THINK YOU WILL FIND THE SENATE IN A POSITION TO GET IT OUT EARLY AND DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO PRESSURE THE HOUSE AND TAKE IT UP AND GET IT TO THE VOTE OF THE PEOPLE.

>> THE SPEAKER TOLD US ON THE SHOW RECENTLY THAT THE BILL NEEDED SOME WORK, THAT IT NEEDED TO BE A HOUSE, SENATE, GOVERNOR COMPROMISE.

>> THEY HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO WORK ON IT.

THAT'S A POOR EXCUSE.

I'M NOT GOING TO DEFEND ANYBODY.

THE BILL WAS THERE.

ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO WORK WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND THE HOUSE.

THERE WAS NOT THE DESIRE TO GET IT DONE.

BOTTOM LINE.

IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME, IN MY OPINION, THE HOUSE HAS FAILED.

THE PRISON ISSUE IS ANOTHER ONE.

THE SENATE PASSED TWO PRISON BILLS.

THE HOUSE DIDN'T GET IT DONE AND THE GOVERNOR HAD TO TAKE IT ON HERSELF TO GET IT DONE.

AND THAT'S IN QUESTION NOW AS TO WHETHER THAT WILL GET DONE.

>> WHEN YOU SAY THE PLANS ARE THERE TO COME BACK WITH A GAMBLING PLAN, WILL IT BE COMPREHENSIVE.

>> IF YOU ARE GOING TO GET A PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT WILL PASS THE LEGISLATURE IT WILL HAVE TO BE A COMPREHENSIVE BILL.

>> SOME THOUGHT THE COMPREHENSIVE NATURE HUNG IT UP IN THE HOUSE.

THERE WERE MORE LAWMAKERS GOING FOR A LOTTERY ONLY PLAN VERSE -- THEY DIDN'T ACT ON IT.

THAT'S THE JOB OF LEGISLATURE, TAKE A PIECE OF LEGISLATION AND CHANGE THEM TO GET THEM OUT OF YOUR BODY.

IT DIDN'T HAPPEN.

>> THE LOTTERY ONLY BILL WAS INTRODUCED ON THE HOUSE FLOOR LATE ON MAY 6, TOO LATE MANY LAWMAKERS THOUGHT FOR THEM TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER IT IN THE HOUR THAT REMAINED IN THE LEGISLATIVE DAY.

DID YOU THINK IT WAS TOO LATE?

>> AS I SAID, THIS ISSUE IS ALMOST AT A MANDATE LEVEL FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

THEY WANT TO VOTE ON THIS AND SETTLE THIS ISSUE.

THE SENATE HAS PROVEN THEY CAN GET THE JOB DONE TO GET IT TO THE PEOPLE, THE HOUSE NEEDS TO DO THE SAME.

>> I'LL REMIND FOLKS IT IS A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND IF THE LEGISLATURE APPROVES IT NEXT YEAR IT WILL BE ON THE NOVEMBER 22 BATTLE.

SOME RAISED QUESTIONS WHETHER VOTERS WOULD GO FOR THIS AND APPROVE -- >> ABSOLUTELY.

BUT THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE TO FIND OUT.

ONE THING YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE IN A PIECE LEGISLATION, YOU HAVE TO SHOW WHERE THE MONEY IS GOING.

VOTERS WANT TO KNOW WHERE THE DOLLARS ARE GOING.

WE HAD IN THE SENATE VERSION BROADBAND, MENTAL HEALTH, RURAL HOSPITALS, LOTTERY, LOOKING AT SCHOLARSHIPS.

THE DOLLARS WERE SPECIFIC.

I THINK THE PEOPLE WOULD HAVE EMBRACED THAT BUT WE'LL NEVER KNOW BECAUSE IT DID NOT GET OUT FOR THE VOTE.

>> OBVIOUSLY, I'M ASKING YOU TO LOOK IN THE CRYSTAL BALL BUT DO YOU THINK IT IS VIEWABLE TO GET IT OUT NEXT YEAR WHICH I WILL REMIND VIEWERS WILL BE YOUR LAST SESSION.

YOU ARE NOT RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION.

>> I'M NOT.

THE PEOPLE WANT TO MAKE THE DECISION.

OTHER AREAS ARE EDUCATION REFORM.

I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT THE LEGISLATURE DID NOT TAKE UP MORE ISSUES DEALING WITH EDUCATION.

WE'RE LAST IN MATHEMATICS IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA, 46th AT LAST COUNT IN READING.

THOSE ARE DISMAL NUMBERS.

WE, AS A STATE, HAVE TO ADDRESS THAT IN OUR PUBLIC EDUCATION COMMUNITY.

I JUST DIDN'T SEE IT HAPPENING THIS YEAR.

THERE IS ONE THING I'LL WORK ON NEXT YEAR WILL BE EDUCATION REFORM, GIVING PARENTS MORE SCHOOL CHOICE, WHATEVER IT TAKES TO IMPROVE THOSE GRADES.

>> YOU INTRODUCED THE OPEN SCHOOL ACT WHICH WOULD HAVE ALLOWED STUDENTS TO ENROLL IN THE SCHOOL OF THEIR CHOICE.

WILL THAT BE BACK IN SOME FORM?

>> I BELIEVE YOU WILL SEE THAT BILL OAR BILL DEALING WITH SCHOOL CHOICE.

I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH MY COLLEAGUES AND WE WAITED TOO LATE TO MOVE THAT BILL IN MY OPINION.

I PROMISE YOU IF WE DEAL WITH EDUCATION REFORM OF ANY TYPE THE LEGISLATION WILL COME OUT EARLY AS WILL THE GAMING LEGISLATION TO GIVE THE HOUSE PLENTY OF TIME TO CONSIDER IT AND WORK ON THE LEGISLATION AS WELL.

>> I WOULD ASSUME YOU WOULD CONSIDER IT A NICE GOING AWAY GIFT AS YOU LEAVE THE LEGISLATURE IF GAMING AND MEANINGFUL EDUCATION REFORM GOT OUT.

>> YEAH, I THINK THE TWO ISSUES THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE WANT TO SEE ADDRESS.

I THINK THEY ARE IMPORTANT ISSUES.

I'D LOVE TO SEE THAT HAPPEN NEXT YEAR.

>> YOU TALKED ABOUT BROADBAND BEING ONE OF THE BENEFICIARIES OF THE SWEEPING COMPREHENSIVE GAMBLING PLAN YOU ORIGINALLY PROPOSED.

YOU SPONSORED A BILL THAT GOT OUT DEALING WITH A BROADBAND EXPANSE AUTHORITY.

>> IT WAS PASSED.

THAT IS SETTING UP AN ENTITY, AN AUTHORITY, IF YOU WILL, TO LOOK AT BROADBAND.

WHAT IT IS LOOKING AT IS HIGH-SPEED CONNECTIVITY.

HOWEVER, IT MAY BE.

NOT JUST BROADBAND, WIRELESS, WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE SURE OUR CITIZENS HAVE HIGH-SPEED CONNECTION.

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE STATE AND WE ARE ONLY ONE OF FIVE STATES THAT DIDN'T VICE PRESIDENT AN AUTHORITY TO LOOK AT HIGH-SPEED CONNECTIVITY.

I'M PLEASED IT PASSED.

I BELIEVE THE STIMULUS PACKAGE, THE MOST RECENT THAT CAME OUT -- I READ OUT INFORMATION ON IT THE OTHER DAY, THOSE DOLLARS CAN BE USED FOR BROADBAND EXPANSION.

I WILL BE TALKING TO THE GOVERNOR AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE TO TAKE SOME OF THAT STIMULUS MONEY AND PUT IT TO THE AUTHORITY TO PUT THROUGH GRANT PROCESS TO SPEED UP CONNECTIVITY THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

>> DO YOU FEEL LIKE SOME DO THAT THOSE OF US WHO LIVE IN AREAS THAT ARE WELL SERVED BY HIGH-SPEED INTERNET SERVICE MAY BE TAKE FOR GRANTED AREAS THAT ARE NOT WELL SERVED.

I WAS ATTEMPTING TO INTERVIEW A LAWMAKER VIA ZOOM AND HE LIVES IN AN AREA OF THE STATE THAT HE CALLS HAS SKETCHY CONNECTIVITY AND I COULDN'T GET A DECENT ENOUGH INTERVIEW WITH HIM ON ZOOM BECAUSE OF CONNECTIVITY ISSUES AND I KNOW THAT IS PROBABLY A RECURRENT THEME.

>> IT IS.

I DON'T THINK AT THIS PEOPLE REALIZE THAT.

COVID BROUGHT IT TO OUR ATTENTION TO THE EDUCATION COMMUNITY WHERE YOU HAD A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE STATE THAT EVEN BY INTERNET THEY HAD NO ACCESS.

OBVIOUSLY, IF YOU LOOK AT RURAL AREAS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, YOU CAN GIVE THEM ALL THE TAX INCENTIVES IN THE WORLD BUT IF THERE IS NO HIGH-SPEED CONNECTIVITY A LOT OF INDUSTRIES WILL NOT LOCATE THERE.

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

IT IS DOABLE.

THE STATE OF ALABAMA CAN GET THIS DONE.

WHAT HAS RESTRICTED US IN THE PAST, MANY TIMES IS MONEY.

BUT THROUGH THE COVID MONEY THAT IS AVAILABLE TO THE STATE, COULD JUMP START US IN THAT DIRECTION, OF COURSE A GAMING LEGISLATION THERE WOULD BE DOLLARS IN THAT THAT GO TO BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY, THAT IS EXISTING FUNDING LONG TERM.

WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET THESE THINGS DONE.

I JUST HOPE WE'LL DO IT NEXT YEAR.

>> AND COULD GET US OVER THE HUMP, SO TO SPEAK WHERE WE WERE HAVING TROUBLE ATTRACTING VENDORS IN CERTAIN AREAS BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T BE PROFITABLE FOR THEM TO LAY THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO EXPAND BROADBAND.

THIS MONEY COULD GET US BEYOND THOSE ISSUES.

>> WE'RE TALKING SIGNIFICANT DOLLARS TO JUMP START THE STATE AND CONTINUING DOLLARS THROUGH A GAMING PROPOSAL TO MAKE SURE IT IS FUNDED LONG TERM.

>> ONE INTERESTING ASPECT OF THIS, SENATOR, BROADBAND EXPANSION CAME UP DURING THE PANDEMIC IS TELEMEDICINE BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE DEPENDED ON TELEMEDICINE AND THAT WOULD BE AN ISSUE.

>> IT AFFECTS US FROM EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

IT'S MONEY WELL SPENT.

THE PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT AS WELL.

>> SENATOR DEL MARSH OF ANNISTON, ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU ON THE SHOW.

>> "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> STAY IN LINE WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE, ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.

NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, GREG REED OF JASPER IS BACK IN THE STUDIO WITH US.

WELCOME BACK TO THE SHOW.

>> HEY, DON.

I TRUST YOU ARE DOING WELL TODAY.

>> I HOPE YOU ARE AS WELL.

>> ESPECIALLY NOW YOUR FIRST SESSION AS PRO-TEM IS IN THE BOOKS.

DO YOU THINK IT WAS A PRODUCTIVE ONE LOOKING BACK?

>> I DO.

I HAVE TO GIVE A LOT OF CREDIT TO THE ALABAMA SENATE MEMBERS WHICH ARE SO CAPABLE AND DEDICATED TO THE PROCESS OF REPRESENTING THEIR DISTRICTS AND WORKING HARD TOGETHER.

I HAD SOME REAL GOALS WHEN WE STARTED THE SESSION ON BEING ABLE TO BE OPEN AND TRANSPARENT, COMMUNICATE WITH THE BODY, BE ABLE TO ALLOW EVERYBODY'S VOICE TO BE HEARD, WORK CLOSELY IN BUILDING AND GROWING RELATIONSHIPS WITH REPUBLICANS, AS WELL AS DEMOCRATS.

I THINK WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO THAT.

I THINK THE WORK PRODUCT OF THE ALABAMA SENATE HAS BEEN EXTRAORDINARY.

I COULD NOT BE MORE PLEASED WITH THE OUTCOME OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS IN THE SENATE.

I THINK THAT WE HAVE TACKLED SOME REALLY CHALLENGING TOPICS.

WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO NAVIGATE THOSE TO CONCLUSION IN OUR BODY.

I FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT.

I THINK THE BODY FEELS GOOD ABOUT IT.

I THINK WE RECOGNIZE WITH ALL OF THE CHALLENGES THAT COULD HAVE BEEN OURS, AS WE WENT INTO THE SESSION WITH CORONAVIRUS AND CHALLENGES OF ME BEING THE NEW ONE -- YOU KNOW, THERE WERE A LOT OF REASONS WE MIGHT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS EFFECTIVE AS WE WERE, BUT, YOU KNOW, LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO NAVIGATE IT IN A GOOD WAY AND HAD A COLLABORATIVE SESSION AND I'M PLEASED WITH THE OUTCOMES.

>> AMONG THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS, I KNOW YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES ARE TOUTING -- SPEAKING OF CORONAVIRUS, PRIORITY COVID LEGISLATION WAS PASSED, BROADBAND EXPANSION LEGISLATION GOT OUT AND TWO RECORD STATE BUDGETS.

>> WELL, THOSE WERE ISSUES THAT ONCE WE CAME INTO SESSION, I THINK THERE WAS A LOT OF WORK AS WE LED UP TO THE SESSION.

DEALING WITH CORONAVIRUS AND WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO IN THE STATEHOUSE.

WHAT WAS GOING TO BE ACCESS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

HOW THE MEMBERS WERE ABLE GOING TO MANAGING THINGS.

THE PROTOCOLS IN THE STATEHOUSE PRESENTED A CHALLENGE, EVEN MORE CHALLENGING TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAN THE SENATE.

BUT TRYING TO NAVIGATE THAT AND FIGURE THAT OUT FIRST AND THEN SET A TONE FOR THINGS EARLY ON IN THE SESSION THAT WERE VERY IMPORTANT.

YOU KNOW, YOU MENTIONED THE BUDGETS AND HAVING TWO RECORD-SIZE BUDGETS IN THE MIDST OF CORONAVIRUS VERSUS WHAT WE SEE FROM OTHER STATES, WHICH IS NOT THE CASE AT ALL.

I'VE TALKED TO MY COLLEAGUES IN DIFFERENT STATES, AND THEY ARE MAKING CUTS AND DOING ALL KINDS OF DIFFICULT THINGS AS A RESULT OF THEIR ECONOMIES GOING DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY.

DOESN'T MEAN THAT ALABAMA'S ECONOMY WASN'T AFFECTED BY THE VIRUS.

IT WAS.

BUT WE HAD BEEN CONSERVATIVE WITH OUR BUDGETS AND IT PUT OURSELVES IN A GOOD POSITION TO NAVIGATE THROUGH IT THE BEST WE COULD.

AS WELL AS WHEN WE WERE COMING INTO SESSION WE HAD THREE BIG PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT WERE SO SIGNIFICANT.

WE HAD WORKED ON HOUSE, SENATE AND THE ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE SURE THOSE WERE TEED UP AND READY TO GO.

THAT WAS INCENTIVES OF WHICH I CARRIED IN THE SENATE TO RECRUIT INDUSTRY TO OUR STATE.

LIABILITY ISSUES WHERE YOU DON'T HAVE A BUNCH OF FRIVOLOUS LAWSUITS, WITH CORONAVIRUS AND YOU DON'T PAY TAXES ON YOUR STIMULUS OR PPP LOANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

THOSE WERE HUGE ISSUES.

IF YOU LOOKED AT THOSE MAJOR PIECES OF LEGISLATION, MAYBE EVEN IN A NORMAL SESSION, THOSE WOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TO CHECK THE BOX AND SAY, WOW, WHAT WERE THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS HERE?

THAT WAS JUST THE FIRST TWO WEEKS AND THEN WE ARE OFF TO THE RACE.

SO I THINK IT WAS REALLY POSITIVE.

ON THE BUDGETS, TOO, I THINK WE WORKED DILIGENTLY TO MOVE THE BUDGETS QUICKER.

FIRST TIME I COULD REMEMBER AND MANY OTHERS COULD REMEMBER, THE BUDGETS WERE OUT OF THE HOUSE OF ORIGIN BEFORE WE WENT TO SPRING BREAK.

THAT ALLOWED THE COMMITTEE WORK TO BE DONE EFFECTIVELY AND I PLEASED WITH THAT PROCESS.

>> THE SENATE ON ITS LAST NIGHT ON MONDAY NIGHT PASSED A BAN ON CURBSIDE VOTING IN THE STATE.

IT IS SOMETHING YOU DEBATED WEEKS AGO AND FINALLY CAME UP FOR A VOTE ON THE LAST NIGHT.

HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT PARTICULAR PIECE OF LEGISLATION?

>> I FELT THE LEGISLATION WAS IMPORTANT.

IF YOU LISTEN TO OUR CONSTITUENTS, THE ELECTION-RELATED ISSUES WERE VERY IMPORTANT TO THEM.

WE HEAR THAT A LOT IN THE NATIONAL NEWS.

ONE THING WE HAVE TO KEEP IN MIND, ALABAMA, WE DID AN EXCELLENT JOB WITH OUR ELECTIONS.

ALABAMA HAS SOME OF THE STRONGEST ELECTION LAWS IN THE NATION AND WHAT WE WERE DOING IN THE LATEST PACKAGE WE PASSED IN THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE WAS TO STRENGTHEN ALABAMA'S ALREADY VERY CAPABLE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE WITH HOW WE DO ELECTIONS IN OUR STATE.

I THINK CURBSIDE VOTING WAS A VERY INTERESTING ISSUE.

IT WAS A TOPIC TO WHERE WE WERE KIND OF PUTTING IN STATUTE SOMETHING ALLUDED TO THAT YOU COULD NOT DO ALREADY BUT IT JUST BASICALLY ALLOWED FOR A STATUTE TO SAY YOU CAN'T JUST DRIVE UP AND CAST YOUR BALLOT WITHOUT COMING TO THE POLLING PLACE.

THERE WAS SOME DEBATE WOULD THIS BE GOOD FOR THOSE I DISABLED OR OTHER IDEAS.

OF COURSE THERE ARE REQUIREMENTS FOR EVERY VOTING LOCATION TO BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE THE DISABLED AND ALL OF THOSE ARE ALREADY A PART OF THE PROCESS IN EVERY VOTING LOCATION THROUGHOUT ALABAMA.

THIS WAS JUST ABLE TO SAY THE STRENGTH AND THE VALIDITY OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN THE ELECTION PLACE, INSIDE THE BUILDING, UNDER APPROPRIATE CONTROLS.

THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS IMPORTANT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND THE LEGISLATURE.

I THINK THAT IT WAS AN IMPORTANT TOPIC AND WE WERE ABLE TO DEAL WITH THAT.

I REITERATE ALABAMA'S LAWS ARE ALREADY VERY STRONG AND WORKED EFFECTIVELY.

ALL WE WERE DOING IS JUST MAKING SURE WE HAD IN STATUTE THINGS WE KNEW WOULD BE BEST AND CONTINUING TO SECURE OUR ELECTIONS IN ALABAMA.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR A MOMENT.

GOVERNOR IVEY SIGNED THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGISLATION INTO LAW ON MONDAY.

I GUESS THE THIRD TIME WAS THE CHARM FOR YOUR COLLEAGUE SENATOR MELSON WHO PUSHED THIS LEGISLATION FOR THREE YEARS RUNNING NOW.

YOU WERE A NO VOTE IN THE SENATE ON THIS.

I KNOW YOU HAD SOME CONCERNS.

>> I DID HAVE SOME CONCERNS.

AS PRESIDENT PRO-TEM OF THE BODY, MY JOB IS TO WORK WITH MY COLLEAGUES TO TRY TO ALLOW THEIR INTEREST AND FOCUS TO BE MOVING FORWARD.

OBVIOUSLY, THE VAST MAJORITY OF ALABAMA LEGISLATURE AND THE ALABAMA SENATE WERE IN FAVOR OF SENATOR MELSON'S LEGISLATION ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

I THINK HE DID AN EXCELLENT JOB IN NAVIGATING THE LEGISLATION THROUGH THE SENATE.

I THINK IT WAS MODERATED IN A LOT OF WAYS THAT ANSWERED A LOT OF QUESTIONS FOR THOSE THAT WERE IN OPPOSITION INITIALLY.

MY THOUGHTS WERE INITIALLY I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THAT LEGISLATION JUST IN GENERAL.

I HAD HEARD FROM MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT FOLKS THAT JUST FELT LIKE IT WASN'T A GOOD THING.

I HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH LEGISLATURES FROM OTHER STATES THAT I HAD INTERACTED WITH AND OTHER SETTINGS.

ONE IN PARTICULAR FROM COLORADO THAT GAVE ME SOME REAL NEGATIVE FEEDBACK ON SOME THINGS THAT HAPPENED IN THEIR STATE.

SO I HAD FORMED AN OPINION EARLY ON MY THOUGHTS THERE.

THE ONE THING I HAVE IS I HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO WORK WITH THE LEGISLATIVE BODY AND THE ALABAMA SENATE TO BE ABLE TO ALLOW THERE TO BE OPEN AND TRANSPARENT ACTIVITY OF ALL OF THE THINGS IMPORTANT TO THE MEMBERS.

I ALSO HAVE A VOTE FOR GREG REED SENATE DISTRICT FIVE.

THE FEEDBACK FROM MY DISTRICT PRIMARILY PEOPLE WERE A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE LEGISLATION.

OF COURSE I WILL IT WAS ABLE TO PASS AND IT'S LAW.

THE GOVERNOR SIGNED IT MOVING FORWARD BUT THOSE WERE MY THOUGHTS INITIALLY ON THAT.

>> OUR TIME IS SHORT BUT BEFORE WE CLOSE, A SPECIAL SESSION IS ALL BUT CERTAIN ON REAPPORTIONMENT, THINKING IT WILL BE THIS FALL.

THERE IS ALSO TALK OF A SPECIAL SESSION ON PRISONS OR COMBINING PRISONS AND REAPPORTIONMENT.

DO WE KNOW ANYTHING ON WHAT THE GOVERNOR IS THINKING HERE?

>> I THINK WE KNOW FOR SURE WE WILL HAVE REAPPORTIONMENT SPECIAL SESSION.

I EXPECT THE TIMING OF THAT, BASED ON THE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHAIRS OF THE COMMITTEE ON REAPPORTIONMENT, IT WILL BE PROBABLY LATE OCTOBER.

THERE WILL BE A LOT OF WORK PRIOR TO.

THAT'S GOING TO BE VERY IMPORTANT IN WORKING ON WHAT THE LINES WILL NEED TO BE.

ONE THING THAT WAS HUGE IS ALABAMA GOT THE WORD ALREADY THAT WE WERE ABLE TO HOLD ON TO OUR SEVEN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS.

THAT IS SO IMPORTANT FOR OUR REPRESENTATION IN WASHINGTON AND ALSO THE RESOURCE THAT COMES FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAT IS APPLIED TO EACH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

THE FACT THAT ALABAMA WAS ABLE TO HOLD ON IS VERY IMPORTANT.

WE WERE NERVOUS ABOUT THE CENSUS DATA AND WHAT THE CENSUS BUREAU WAS PROVIDING.

WE HAD HEARD THAT MAYBE WE ARE NOT GOING TO GET THE INFORMATION INTO NOVEMBER.

MAYBE THERE WOULD BE THE POSSIBILITY WE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO HAVE A LEGISLATIVE SPECIAL SESSION UNTIL EVEN JANUARY.

WAS THERE THE POTENTIAL OF DELAYING THE PRIMARY ELECTION TIME FRAME THAT IS SET BY LAW?

DO WE NEED TO MODIFY THAT BECAUSE OF THE DRAWING OF THE DISTRICTS?

THERE'S BEEN ALL KIND OF DISCUSSION RELATED TO APPORTIONMENT WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT.

THE GOOD NEWS IS WE KNOW ABOUT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS NOW.

WE KNOW THE DATA WILL BE COMING TO US FROM THE CENSUS BUREAU SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.

WE DON'T THINK THERE WILL BE A REASON AND I EXPECT WE WILL GET THE JOB DONE IN REDISTRICTING PROBABLY LATE OCTOBER.

IT SEEMS TO BE THE TIME FRAME ON THAT.

>> QUICKLY, PRISONS PRESSING ISSUE AS WELL.

IS IT LOGICAL TO THINK IT COULD BE COMBINED WITH REAPPORTIONMENT OR ARE THOSE TWO ISSUES SO BIG THEY MAY MERIT TWO SESSIONS?

>> THE GOVERNOR OF ALABAMA WILL BE RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE WHAT THE CALL WILL BE FOR THOSE SPECIAL SESSIONS, WHAT WILL BE DISCUSSED.

I THINK THERE'S TWO SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT.

NUMBER ONE IS LET'S BE EFFICIENT AND DO A LOT IN A SINGLE SESSION.

THAT SOUNDS GOOD, OKAY, BUT WHEN YOU COMBINE TOPICS THAT MAYBE AS SIGNIFICANT AS REAPPORTIONMENT AND THE PRISON ISSUE INTO ONE SPECIAL SESSION, YOU WIND UP WHERE ONE IS FEEDING OFF THE OTHER AND YOU WIND UP ONE IS POLITICALLY AFFECTED BY THE OTHER.

AND YOU COULD WIND UP WHERE SOME OF THESE TOPICS MAYBE BETTER IN AN INDEPENDENT SESSION.

THE GOAL IN A SPECIAL SESSION IS TO KEEP THE LEGISLATURE FOCUSED ON PARTICULAR TOPICS.

SO, IF WE GOT TOO BIG WITH IT -- I KNOW EFFICIENCY SOUNDS GOOD AND I'M ALL FOR IT AND YOU JUST COMMENTED ABOUT HOW EFFICIENCY HAD BEEN A HALLMARK OF MY FIRST SESSION AS PRO-TEM IN THE SENATE BUT I THINK WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO DILUTE BY HAVING TOO MUCH ON OUR PLATE IN A SPECIAL SESSION SETTING.

>> SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM GREG REED OF JASPER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP THIS YEAR.

>> AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> YOU CAN WATCH PAST EPISODES OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE ANYTIME AT ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION'S WEBSITE APTV.ORG.

CLICK ON THE ONLINE VIDEO TAB ON THE MAIN PAGE.

YOU CAN ALSO CONNECT WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL" AND LINK TO PAST EPISODES ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" FACEBOOK PAGE.

>> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, IT'S OUR WEEKLY VISIT WITH STATE HEALTH OFFICER SCOTT HARRIS.

DR. HARRIS, WELCOME BACK TO THE PROGRAM.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME, DON.

>> ALWAYS NICE TO SEE YOU.

WE'LL BEGIN AS WE ALWAYS DO THESE DAYS WITH VACCINATIONS.

IT'S NO SECRET THAT VACCINATIONS ARE SLACKING OFF IN THE STATE.

WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT THAT QUITE A BIT BUT THERE WERE STRONG SIGNS OF HOW MUCH VACCINATIONS MAYBE SLACKING OFF IN THE FORM OF PRETTY BIG MASS CLINICS SHUTTING DOWN OPERATIONS.

I KNOW ONE IN HOOVER WHICH WAS ONE OF THE LARGEST IF NOT THE LARGEST AND WE JUST HEARD MASS CLINIC AT THE AIRPORT WAS ANNOUNCING PLANS TO SHUT DOWN TOO.

IS THIS INDICATIVE OF THE TIMES?

>> I THINK THE NEWS ISN'T ALL BAD.

WE ALWAYS KNEW THERE WOULD BE A TIME WHEN THE LARGE-SCALE CLINICS WOULD CLOSE AND THAT'S BECAUSE WE WOULD HAVE VACCINE IN THE NORMAL PIPELINE AND NORMAL CHAIN WHERE PEOPLE GET THEIR MEDICAL CARE.

EARLY ON A LOT OF PEOPLE WEREN'T ABLE TO HANDLE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE VACCINE OR SET UP TO GIVE VACCINES.

SO THE MASS CLINICS MADE MORE SENSE.

CERTAINLY THEY ARE EFFICIENT IN THE SENSE YOU CAN SEE MORE PEOPLE QUICKLY.

I THINK THE VACCINE CLINICS NOW, THE LARGE ONES ARE CLOSING BECAUSE THERE'S NO LESS DEMAND, NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT AND BECAUSE WE HAVE 1350 LOCATIONS AROUND THE STATE WHERE YOU CAN GET A VACCINE, TYPICALLY DRUGSTORES OR DOCTOR'S OFFICES.

>> THAT SHOULD BE ONE THING WE SHOULD LEAVE WITH FOLKS TODAY.

EVEN THOUGH THE MASS CLINICS ARE CLOSING, THERE'S PLENTY OF PLACES TO GO AND GET THE SHOT.

IT A WIDELY AVAILABLE.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

WE MENTIONED BEFORE TO YOUR VIEWERS TO CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE AND YOU CAN SEE A MAP THAT SHOWS ALL OF THE CLINICS WITHIN FIVE MILES OF YOUR HOME OR 25 OR 50 MILES OF YOUR HOME, VIRTUALLY EVERY PLACE IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA, EXCEPT A COUPLE OF SMALL, RURAL POCKETS HAVE VACCINES WITHIN TEN MILES OF ANY LOCATION YOU PICK.

EVERY COUNTY HAS MULTIPLE SITES TO GET A VACCINE.

SOME BY APPOINTMENT AND SOME WALK UP.

BUT VACCINE IS WIDELY AVAILABLE IN ALL PARTS OF THE STATE.

>> THE VACCINATION PROCESS GOES IN CYCLES.

WE JUST STARTED TO VACCINATE ADOLESCENT CHILDREN, AGES 12-15 WHICH SAW AN UPTICK IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE GETTING THE SHOTS AND THOSE THAT WILL COME BACK FOR SECOND SHOTS LATER, I POSE.

IT WILL EBB AND FLOW.

>> WE HAVE GIVEN SHOTS TO MORE THAN 5,000 PEOPLE IN THAT AGE GROUP.

WE FEEL THAT IS PRETTY GOOD.

THERE ARE ACTUALLY 250,000 CHILDREN IN ALABAMA WHO FIT IF THAT AGE GROUP.

WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO REACH ALL OF THEM.

BUT SO FAR THE UPTAKE HAS BEEN GOOD AND PEDIATRICIANS ARE EXCITED TO ADD IT TO THE NORMAL VACCINATIONS THEY GIVE.

I THINK THINGS ARE GOING WELL THERE.

>> ARE YOU FEELING FAIRLY GOOD THAT EVEN THOUGH VACCINATIONS ARE SLACKING OFF OUR DAILY COUNT NUMBERS ARE NOT INCREASING.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THE NUMBER OF CASES, HOSPITALIZATIONS AND THANKFULLY THE NUMBER OF DEATHS ARE NOT INCREASING.

THEY PLATEAUED AT A MUCH LOWER LEVEL THAN WE HAVE SEEN BEFORE.

WE FEEL GOOD ABOUT THAT.

WE CERTAINLY WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO VACCINATE AT A HIGHER RATE THAN WE ARE.

WE HAVE HAD OVER HALF A MILLION ALABAMIANS WHO HAVE BEEN INFECTED.

SOME OF THEM HAVE IMMUNITY THAT STAYS ON BOARD FOR A WHILE, EVEN IF THEY HAVEN'T BEEN VACCINATED.

WE KNOW THAT IMMUNITY DOESN'T LAST FOREVER.

WE KNOW PEOPLE CAN CERTAINLY BE INFECTED MORE THAN ONCE.

IRONICALLY, THE LOWER NUMBER OF CASES WE HAVE, THE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE PEOPLE WE HAVE.

WE HAVE LESS IMMUNITY OUT THERE BECAUSE WE HAVE A SMALLER NUMBER IN NEW CASES.

OVER TIME, THE WAY WE ADDRESS THAT IS VACCINATE MORE PEOPLE.

THAT'S WHERE OUR EFFORTS ARE FOCUSED.

>> DR. HARRIS, THE LEGISLATURE THIS WEEK, BEFORE IT ADJOURNED ITS REGULAR SESSION FOR THE YEAR, PASSED A BILL TO BAN SO-CALLED VACCINE PASSPORTS IN ALABAMA.

I WILL REMIND FOLKS WHAT THEY WERE DESIGNED TO DO IS PEOPLE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT THESE TO ENTER CERTAIN BUILDINGS AND ATTEND CERTAIN EVENTS.

LAWMAKERS DID NOT WANT THAT TO BE THE CASE IN ALABAMA.

WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT THIS BRIEFLY ON THE SHOW.

IT HAS RAISED SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LANGUAGE OF THE BILL AND DOES IT SPECIFICALLY PROHIBIT SAY THE CARD YOU ARE GIVEN WHEN YOU ARE VACCINATED WITH PROOF THAT YOU ARE FULLY VACCINATED.

I THINK IT IS THE OPINION OF YOUR OFFICE IT DOES NOT.

>> IT DOES NOT PROHIBIT THAT.

THAT WASN'T THE INTENT TO PROHIBIT THAT.

THERE WERE SOME STORIES THIS WEEK WHETHER THE LANGUAGE MADE IT ILLEGAL TO CERTIFY WHO'S HAD A VACCINATION OR NOT.

IT DOES NOT.

THE CARDS WE GIVE OUT ARE FROM CDC.

THEY HAVE A RETURN APPOINTMENT ON THERE AND THEY JUST LIST THE VACCINE YOU HAVE SO YOU CAN RETURN AND GET THE SAME VACCINE WHEN YOU COME BACK, IF YOU NEED ANOTHER SHOT.

THAT'S NOT THE SAME THING AS CERTIFYING SOMEONE IS VACCINATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING A GOVERNMENT BENEFIT OR GOVERNMENT SERVICE WHICH WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL.

>> I'M SURE YOU WERE WATCHING ANOTHER BILL THIS WEEK WITH INTEREST.

IT HAD TO DO WITH LIMITING THE GOVERNOR'S EMERGENCY POWERS, LIKE DURING A PANDEMIC, THE BILL PROPOSED THE GOVERNOR WANTED TO EXTEND EMERGENCY ORDERS BEYOND A CERTAIN POINT SHE WOULD HAVE TO GET LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL.

THE BILL DID NOT MAKE IT OUT.

IT WAS NOT BROUGHT UP FOR A VOTE IN THE HOUSE BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE ADJOURNED.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

WE REALLY DIDN'T HAVE ANY OFFICIAL INPUT ON THAT.

THAT WAS REALLY SOMETHING THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE WORKED OUT BETWEEN THEM.

THE APPLICATION TO PUBLIC HEALTH IN THAT BILL WAS REQUIRING THE STATE HEALTH OFFICER TO CONSULT AND HAVE THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR BEFORE ISSUING THESE STATE-WIDE HEALTH ORDERS, WHICH WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE ANYWAY.

IT WOULDN'T HAVE CHANGED ANYTHING WE HAVE DONE THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC OR ANYTIME.

>> LET'S SPEND THE LAST COUPLE OF MINUTES TALKING ABOUT MASKING.

WE TALKED PREVIOUSLY ABOUT THE CDC SAYING THAT IF YOU ARE FULLY VACCINATED NOW, IN MOST CASES, THERE ARE SOME LIMITED EXCEPTIONS, YOU DON'T HAVE TO WEAR A MASK, EITHER OUTSIDE OR INSIDE BUT THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF HEADLINES IN THE NATIONAL PRESS OVER THE LAST WEEK SAYING THERE IS A LOT OF CONFUSION.

I THINK IT BEARS REPEATING FOR US, A, THAT RESTAURANTS AND PRIVATE BUSINESSES, IT'S STILL UP TO THEM WHAT THEIR ON-PREMISES PRACTICES WILL BE.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

REMEMBER, THE CDC ISSUES GUIDANCE.

CDC DOESN'T ISSUE LAWS PEOPLE ARE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANYWAY.

THEY TAKE THE MEDICAL ADVICE AND SAY THIS IS WHAT WE THINK THE BEST PUBLIC HEALTH PRINCIPLES ARE.

BUSINESSES ARE ALLOWED TO REQUIRE MASKS IF THEY CHOOSE TO DO SO.

THERE ARE FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS THAT GOVERN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES LIKE HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES, WHICH WILL REQUIRE MASKING WHICH MAKES PERFECT SENSE AND PLENTY OF ALABAMIANS AND AMERICANS THAT FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE WEARING A MASK AND NO REASON TO DISCOURAGE THAT PEOPLE CHOOSE TO DO THAT.

IF YOU ARE VACCINATED YOU CAN MOSTLY GET BACK TO NORMAL.

IF YOU ARE NOT YET VACCINATED THINGS WILL BE LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN FOR A WHILE.

THAT'S MOSTLY BEEN AN ISSUE FOR SCHOOLS BECAUSE WE DON'T EVEN HAVE A VACCINE PRODUCT FOR KIDS UNDER 12.

THOSE KIDS, BY DEFINITION, WILL NOT BE VACCINATED RIGHT NOW.

>> ONE QUESTION IS WE ARE OPERATING ON AN HONOR SYSTEM IN MANY RESPECTS.

YOU ARE SAYING YOU ARE FULLY VACCINATED AND ASKING PEOPLE TO BELIEVE THAT.

>> YEAH.

I DON'T KNOW OF ANOTHER WAY AROUND THAT.

WE HAVE TRIED TO THINK ABOUT THAT.

WE DON'T POLICE WHO IS VACCINATED OR NOT.

WE DON'T ACTIVELY ASK PEOPLE.

WITHIN PUBLIC HEALTH, WE HAVE TOLD OUR EMPLOYEES IF YOU ARE VACCINATED, MASKS ARE OPTIONAL FOR YOU.

WE HAVEN'T TAKEN THE STEP OF SAYING IF YOU ARE NOT VACCINATED YOU HAVE TO WEAR A MASK.

WE DON'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO KNOW WHO AND WHO IS NOT VACCINATED.

WE DON'T ENFORCE THAT.

WE HOPE PEOPLE WILL BE CONSIDERATE AND HONEST AND DO THE RIGHT THING.

>> ON THE FLIP SIDE OF THE COIN, SOME PEOPLE VACCINATED ARE CHOOSING TO WEAR A MASK.

>> THAT MAKES SENSE IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS FOR SURE.

EVEN CDC SAID IF YOU'RE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION WHERE YOU ARE CROWDED TOGETHER OR A HEALTHCARE FACILITY YOU SHOULD WEAR A MASK.

I THINK MANY PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY SENIORS OR PEOPLE WITH HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE WORRIED THEMSELVES THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE RISKS EVEN IF VACCINATED.

I DON'T HAVE ANY DISAGREEMENT WITH THAT.

>> BEFORE WE CLOSE, I HAD SOMEONE SAY THEY FELT COMFORTABLE ENOUGH FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS WEEK TO GO INTO A GROCERY STORE WITHOUT A MASK BUT SHE FELT A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE GIVING HER THE EVIL EYE BECAUSE SHE WAS WALKING AROUND WITHOUT A MASK.

>> THESE TRANSITION PERIODS ARE DIFFICULT.

WHEN WE FIRST WENT TO MASKS UNIVERSAL THINK THERE WERE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAD HEART BURN ABOUT THAN, AS WELL.

NOW WE ARE TRYING TO COME OUT OF THAT IT IS THE SAME DYNAMIC.

I THINK PEOPLE WILL GET USED TO THE GUIDANCE AND GET BACK TO NORMAL.

>> STATE HEALTH OFFICER DR. HARRIS, ALWAYS A PLEASURE.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> YOU BET.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> ORIGINALLY DESIGNATED AS A POSTAL ROUTE IN 1806 THOUGH OLD FEDERAL ROAD STRETCHED THROUGH THE CREEK INDIAN TERRITORY OF LOWER ALABAMA.

ALABAMA'S FEDERAL ROAD FUNCTIONED AS A MAJOR THOROUGHFARE FOR WESTERN MIGRATION TO THE OLD SOUTHWEST, USHERING IN A NEW ERA OF NATIONAL EXPANSION AND EXPLOITATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN TERRITORY.

ALTHOUGH MUCH OF THE FEDERAL ROAD HAS DISAPPEARED, PORTIONS OF IT REMAIN TODAY.

AND THAT'S "CAPITOL JOURNAL" FOR TONIGHT.

COMING UP NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT AT 7:30, WE WILL HAVE THE LATEST FROM THE STATEHOUSE AND OUR GUESTS ARE JIM McCLENDON OF SPRINGFIELD, WHO WILL DISCUSS GAMBLING PROSPECTS AND HIS DECISION NOT TO SEEK RE-ELECTION NEXT YEAR.

REPRESENTATIVE WES ALLEN OF TROY WILL BE WITH US TO DISCUSS LEGISLATIVE PASSAGE OF HIS BILL TO BAN CURBSIDE VOTING IN THE STATE AND THE FAILURE OF A TRANSGENDER YOUTH MEDICAL MEASURE.

REPRESENTATIVE GINNY SHAVER OF LEESBURG IS SET TO BE WITH US TO TALK ABOUT PASSAGE OF HER LEGISLATION TO PROTECT BABIES BORN ALIVE DURING ABORTIONS.

AND STATE HEALTH OFFICER DR. SCOTT HARRIS WILL BE BACK WITH US TO DISCUSS THE LATEST ON CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION EFFORTS.

FOR ALL OF US AT "CAPITOL JOURNAL," THANKS SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

I'M DON DAILEY.