Bell to lead FRED committee
Sen. Lance Bell, R-Riverside, is the new chairman of the Senate’s Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee.
He replaces Sen. Garlan Gudger, who this week became the Senate’s president pro tem.
“The name of this committee contains two phrases — ‘fiscal responsibility’ and ‘economic development’ — that are essential to the continuing economic health and growth of Alabama,”Bell said in a statement following his appointment Thursday. “The bills and measures that come before us will be thoroughly vetted and carefully considered as we work to create even brighter days ahead for all Alabamians.”
Bell, an attorney, was elected to the Senate in 2022. His district includes portions of Shelby, St. Clair and Talladega counties.
The Senate Senate Committee on Assignments announced other changes to fill Gudger’s previous posts:
- Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, Finance and Taxation Education Committee;
- Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Ino, Confirmations Committee;
- Sen. Wes Kitchens, R-Arab, Education Policy Committee;
- Sen. Jay Hovey, R-Auburn, Tourism Committee.
“The Alabama Senate is made up of some of the most capable leaders, each bringing valuable experience and talent to the table,” Gudger said. “These Senators are stepping up to move legislation that upholds Alabama values, protects our families, and makes our communities safer.”
Senate approves gender definition bill
Alabama Senate Republicans on Thursday approved legislation to put gender definitions based on reproductive systems into state law.
State Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, said repeatedly this week Senate Bill 79 is a “common sense bill that is based on biological facts.”
“Sex is based on fundamental truths that are as old as the book of Genesis and as reliable as the sun in the sky,” Weaver said on the Senate floor. “Men are born men, and women are born women—one can never become the other.”
Democrats voted against the bill and Sens. Rodger Smitherman and Linda Coleman-Madison, both of Birmingham, spoke against it on the Senate floor, saying it was unnecessary. Opponents have said it’s a step away from a “bathroom bill” and will lead to discrimination against transgender Alabamians.
The original version of the bill put restrictions on public bathroom usage, based on the definitions. That language was removed.
Gov. Kay Ivey mentioned the bill as a priority in her state of the state address Tuesday.
It now moves to the House, where Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, is the sponsor.
Veterans resource center bill advances
The Alabama Senate on Thursday approved legislation to create a new veterans’ resource center under a public-private partnership.
A new board would be created to manage the center that Senate Bill 70 sponsor Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre said would have a physical location in Montgomery but would coordinate with providers around the state.
On the Senate floor, Jones described a “one stop shop” for veterans services, including mental health care referrals and job training and placement.
He said a funding request of $5 million has been made to the state’s General Fund.
“After that, it is supposed to be fully funded on private dollars,” Jones said.
Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, asked about the total cost and whether the state could be asked later for more money.
Jones said a total cost hasn’t been determined.
Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, is sponsoring the bill in the House.
“Returning to civilian life after serving our country can be challenging for America’s heroes,” Oliver said in a written statement. “Supporting Alabama’s 400,000 veterans will always be a top priority, and I fully believe the Alabama Veterans Resource Center has the power to uplift the men and women who have made great sacrifices for our country.”
The bill is one of three recommendations the Alabama Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee approved in advance of the 2025 legislative session.