>> DON: GOOD EVENING.

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

THANKS FOR JOINING US.

TOPPING OUR BROADCAST TONIGHT, THE HOUSE TODAY APPROVED THE RECORD $7.6 BILLION EDUCATION BUDGET, SETTING IT UP FOR FINAL LEGISLATIVE PASSAGE.

HOUSE BUDGET CHAIRMAN BILL POOLE OF TUSCALOOSA SAID, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE SCHOOL SPENDING PLAN PROVIDES FOR A TWO PERCENT RAISE FOR ALL EDUCATION EMPLOYEES.

>> WELL, I THINK IT'S VERY SIGNIFICANT THAT WE'VE ADOPTED SPANISH FORT EDUCATORS, BEEN A TOUGH YEAR FOR EVERYBODY, IN EDUCATION AND WE EXPECT A LOT OF OUR TEACHERS GOING INTO THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR, WHICH IS WHEN THE PAY RAISE WILL TAKE EFFECT.

WE HAVE A LOT OF GROUND TO COVER, EXPECTING A LOT THAT WE'LL ASK OF THE TEACHERS AND WE'RE THANKFUL FOR THEM.

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT THEM AS THEY WORK HARD FOR OUR CHILDREN.

>> DON: THE RECORD $7.6 BILLION EDUCATION BUDGET ALSO INCLUDES MONEY TO RESTRUCTURE STEP RAISES FOR TEACHERS, FOR HIRING MORE CREDENTIALED MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHERS, TO MEET A CRITICAL NEED, AND MORE MONEY TO CONTINUE EXPANDING PRE-K CLASSROOMS AROUND THE STATE.

OUR PRE-K PROGRAM, OF COURSE, WAS RECENTLY RECOGNIZED FOR THE 15TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR FOR BEING THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY.

THE SENATE FINANCE AND TAXATION GENERAL FUND COMMITTEE TODAY UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED A RECORD $2.4 BILLION GENERAL FUND BUDGET AND PUT IT IN POSITION FOR POSSIBLE FLOOR CONSIDERATION LATER THIS WEEK.

BUDGET CHAIRMAN, SENATOR GREG ALBRITTON OF ATMORE, TOLD THE COMMITTEE THAT EXPENDITURES IN NEXT YEAR'S NON-EDUCATION SPENDING PLAN ARE ALMOST THE SAME AS THOSE IN THE CURRENT BUDGET, YET THERE IS SOME GROWTH.

THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 GENERAL FUND CONTAINS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A TWO PERCENT RAISE FOR STATE EMPLOYEES.

>> TRYING TO SPREAD THE LOVE AS MUCH AS I COULD, I WOULD ALSO SUGGEST THAT NOBODY GOT EVERYTHING THAT THEY WANTED.

BUT EVERYBODY GOT SOMETHING.

WE ALSO HAVE, IN THIS BILL, THAT YOU ARE GOING TO SEE, YOU WILL FIND THAT THERE'S A LOT MORE LANGUAGE TO IT IN THAT THERE'S MORE CONTROLS THAT WE'RE PUTTING IN SO THAT WHEN MONIES ARE SENT OUT, THAT WE'RE ABLE TO GET REPORTS ON HOW THAT MONEY IS USED.

>> DON: SENATOR ALBRITTON SAID THAT HE WANTS TO WORK WITH LAWMAKERS TO ADDRESS ANY ISSUES THEY MIGHT HAVE WITH THE BUDGET AND HOPEFULLY HAVE IT ON THE SENATE FLOOR ON THURSDAY, WHERE PASSAGE COULD PUT IT POSITION FOR FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL.

A PAIR OF GUN BILLS ADVANCED TODAY.

THE HOUSE PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE APPROVED CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ALLOW STATE RESIDENTS TO CARRY A CONCEALED PISTOL WITHOUT HAVING TO GET A PERMIT OR PAY A FEE FOR ONE.

IT'S A BILL ENDORSED BY CONGRESSMAN MO BROOKS OF HUNTSVILLE AND IT'S SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE ANDREW SORRELL OF MUSCLE SHOALS, WHO PREVIOUSLY SPOKE TO CAPITOL JOURNAL.

>> THIS IS NOTE SOMETHING THAT I ASKED CONGRESSMAN BROOKS TO DO, THEY DID OF THEIR OWN ACCORD.

THEY REACHED OUT SAID WE LIKE YOUR BILL AND WE DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS BILL HASN'T MOVED.

THE REPUBLICANS HAVE BEEN IN CHARGE IN ALABAMA FOR 11 YEARS AND NOT PASSED CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY WHEN 17 OTHER STATES HAVE.

WHY IS THAT?

WELL, THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION THAT WE NEED TO BE ASKING OURSELVES, WHY DO WE THINK IT'S ACCEPTABLE FOR THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO SELL A PERMIT FOR PEOPLE TO EXERCISE THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT.

>> DON: IN THE MEANTIME, THE HOUSE PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE TODAY ALSO APPROVED WHAT'S CALLED THE ALABAMA SECOND AMENDMENT PRESERVATION ACT.

IT'S SPONSORED BY SENATOR GERALD ALLEN OF TUSCALOOSA, AND IT WOULD PROHIBIT LOCAL AND STATE POLICE FROM ENFORCING NEW FEDERAL GUN RESTRICTIONS.

BOTH MEASURES HAVE FACED PUSHBACK FROM LAW OFFICERS AND WITH TODAY'S COMMITTEE APPROVAL, BOTH ARE NOW SCHEDULED TO MOVE NEXT TO THE HOUSE FLOOR.

PRISON REFORM ADVOCATES RALLIED OUTSIDE THE STATEHOUSE TODAY TO DEMAND ACTION ON LEGISLATION THAT SEEKS TO REPEAL THE HABITUAL FELONY OFFENDER ACT, OR HFOA.

IT'S ALSO WHAT'S REFERRED TO AS THE ‘THREE STRIKES' SENTENCING LAW.

THE ADVOCATES CALLED IT A HARMFUL LAW THAT THEY CONTEND IS CONTRIBUTING TO OUR PRISON PROBLEMS, NOT HELPING THEM.

>> NOW, ONE THING THIS WE WANT TO MAKE ABUNDANTLY CLEAR IS THAT WE MUST REPEAL HOFA.

THIS WOULD BE A SIGNIFICANT STEP TOWARD EASING THE CURRENT OVERCROWDING CRISIS, REDUCING THE COST OF LONG TERM INCARCERATION AND GIVING PEOPLE A CHANCE TO BE REDEEMED AND RE-ENTER SOCIETY.

TODAY, WE'RE TELLING LEGISLATORS TO VOTE YES ON HOFA.

>> AND THE BILL TO REPEAL THE HABITUAL FELONY OFFENDER ACT HAS PASSED A HOUSE COMMITTEE, BUT SO FAR HAS NOT MADE IT TO THE FLOOR.

STATE AUDITOR JIM ZEIGLER ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT HE IS AMONG A GROUP OF FOUR PLAINTIFFS WHO HAVE FILED A CIVIL LAWSUIT THAT SEEKS TO BLOCK GOVERNOR KAY IVEY'S PRIVATE LEASE PRISON CONSTRUCTION PLAN.

THE OTHER PLAINTIFFS INCLUDE DEMOCRATIC STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN ROGERS OF BIRMINGHAM.

THE LEGAL ACTION CONTENDS THAT THE PRIVATE LEASE PRISON DEAL IS ILLEGAL BECAUSE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, IT DIDN'T RECEIVE LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL.

ZEIGLER AND THE OTHER PLAINTIFFS ALSO CONTEND THAT NEW FACILITIES WON'T SOLVE OUR PRISON PROBLEMS.

THE PRIVATE LEASE DEAL HIT A SNAG LAST WEEK WHEN TWO FINANCIAL UNDERWRITERS PULLED OUT AND GOVERNOR IVEY HAS SINCE SAID THAT SHE'S OPEN TO WORKING WITH LAWMAKERS ON A STATE BOND ISSUE TO BUILD NEW PRISONS.

GOVERNOR IVEY TODAY RELEASED A VIDEO IN WHICH SHE REMEMBERED THE DEVASTATING ALABAMA TORNADO OUTBREAK THAT OCCURRED ON THIS DATE TEN YEARS AGO.

>> Governor: WE SAW AN ASTONISHING 62 TORNADOES RIP THROUGHOUT OUR STATE LEAVING A PATH OF DESTRUCTION FROM WEST ALABAMA ACROSS, AND 29 TORNADOES AND 33 IN OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE LEFT THEIR INDELIBLE MARK.

IN MANY WAYS, IT FEELS THAT SO MUCH TIME HAS GONE BY SINCE THIS DEVASTATING DAY.

AND YET, FOR THE PEOPLE MOURNING THE 254 LOST FRIENDS, AND LOVED ONES AND MORE THAN 2200 INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE INJURED THAT DAY, IT FEELS LIKE JUST YESTERDAY.

FRIENDS SINCE THE TRAGEDY ON APRIL 27, 2011, OUR COMMUNITY HAS EMERGED STRONGER.

>> DON: THE GOVERNOR DESIGNATED THIS TUESDAY AS A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR THOSE WHO SUFFERED AND LOST SO MUCH ON APRIL 27, 2011.

STATE FLAGS TODAY ALSO FLEW AT HALF STAFF.

WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> Don: NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS PRINGLE FROM MOBILE BACK UP ON THE STUDIO.

NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN.

>> GLAD TO BE HERE.

>> AND YOU ARE COMPANY COMMITTEE ON REAPPORTIONMENT AS YOU WATCHED YESTERDAY, THE CENSUS BUREAU ANNOUNCED THAT ALABAMA WOULD NOT LOSE A CONGRESSIONAL SEAT.

THAT'S GREAT NEWS FOR US ALL AROUND.

IT CAME AFTER A YEAR WHICH THE STATE REALLY UNDERTOOK A SERIOUS EFFORT THAT AS MANY AS POSSIBLE COULD BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS.

AND IT HINGED ON WHETHER OR NOT WE WERE GOING TO LOSE A CONGRESSIONAL SEAT.

>> RIGHT, IT'S NOT JUST LOOSING A SEAT IN CONGRESS BUT ALSO LOOSING AN ELECTORAL VOTE AS WELL.

>> AND THEN, IT WOULD BE UP TO YOUR COMMITTEE TO FIGURE OUT A LOT OF THINGS, AND NOW LUCKILY, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THAT.

>> THANK GOD, YES.

MADE MY LIFE A WHOLE LOT EASIER!

>> BUT I GUESS WE NEED TO SAY TO THE FOLKS WHO TOOK PART IN THE CENSUS, THANK YOU, BECAUSE OF YOU WE REACHED THIS POINT.

>> WELL, NOT ONLY THAT, THAT'S THE WAY WE DIVIDE UP THE FEDERAL DOLLARS AND IT DRIVES A LOT OF MONEY THAT COMES TO THE STATE.

HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS THAT WE GET TO HELP THE POOR AND THE NEEDY BASED ON OUR POPULATION.

>> THINK IT CAME IN JUST OVER 5 MILLION.

I THINK IF I REMEMBER MY NUMBERS CORRECTLY, 109,000 HIGHER THAN THE ESTIMATE THAT WAS GIVEN EARLIER IN THE YEAR?

>> RIGHT, IT'S 126,000 HIGHER THAN THE NUMBERS THAT WE HAD IN THE COMPUTER SAY, YEAH.

IT'S GOING TO BE INTERESTING.

>> THINGS HAVE BEEN DELAYED THIS YEAR AND IT'S MADE CHALLENGING FOR YOU ON THE REAPPORTIONMENT BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER, SO TO SPEAK, AND DRAW THE NEW VOTING DISTRICT LINES IN TIME FOR NEXT YEAR'S ELECTION, RIGHT?

>> IT'S GOING TO BE A TIGHT SCHEDULE.

WE WERE SUPPOSED TO GET THE NUMBERS IN DECEMBER AND ACTUALLY SUPPOSED TO HAVE THE PRELIMINARY NUMBERS IN DECEMBER AND THEN KNOW IN SEPTEMBER WHETHER WE HAD 6 OR 7, AND HAVE THAT IN DECEMBER.

FINAL NUMBERS TO BE DELIVERED IN JANUARY.

WE JUST FOUND OUT RIGHT NOW, WE HAD 7.

GETTING PRELIMINARY NUMBERS IN AUGUST AND FINAL NUMBERS IN SEPTEMBER.

SO, YEAH.

THAT'S RIGHT.

IT'S NOT WHAT WE HAVE TO DO.

IT'S JUST MEETING AND HAVING OUR PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETING WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE ON HOW THEY WANT THEIR DISTRICTS DRAWN, DEVISING A PLAN, GETTING IT PASSED THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE.

AND AFTER THAT WE DO THAT, THEN IT'S SENT TO THE BOARD OF REGULAR STARS AND THEY HAVE TO UPDATE EVERY SINGLE VOTERS RECORD IN THE STATE, HOUSE, AND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

AND THEN AFTER THAT, THEY HAVE TO CROSS CHECK THAT.

THERE'S OVER 4,000 BALLOTS THAT HAVE TO BE DEVISE NATURAL DISASTER THE STATE OF ALABAMA BEFORE THE ELECTION NEXT MAY.

THERE'S A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE.

>> AND THERE'S A LOT OF TALK ABOUT DELAYING NEXT YEAR'S ELECTIONS.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO IT?

>> WE'RE GOING TO DO THAT, WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO DEVISE A PLAN AND GET OUR WORK DONE AS FAST AS POSSIBLE SO THE PEOPLE AT LOCAL LEVEL CAN GET THEIR WORK DONE.

>> SO, IF YOU GET THE NUMBERS YOU NEED FROM THE CENSUS BUREAU BY THE END OF AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, THERE'S STILL A LOT OF WORK THAT HAS TO GO INTO CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS, COMPILING YOUR REPORT ON THE DISTRICTS.

>> SURE.

YEAH, THE AUGUST NUMBERS SHOULD BE PRETTY ACCURATE.

YOU KNOW, IN CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING, THERE'S ZERO DEVIATION, EVERY DISTRICT HAS TO BE EXACTLY THE SAME.

AND IF THE NUMBERS WE GET IN AUGUST ARE ONE OR TWO PERCENT OFF, THEN WE HAVE TO GO BACK AND REDRAW EVERYTHING IN ORDER TO READJUST IT.

WHAT YOU DID IN ONE DISTRICT HAS A RIPPLE EFFECT IN THE OTHER DISTRICT.

SAME THING WITH THE STATE CONGRESSIONAL.

WE HAVE TO DRAW ALL THE DIFFERENT DISTRICTS.

>> SOUNDS OVERWHELMING.

>> IT'S A LOT, THE WAY I DESCRIBE IT, TAKING A PUZZLE OVER THE STATE OF ALABAMA OF 252,000 PIECES OF IT AND PUT IT TOGETHER.

NOT ONLY SOFTBALL IT, BUT -- ASSEMBLE IT, BUT GET IT INTO THE RIGHT AREAS AND GETTING THE DISTRICTS RIGHT.

>> THERE'S A LOT OF TALK THAT THIS IS PROBABLY GOING TO REQUIRE PASSING REAPPORTIONMENT, REQUIRING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

ANY WAY TO GET AROUND NOT HAVING A SESSION LEG LEGISLATIVE SESSION?

>> IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT, IF WE START IN AUGUST, SEPTEMBER HAVING THE MEETINGS, WELL, IT WOULD BE SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, COMING IN POSSIBLE OCTOBER NOVEMBER AND PASS A BILL, LET THE GOVERNOR SIGN IT.

AND IN JANUARY SIGN IT.

THEN THAT GIVES THEM JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH.

AND THEY HAVE TO HAVE THE BALLOTS DONE IN MARCH, SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE ELECTION AT LEAST FOR MAY.

>> SO, THIS BRINGS UP THE DEBATE OVER THE COST OF A SPECIAL SESSION BUT WE HAVE TO GET THIS DONE, IS THAT RIGHT?

>> WELL, EXACTLY.

THREE YEARS AGO, WE WERE THINKING WE WERE GOING TO DO IT DURING THIS SESSION WHEN WE GOT THE NUMBERS LAST YEAR.

BUT WE DIDN'T GET THEM.

SO, WE CAN'T HELP IT.

IT GOT PUSHED AND WE HAVE TO REAPPORTION AND REDISTRICT AS MANDATED BY THE CONSTITUTION.

>> THE LEGISLATURE WILL COME BACK INTO SESSION NEXT JANUARY.

THERE HAD BEEN SOME INITIAL CONVERSATION AS TO WHETHER YOU COULD COME BACK, MAYBE A WEEK EARLY AND HAVE A SPECIAL SESSION BEFORE THE REGULAR SESSION IS THAT FEASIBLE IN YOUR MIND, TO GET THIS DONE?

>> IT'S CUTTING IT SO CLOSE.

AGAIN, AFTER WE DO SOMETHING THAT HAS TO GO TO THE COUNTIES AND THE REGULAR STARS UPDATE ALL OF THE VOTING RECORDS, THEN GETTING THE BALLOTS READY.

SO, IT REALLY PUSHES IT PRETTY TIGHT.

>> SO WE MAY LOOK AT A SPECIAL SESSION SOMETIME MAYBE LATER IN THE FALL, NOVEMBER?

>> MY CRYSTAL BALL WHICH IS NOT ACCURATE WOULD TELL ME NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER.

>> AS YOU POINTED OUT, WE HAVE TO GIVE ALL OF THE LOCAL ELECTION OFFICIALS TIME TO DIGEST ALL OF THIS AND PREPARE BALLOTS TO BE READY FOR THE ELECTION NEXT MAY.

>> EXACTLY.

WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK AHEAD OF US.

>> INDEED YOU DO.

GOOD LUCK.

>> THANK YOU.

I APPRECIATE THAT.

>> I WANT TO SWITCH GEARS BEFORE WE CLOSE, REPRESENTATIVE, TO YOUR POSITION AS HOUSE STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE.

TOMORROW, YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO TAKE UP A GAMBLING BILL.

A LOT OF EYES ARE ON THIS OBVIOUSLY, WITH THE SESSION RUNNING OUT OF TIME AND WHETHER GAMBLING LEGISLATION MIGHT GET OUT BEFORE TIME IS UP.

THE BILL IS ON THE CALENDAR FOR YOUR COMMITTEE TOMORROW, IS THAT CORRECT.

IT'S ONE OF SEVERAL BILLS.

>> THE BILL BEFORE ME IS THE ONE THAT OUTLAWS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE POLITICIANS.

AND YOU CAN'T HAVE TOOLS TO JIMMY A MACHINE.

IT'S JUST KIND OF, BEHIND THE SCENES BILL THAT DICTATES WHAT'S LEGAL AND WHAT'S NOT LEGAL.

I'M HEARING THAT VERY WELL THERE COULD BE A SUBSTITUTE BILL AND I DON'T VOTE ON SUBSTITUTES IF THEY ARE BROUGHT.

SO, I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THAT.

>> SO, IF THERE'S A SUBSTITUTE, MIGHT IT COME BACK BEFORE THE COMMITTEE, THE WEEK BEFORE IT'S OVER?

>> WE COULD HAVE A MEETING ON THURSDAY, EARLY AND CARRY IT OVER FOR THE NIGHT AND STUDY IT BEFORE THEY HAVE TO VOTE ON IT.

>> WELL, LOOK INTO YOUR CRYSTAL BALL AGAIN BEFORE WE CLOSE.

IS THE GAMBLING BILL GOING TO GET OUT THIS SESSION, DO YOU THINK?

>> I DON'T KNOW.

THERE'S SO MUCH ON OUR PLATE RIGHT NOW.

WE'RE STILL WORKING ON THE BUDGETS UPSTAIRS RIGHT NOW.

AND SOME OF THE BUDGETS, PRISON ISSUE, GAMBLING ISSUE.

THERE'S A LOT TO BE DEALT WITH.

AND OUR CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE IS NUMBER ONE TO GET THE BUDGETS DONE.

THAT'S IT.

SO, IF WE CAN WORK IT OUT, WE'LL WORK IT OUT.

BUT GAMBLING BILL, THE DEVIL IS ALWAYS IN THE DETAILS.

IT'S WHAT IS WRITTEN ON THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE PAGE THAT WE HAVE TO POUR THROUGH AND UNDERSTAND BEFORE WE LET IT OUT.

I TOLD MY COLLEAGUES, YOU LET THAT CAT OUT OF THE BAG, YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO CATCH IT AGAIN.

YOU BETTER BE SURE YOU HAVE IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

>> REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS PRINGLE OF MOBILE, ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU ON THE SHOW.

>> THANK YOU.

>> GLAD TO SEE YOU.

>> THANKS AGAIN.

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

>> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, BARRY MATSON, BARRY, WELCOME BACK TO THE PROGRAM.

>> ALWAYS NIGHT TO BE HERE.

>> AND I KNOW THAT THE D.A.

'S ARE CLOSELY WATCHING SOME BILLS MOVING THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE.

THAT'S WHERE I WANT TO BEGIN.

LET'S START WITH THE CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE, WHICH GOT OUT OF THE SENATE LAST WEEK.

TELL US WHERE WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO THE D.A.

>> I KNOW IT MAY HAVE A BAD REPUTATION IN SOME CIRCLES, BUT WHAT IT IS, A DUE PROCESS FUNCTION THAT WE OPERATE WHERE AN ITEM OR EITHER PROCEEDS THAT ARE DIRECTLY LINKED TO A CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, PROCEEDS OR PROFITS FROM A CRIME OR INSTRUMENTS, SAY, LIKE A COMPUTER, GUNS, OR CAR USED TO COMMIT A CRIME.

AND WE'RE LIMITED TO THOSE THINGS.

WE HAVE TO SHOW THE NEXUS BETWEEN THE TWO AND WE CAN FILE, IN COURT, AND ASK THE COURT TO REVIEW THE ITEMS AND SEE IF THEY CAN BE FORFEITED AS PROFITS FROM A CRIME.

THAT'S WHAT WE'RE WORKING WITH FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

SOME SEIZURES ARE NOT PART OF THE ASSET FORFEITURE THAT WE NEED TO ADDRESS AND STOP THOSE ACTIVITIES.

SO, WE ALL RECOGNIZE THAT IT'S ISSUES THAT NEEDED REFORM.

SENATOR ORR HAS DONE A GREAT JOB, APPRECIATE THE LEADERSHIP AND THE BIPARTISAN LEADERSHIP AND LOOKING FORWARD TO MOVING THE BILL INTO THE HOUSE.

AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL BE SUCCESSFUL THERE.

THE BILL DOES A LOT OF GOOD THINGS THERE AND I THINK THE PUBLIC IS GOING TO BE PLEASED WITH WHAT WE'VE TRIED TO DO.

>> AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S ATTEMPTED TO BE DONE.

>> REALLY, FIVE YEARS.

WE STARTED OFF WITH A COUPLE OF BILLS AND REALIZED WE DIDN'T REALLY HAVE THE DATA.

ASSET FOR IF HE ACTUARIES ARE PUBLIC HAPPENINGS, ACTIONS, AND IN A PUBLIC COURT FILE BUT NEVER KEPT IN THE REPOSITORY WHERE YOU CAN REALLY CHECK THE DATA AND FIND OUT HOW MANY CASES THERE WERE, HOW MANY CARS RECEIVED, HOW MANY GUNS AND REALLY UNDERSTAND IT.

WE RECOGNIZED THAT WAS A NEED.

SO, ALEA, THE SHERIFF'S, MY OFFICE, OPS, AND D.A.

'S ASSOCIATION PUT TOGETHER A DATABASE WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AND WE CODIFY THAT LATER, I BELIEVE, IN 2019 THROUGH A STATUTE PASSED BY SENATOR ORR THAT REQUIRES US TO COLLECT ALL OF THE DATA ABOUT THE ASSET FORFEITURES, WHEN IT WAS SEIZED, BY WHOM, AND WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PROPERTY.

SO, NOW WE'RE REPORTING THAT ANNUALLY TO THE LEGISLATURE, POLICY MAKERS, AND THE PUBLIC.

WE'RE PROUD OF THAT.

I THINK ALABAMA IS LEAVING THE COUNTRY IN THE ASSET FORFEITURE -- CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE.

SO, I'M PROUD OF THAT.

>> AND I KNOW THAT SOME PEOPLE LOOKED AT IT AND SAID IT'S REINING IN CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE.

TIGHTER CONTROL.

IS THAT A GOOD WAY TO PUT IT?

>> WELL, THERE ARE SOME BAD NARRATIVES OUT THERE, WHERE MAYBE LAW ENFORCEMENT SEIZED SOMETHING ON THE ROADSIDE FROM A PERSON THAT THEY BELIEVED WAS COMMITTING A CRIME AND SAID, HERE, SIGN THIS OVER AND I'LL NOT CHARGE YOU.

WELL, THAT'S NOT PERMITTED.

AND WE DON'T INCLUDE THAT IN THE BILL.

IT HAS TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS, THE PERSON IS NOTIFIED AND THEY CAN ANSWER TO THIS.

SO, WE HAVE ELIMINATED THAT.

AND WE BEEFED UP THIRD PARTY, INNOCENT OWNER PROTECTION.

SOMEBODY HAS A LIEN ON A PROPERTY, SAY, A SPOUSE OR ANOTHER FAMILY MEMBER SAYS NO THAT'S MY CAR.

THAT WAS MY COMPUTER.

THEY HAD THE ABILITY TO RAISE THAT ALREADY, BUT WE HAVE RAMMED HAPPENED UP THAT PROTECTION FOR THEM -- RAMPED UP THAT PROTECTION FOR THEM.

AND I SAY, IN THE STATE, THE IMMENSE POWER THAT THE STATE HAS TO TAKE LIBERTY OR PROPERTY, IT SHOULD BE DONE TRANSPARENTLY AND WITH THE MOST DUE PROCESS POSSIBLE, THE MOST FAIREST WAY POSSIBLE.

AND I THINK THAT WE ACCOMPLISH THAT IN THIS BILL.

ALL OF THE HISTORICAL ISSUES THAT YOU HEAR ABOUT ASSET FORFEITURE, THINK WE ADDRESS THIS.

>> NOW, I WANT TO TALK ABOUT ANYA'S LAW, IT FINALLY GOT OUT OF THE LEGISLATURE AND NOW GOING TO THE PEOPLE FOR A VOTE.

IT'S AN CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ON THE BALLOT NEXT YEAR.

ESSENTIALLY, WHAT IT IS, PRETTY COMPREHENSIVE BAIL REFORM IN THE STATE.

GIVES JUDGES MORE DISCRETION IN DENYING BAIL TO SOME OF THOSE ACCUSED OF THE MORE SERIOUS FELONY OFFENSES.

>> OF COURSE.

YES.

AND IT WAS NAMED AFTER A YOUNG LADY KILLED TRAGICALLY IN LEE COUNTY.

AND THIS IS SUCH A PAINFUL THING FOR HER FAMILY.

BUT OUT OF THAT, WE BELIEVE, YOU ALWAYS LOOK FOR A SILVER LINING.

AND CERTAINLY, SUCH A TRAGIC EVENT BUT WE BELIEVE THIS IS AT LEAST A POSITIVE WITH HER NAME ATTACHED TO THE BILL.

IT'S A GOOD WAY TO HONOR HER.

BUT IT GIVES JUDGES MORE DISCRETION IN THOSE CASES WHERE YOU HAVE SOMEONE CHARGED WITH A VIOLENT OFFENSE, THE JUDGE OR THE COURT IS AWARE OF THINGS, LIKE, PROPENSITY OR POTENTIAL DANGEROUSNESS, RETALIATION TO VICTIMS OF THE FAMILY, THOSE KIND OF THINGS.

AND WE CAN BRING THOSE THINGS TO THE COURT AND THE COURT CAN MAKE THE JUDGMENT AS TO WHETHER THE PERSON SHOULD BE DENIED BAIL OR NOT.

WE THINK IT'S A GOOD TOOL FOR JUDGES TO HAVE.

WE DON'T WANT IT AUTOMATIC.

WE WANT IT TO BE, AGAIN, DUE PROCESS AND TRANSPARENCY.

WE WANT TO GO TO COURT AND ASK THE JUDGE.

THE JUDGE DECIDE TO HAVE A REASON FOR DOING IT.

AND WE THINK IT'S A GOOD THING.

>> TIME IS SHORT.

BUT LET'S TOUCHED ON IMPLIED CONSENT SOMETHING ELSE THE D.A.

'S OFFICE HAS WATCHED THIS YEAR.

>> YES, SIR.

RIGHT NOW, PRETTY MUCH WE ADDRESS DUI IN ALABAMA WITH COMPLIED CONSENT.

IF YOU ARE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE AND HAVE A DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, THERE'S IMPLIED COULD BE SENT THAT YOU BASICALLY AGREE TO THE FIELD SOBRIETY TEST AND THE THINGS THAT COMES WITH IT IF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT BELIEVES YOU ARE DRIVING INTOXICATED.

BUT WE DON'T HAVE IT PLACE FOR DRUG DRIVERS, YOU KNOW, HEROIN, METHAMPHETAMINE AND WE HAVE SB-58 AND THAT APPLIES SAME PARAMETERS FROM ALCOHOL TO DRUGS.

DOESN'T MEAN YOU ARE ARRESTED ANY QUICKER OR EASIER, BUT THERE'S A SCIENCE THAT'S DEVELOPED WHERE WE CAN DO AN ORAL SWAB AND IT DETERMINES THE PRESENCE SCIENTIFICALLY OF WHATEVER PARTICULAR DRUG.

AND IF IT'S THERE, THE LAW ENFORCEMENT GOES TO THE JUDGE TO GET WARRANT FOR BLOOD, LIKE WE DO FOR ALCOHOL.

AND GIVES US THAT EXTRA TOOL.

DRUG DRIVERS ARE MAJOR SOURCE OF DEATHS ON THE HIGHWAYS.

VERY DANGEROUS PRACTICE THAT WE NEED TO GET A HANDLE ON THAT.

>> WE'RE OUT OF TIME.

BUT BEFORE WE CLOSE IN 06 SECONDS.

WE JUST WRAPPED UP CRIME VICTIMS AWARENESS WEEK IN ALABAMA.

I KNOW IT'S CELEBRATED NATIONALLY AND THERE WERE CANDLE LIGHT VIGILS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT TOOK PLACE LAST WEEK.

BUT ATTENTION TO CRIME VICTIMS IS ALWAYS A PRIORITY FOR THE D.A.

'S ASSOCIATION.

>> IT IS.

YOU SEE RIGHT NOW SO MUCH IN OUR-SITE, SENATE REFORM, PRISON REFORM, THINGS OF THAT NATURE, PROVIDING MORE AVENUES FOR DEFENDANTS.

AND WHILE WE SUPPORT REHABILITATION AND THOSE EFFORTS, WE FIND THAT VICTIMS OF CRIMES, SURVIVORS OF CRIMES, THE FAMILIES ARE REALLY LEFT OUT OF THE EQUATION.

THIS IS ONE TIME, ONE WEEK OF THE YEAR THAT WE WANT OUR COUNTRY AND OUR STATE TO FOCUS ON THE CRIME VICTIMS.

WE DO IT 365 DAYS A YEAR.

AND WE WANT THE COMMUNITY TO DO IT MORE THAN THEY DO.

BUT THIS WAS A SPECIAL TIME LAST WEEK.

AND IT'S AN IMPORTANT TIME FOR US TO REMEMBER CRIME VICTIMS.

YOU ARE A VICTIM OF A VIOLENT CRIME, IT'S NOT JUST THE PHYSICAL HARM, BUT EMOTIONAL, MENTAL, AND IT CHANGES FAMILIES FOREVER.

IT CHANGES HOW THEY DEAL WITH OTHER PEOPLE ECONOMICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, MENTALLY, IT'S DEVASTATING ON PEOPLE.

AND THINK WE, THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND THAT.

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU SEE ON TV.

IT'S REAL HURT, REAL PAIN, AND REAL DAMAGE.

WE WANT OUR LEGISLATURE TO REALIZE THIS.

AND WORK WITH US ON VICTIM-CENTERED BILLS GOING FORWARD AND THINK IT'S GREAT.

>> BARRY MATSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF THE ALABAMA DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION.

AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> RUSSELL CAVE IS LOCATED IN NORTHEAST ALABAMA, JEFFERSON COUNTY, SIGNIFICANT ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE WITH DEEP DEPOSITS THAT ARE RESULT OF FREQUENT USE OF BY NATIVE AMERICANS FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS AND OFFER A GLIMPSE OF LIGHT WAVES FROM THE ARCHAIC TO THE HISTORIC.

IT WAS NAMED A NATIONAL MONUMENT IN 1961.

TODAY, THE CAVE IS PART OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM.

>> DON: AND THAT'S CAPITOL JOURNAL FOR TONIGHT.

COMING UP TOMORROW NIGHT AT 10:30, WE'LL HAVE THE LATEST FROM THE STATEHOUSE, INCLUDING A GAMBLING BILL SET FOR POSSIBLE CONSIDERATION IN A HOUSE COMMITTEE.

OUR GUESTS ARE SCHEDULED TO INCLUDE STEPHANIE BRYAN, THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS, WHO WILL DISCUSS THE TRIBE'S SUPPORT OF THE GAMBLING PLAN AND THE GOOD THEY SAY COULD COME OF THE REVENUE IT COULD GENERATE.

WE'RE ALSO SET TO BE JOINED BY REPRESENTATIVE A.J.

MCCAMPBELL OF GALLION, WHO WILL TALK WITH US ABOUT THE GOVERNOR SIGNING INTO LAW HIS LEGISLATION THAT WILL CREATE A DATABASE TO TRACK DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AND EXCESSIVE FORCE COMPLAINTS AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

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

I'M DON DAILEY.