>> DON: TONIGHT ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL," WE'LL BE JOINED BY SENATOR JABO WAGGONER OF VESTAVIA HILLS, WHO'LL TALK WITH US ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SENATE PASSAGE OF A CLOSELY-WATCHED MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL, AND ABOUT A DELAY IN THE UPPER CHAMBER VOTING ON A SWEEPING GAMBLING EXPANSION BILL.

WE'LL ALSO BE JOINED BY HOUSE MINORITY LEADER ANTHONY DANIELS OF HUNTSVILLE, WHO'LL DISCUSS VOTING RIGHTS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM BEING AMONG HIS CAUCUS' LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES THIS YEAR, AND ABOUT HIS OWN PERSONAL BATTLE WITH COVID-19.

AND WE'LL TALK WITH STATE HEALTH OFFICER DR. SCOTT HARRIS ABOUT ALABAMA'S VIRUS VACCINATION EFFORTS PICKING UP PACE AND ABOUT HIS CALL FOR STATE RESIDENTS NOT TO BE CHOOSY ABOUT WHICH VACCINE PRODUCT THEY'RE OFFERED.

IT'S ALL NEXT ON "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> DON: GOOD EVENING.

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

THANKS FOR JOINING US!

TOPPING OUR BROADCAST TONIGHT, LAWMAKERS HAVE NOW WRAPPED UP THE THIRD WEEK OF THEIR NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

IT WAS A BUSY THREE-DAY WORK WEEK, WITH A LOT OF ACTION BOTH ON THE FLOOR AND IN COMMITTEE.

TWO OF THE NEW SESSION'S MOST HIGH-PROFILE PIECES OF LEGISLATION TOOK CENTER STAGE IN THE SENATE, AND BOTH COULD BRING ABOUT BIG CHANGES.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL'S" KAREN GOLDSMITH REPORTS FOR US TONIGHT.

>> TUESDAY'S ANTICIPATED DEBATE ON A BILL THAT WOULD CREATE AN ALABAMA EDUCATION LOTTERY, ALLOW CASINO GAMES AND SPORTS BETTING WAS PUT ON HOLD BY THE BILL'S SPONSOR.

>> ALONG THE WAY, AS YOU TALK ABOUT A CA, YOU HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT'S IN THE CA AND WHAT'S IN THE ENABLING LEGISLATION.

WHAT I'VE DECIDED TO DO IS WORK OVER THE NEXT WEEK TO TWO WEEKS ON THE LEGISLATION THAT WILL TRAVEL WITH THE CA.

>> THE BILL IS A CA OR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

MARSH DOES NOT SEE THIS DELAY AS A DENIAL.

>> I FEEL VERY POSITIVE WHERE WE ARE.

I'M CONVINCED WE'RE GOING TO GET A COMPREHENSIVE PEOPLE OUT TO THE PEOPLE TO VOTE.

YOU CAN HAVE THE CA PASS IT AND STRONG PARAMETERS THERE, BUT YOU HAVE TO GET INTO THE FINE PRINT OF ENABLING LEGISLATION OF HOW IT WILL WORK.

>> FOR ONE ADVOCACY GROUP IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW MUCH WORK GOES INTO THE FINE DETAILS.

>> CASINO GAMBLING IS A DIFFERENT ANIMAL THAN STATE-SPONSORED LOTTERY.

WE'RE OPPOSED TO BOTH.

BOTH PREY ON THE POOREST IN THE STATE.

>> ON WEDNESDAY A BILL TO ALLOW THE USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA PASSED THE ALABAMA SENATE WITH 21 VOTES.

>> LIKE ALLEN SHACKELFORD, IN COLORADO, I TALKED TO HIM, IT IS NOT A MIRACLE DRUG BUT FOR PATIENTS THAT HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING ELSE, IT CAN DO MIRACLES.

WE NEED TO LET PEOPLE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY.

>> AMONG THE NO VOTE WAS LARRY STUTTS.

>> I'D AGREE THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

IT'S JUST MARIJUANA.

WE DON'T HAVE TO PUT AND ADJECTIVE IN FRONT OF ANY OTHER MEDITATION TO MAKE IT SOUND LEGITIMATE.

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

>> DON: THE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD LEGALIZE MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THE STATE PASSED THE SENATE THIS WEEK AFTER LESS THAN 15 MINUTES OF DEBATE, BEING VIRTUALLY THE IDENTICAL BILL THAT THE UPPER CHAMBER PASSED LAST YEAR.

IT HAS ALWAYS STALLED IN THE HOUSE, AND THE LEADER OF THE LOWER CHAMBER HAS SIGNALED THAT HE AND HIS COLLEAGUES WILL TAKE THEIR TIME WITH THE BILL.

SPEAKER MAC MCCUTCHEON SAID THURSDAY THAT THE HOUSE WILL TAKE THE UNUSUAL STEP OF PUTTING THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGISLATION THROUGH TWO COMMITTEES.

>> WE'RE GOING THROUGH THE BILL NOW.

WE HAVE ASSIGNED IT TO THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE BECAUSE THERE ARE LEGAL ISSUE AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THE Ts ARE CROSSED AND THE Is ARE DOTTED THAN WE WILL GO THROUGH THE BILL.

WE'RE GOING TO TAKE OUR TIME.

WE'RE GOING TO GO THROUGH THE BILL PAGE BY PAGE.

>> DON: IT IS RARE FOR A BILL TO GO THROUGH MORE THAN ONE COMMITTEE BEFORE MAKING IT TO THE HOUSE FLOOR.

MCCUTCHEON SAYS HIS HOUSE COLLEAGUES STILL HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGISLATION.

THE HOUSE THIS WEEK UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A BILL THAT WOULD GRANT JUDGES MORE DISCRETION IN DENYING BAIL TO SUSPECTS CHARGED WITH SOME OF THE MOST VIOLENT OFFENSES.

IT'S CALLED 'ANIAH'S LAW,' AND ITS NAMED FOR ANIAH BLANCHARD, AN ALABAMA COLLEGE STUDENT WHO WAS MURDERED IN MACON COUNTY IN 2019.

IBRAHEEM YAZEED, THE SUSPECT IN HER DEATH WAS, AT THAT TIME, OUT ON BAIL FOR OTHER CRIMES.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT IS SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE CHIP BROWN OF HOLLINGER'S ISLAND, AND IT WOULD EXPAND BAIL DENIAL BEYOND JUST CAPITAL MURDER TO INCLUDE OTHER VIOLENT FELONY OFFENSES.

BROWN RECENTLY SPOKE TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> I'VE HEARD FROM A LOT OF JUDGES THAT HAVE VERY MUCH IN FAVOR OF THIS BECAUSE RIGHT NOW THEIR HANDS ARE TIED.

IF AN INDIVIDUAL THEY KNOW IS GOING TO GO BACK ON THE STREET AND COMMIT A VIOLENT CRIME BECAUSE OF THEIR PAST HISTORIES, THEY DON'T HAVE ANYTHING RIGHT NOW THEY CAN REALLY DO ABOUT IT.

SO, THEY HAVE TO GRANT BOND AND THEY GET BACK ON THE STREETS.

IT'S A REVOLVING DOOR OF CRIME.

>> DON: ANIAH BLANCHARD'S PARENTS HAVE BEEN VOCAL SUPPORTERS OF REPRESENTATIVE BROWN'S LEGISLATION, BOTH THIS YEAR AND LAST YEAR, WHEN IT ALSO PASSED THE HOUSE BUT DIDN'T MAKE IT OUT OF THE SENATE BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC.

ANGELA HARRIS IS ANIAH'S MOTHER.

SHE WASN'T AT THE STATEHOUSE THIS WEEK TO WITNESS THE HOUSE PASSAGE, BUT SHE SPOKE TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL" LAST YEAR AND SHE CONTENDED THAT IF THIS LAW HAD BEEN IN EFFECT IN 2019, SHE BELIEVES THAT HER DAUGHTER WOULD STILL BE ALIVE.

>> I FEEL THAT WITH MY WHOLE HEART THAT IF THIS LAW WOULD HAVE BEEN IN PLACE IT WOULD HAVE GIVEN THE JUDGES, THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OPPORTUNITIES TO SAY LOOK THIS PERSON IS OUT ON A VIOLENT OFFENSE AND HE SHOULD NOT -- THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED.

IF THAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IT WOULD HAVE KEPT HIM IN WITHOUT BOND AND THEN MY DAUGHTER WOULD BE ALIVE TODAY.

>> DON: WITH THIS WEEK'S HOUSE PASSAGE, 'ANIAH'S LAW' NOW MOVES TO THE SENATE.

THE HOUSE THIS WEEK ALSO PASSED A BILL THAT WOULD MAKE KINDERGARTEN MANDATORY IN THE STATE.

IT'S LEGISLATION THAT'S BACK THIS YEAR AND IT'S AGAIN SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE PEBBLIN WARREN OF TUSKEGEE.

SHE RECENTLY TOLD "CAPITOL JOURNAL" THAT SHE FEELS HER BILL COULD GO A LONG WAY IN CREATING A MORE LEVEL EDUCATIONAL PLAYING FIELD.

>> IT'S JUST A WAY TO MAKE SURE WE ARE PROPERLY PREPARING OUR KIDS TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

WE CANNOT HAVE A KID IN PRE-K, KINDERGARTEN AND GO TO FIRST GRADE AND THEN THERE'S A KID LEFT OUT HERE HASN'T HAD PRE-K OR KINDERGARTEN AND EXPECT THEM TO BE ON THE SAME LEVEL.

THIS IS ALL ABOUT JUST PROTECTING OUR KIDS AND MAKING SURE WHEN THEY START OFF THEY HAVE SOLID FOUNDATIONS, EQUAL SOLID FOUNDATIONS.

>> DON: REPRESENTATIVE WARREN'S BILL NOW MOVES TO THE SENATE AND, IF IT GETS FINAL PASSAGE, WOULD GO INTO EFFECT AT THE BEGINNING OF 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR.

>>> THE STATE SENATE ON THURSDAY APPROVED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD MORE CLOSELY REGULATE THE USE OF LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION SYSTEMS USED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.

SUCH AUTOMATIC PLATE READERS CAPTURE ALL PLATE NUMBERS THAT COME INTO VIEW, ALONG WITH THE LOCATION, DATE, AND TIME.

THEY CAN COLLECT THOUSANDS OF PLATES PER MINUTE.

SENATOR ARTHUR ORR'S LEGISLATION SAYS THE SCANNERS ARE FINE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES ONLY, BUT IT WOULD REQUIRE POLICE TO KEEP CONFIDENTIAL ALL DATA GATHERED AND TO DESTROY IT AFTER FIVE YEARS.

ORR'S BILL NOW GOES TO THE HOUSE.

>>> IT WAS A BUSY WEEK IN LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES.

THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE ON WEDNESDAY APPROVED A CONTROVERSIAL BILL THAT WOULD BAN TRANSGENDER TREATMENTS FOR MINORS IN ALABAMA.

IT'S SPONSORED IN THE LOWER CHAMBER BY REPRESENTATIVE WES ALLEN OF TROY, WHO HAS SAID THAT HE RECOGNIZES GENDER DYSPHORIA AS AN ISSUE, BUT THAT HE FEELS MINORS ARE TOO YOUNG TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR BODIES, THAT THEY CAN DO THAT WHEN THEY ARE ADULTS.

IT'S AN EMOTIONAL ISSUE, SOMETHING HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE DAVID FAULKNER OF BIRMINGHAM ACKNOWLEDGED THIS WEEK.

>> I HEARD FROM TRANSGENDER PEOPLE, ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS BILL.

I HEARD FROM PARENTS OF TRANSGENDER CHILDREN, ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS BILL.

YOU KNOW, I JUST WANT THE PEOPLE TO REALIZE, YOU KNOW, IN THIS TYPE OF SITUATION, WE TRY TO DO THE BEST YOU CAN.

YOU PRAY FOR GOD TO GIVE YOU THE WISDOM TO VOTE THE RIGHT WAY.

>> DON: FAULKNER ULTIMATELY VOTED WITH THE MAJORITY TO APPROVE THE BILL.

TRANSGENDER ADVOCATES LIKE THE ACLU OF ALABAMA THIS WEEK CALLED THE LEGISLATION UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND PROMISED A LEGAL CHALLENGE IF IT MAKES IT TO FINAL PASSAGE.

SIMILAR LEGISLATION PASSED A SENATE COMMITTEE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AND NOW BOTH VERSIONS ARE HEADED TO THE FLOOR.

>>> THE HOUSE EDUCATION POLICY COMMITTEE ON WEDNESDAY APPROVED A BILL THAT WOULD MANDATE THAT PUBLIC SCHOOL ATHLETES CAN ONLY COMPETE IN EVENTS THAT ALIGN WITH THE GENDER ON THEIR BIRTH CERTIFICATE.

IT'S SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT STADTHAGEN OF HARTSELLE AND THE BILL COMES IN RESPONSE TO RECENT FEDERAL ACTION DEALING WITH DISCRIMINATION.

STADTHAGEN SPOKE TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> IT IS A GENDER BILL BASED OFF OF YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE THAT SAYS IF YOU ARE A MALE YOU COMPETE IN MALE ATHLETICS K-12 AND IF YOU ARE A FEMALE YOU COMPETE IN FEMALE ATHLETICS K-12.

OUR WOMEN'S RIGHTS ARE BEING TRAMPLED ON IN OUR COUNTRY AND THIS IS A STRONG BILL, I FEEL LIKE, THAT WILL PREVENT US FROM GOING BACK DECADES WHERE WE ARE AT NOW.

>> DON: THE TRANSGENDER ATHLETE ISSUE IS ALSO A DIVISIVE ONE, WITH OPPONENTS PUSHING BACK AGAINST EFFORTS TO CURTAIL THEM.

STATDHAGEN'S BILL NOW HEADS TO THE HOUSE FLOOR.

>>> THE HOUSE EDUCATION POLICY COMMITTEE THIS WEEK ALSO APPROVED A BILL THAT WOULD LIFT THE STATE'S BAN ON TEACHING YOGA IN STATE SCHOOLS.

IT'S LEGISLATION THAT'S BEING FLOATED FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR BY REPRESENTATIVE JEREMY GRAY OF OPELIKA, WHO PREVIOUSLY SPOKE TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> WE KNOW THAT YOGA HAS BENEFITS PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY.

WE WANT TO GIVE KIDS AN OPPORTUNITY IN K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS WHERE YOGA IS OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN CLUBS AND GYMS BUT IN K-12 IT IS NOT ALLOWED BUT THE BILL WILL ALLOW YOGA IN SCHOOLS, K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

>> THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION BANNED YOGA AND MEDITATION IN 1993, AFTER CONCERNS WERE RAISED OVER THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH EASTERN RELIGIONS.

WITH WEDNESDAY'S COMMITTEE PASSAGE, THE YOGA BILL NEXT MOVES TO THE HOUSE FLOOR.

>>> A BILL THAT WOULD REQUIRE STATE DOCTORS TO SAVE A CHILD BORN ALIVE AFTER AN ABORTION OR ATTEMPTED ABORTION CLEARED COMMITTEE THIS WEEK.

ITS SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE GINNY SHAVER OF LEESBURG, WHO IS BRINGING IT FOR THE THIRD TIME THIS YEAR.

>> REPUBLICANS ARE IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL.

I THINK IT SHOULD BE A BIPARTISAN BILL.

WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT LIMITING ABORTION OR RESTRICTING ABORTION.

WE HAVE ALREADY ADDRESSED THAT ISSUE AND, OF COURSE, ARE WAITING FOR THE COURTS TO DECIDE.

BUT IT'S STILL PRESENTLY ABORTIONS ARE STILL CONTINUING IN THE STATE.

THIS POSSIBILITY CAN STILL HAPPEN.

THERE IS STILL A NEED IN CASE THIS SITUATION DOES ARISE AGAIN.

>> DON: SHAVER'S BILL WOULD SET UP CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR STATE DOCTORS WHO DON'T TAKE MEASURES TO SAVE BABIES BORN ALIVE DURING AN ABORTION.

IT NOW HEADS TO THE HOUSE FLOOR.

>>> THE STATE'S TOP DOCTOR IS CALLING ON ALABAMIANS TO NOT BE CHOOSY ABOUT WHICH CORONAVIRUS VACCINE THAT THEY ARE OFFERED.

STATE HEALTH OFFICER DR. SCOTT HARRIS' REMARK COMES AS A NEW JOHNSON AND JOHNSON PRODUCT IS ON THE WAY.

IT IS LESS EFFECTIVE THAN OTHER SHOTS IN PREVENTING INFECTION, BUT IT IS EQUALLY SUCCESSFUL IN FENDING OFF SERIOUS ILLNESS AND HOSPITALIZATION.

DR. HARRIS SPOKE TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> PLEASE DON'T TRY TO PICK AND CHOOSE YOUR VACCINE.

THEY ARE EQUAL IN EVERY WAY IN TERMS OF PREVENTING SERIOUS ILLNESS, HOSPITALIZATION AND DEATH.

NO ONE WHO HAS RECEIVED THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE IN THE STUDIES HAS DIED AT ALL AND THERE ARE NO ALLERGIC REACTIONS WE HAVE SEEN WITH THE TWO MRNA PRODUCTS, THE PFIZER AND MODERNA PRODUCTS.

>> DON: DR. HARRIS SAYS THE STATE'S ROLLOUT OF THE VIRUS VACCINE IS PICKING UP PACE, AS WE INCREMENTALLY GET BIGGER ALLOTMENTS.

HE'S ANNOUNCED THAT CVS PHARMACIES WILL SOON START OFFERING THE SHOTS IN SEVERAL UNDERSERVED AREAS AROUND ALABAMA.

DR. HARRIS WILL JOIN US LATER IN THE BROADCAST TO TALK MORE ABOUT IT.

>>> VACCINATIONS REMAIN A TOP-OF-MIND ISSUE HERE AT THE STATEHOUSE, BOTH THROUGH CONSTITUENT CONCERNS AND THROUGH HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR HOW THE LEGISLATURE CONDUCTS ITS BUSINESS.

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

>> THE SIGNS OF THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 ARE EVERYWHERE FROM THE NUMBER OF VACCINATION SPOTS POPPING UP AROUND THE STATE TO THE ALABAMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

IMAGES OF HAND SANITIZER, LAWMAKERS SOCIAL DISTANCING AND WEARING MASKS ARE NOW THE NORM.

>> WHAT I'D LIKE TO SEE IS MORE VACCINES COMING TO ALABAMA.

>> SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE MAC McCUTCHEON ECHOS THE SENTIMENT OF MANY LEGISLATORS, THE FOCUS IS GETTING MORE RESOURCES TO HELP CITIZENS AGAINST THE CORONAVIRUS.

>> WE CAN ALWAYS DO BETTER.

IF YOU SEE THE NUMBERS, THERE'S A SIGNIFICANT DISPARITY BETWEEN WHO GETS IT AND WHO DOESN'T.

>> THIS OPENS ANOTHER CONCERN, MAKING SURE EVERYONE GETS A FAIR CHANCE FOR TREATMENT.

>> WE HAVE TO DEFEAT THE MISINFORMATION OUT THERE THAT PEOPLE ARE USING AS EXCUSES NOT TO TAKE IT.

>> A PROCESS THAT ISN'T PERFECT BUT IS GETTING BETTER SAYS SPEAKER McCUTCHEON.

>> NOW WE AT A POINT WHERE WE HAVE A SYSTEM THAT IS MORE EFFECTIVE AS FAR AS GETTING THE VACCINES OUT.

NOW ALL WE NEED IS MORE VACCINES.

>> THE NEXT STEP, GETTING CITIZENS TO SEE THE BENEFIT OF VACCINES.

>> THE MORE PEOPLE YOU TALK TO THAT GET THE VACCINE THE MORE COMFORTABLE YOU FEEL IT IS NOT THAT BAD AND IT HASN'T AFFECTED ME, SO WHY SHOULDN'T I TAKE IT?

I THINK IT IS A GOOD THING FOR US.

IF YOU ARE ASKING FOR MY OPINION SHOULD PEOPLE GET THE VACCINE, I'M 100% ON BOARD.

>> ALL OF THE SCIENCE AND INFORMATION BACKS THE SAFETY OF THE VACCINATION.

WHEN YOU GET AN OPPORTUNITY YOU SHOULD TAKE IT FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY.

THAT'S THE ONLY WAY TO GET BACK TO SOME SENSE OF NORMALCY AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE.

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

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KEEP UP WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> Don: NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, SENATOR WAGGONER IS WITH US.

>> GOOD TO BE HERE.

>> YOU TACKLED A HEAVY-HITTING ISSUE THIS WEEK ON WEDNESDAY, THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL WAS ON A SINGLE BILL CALENDAR.

I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE SURPRISED WHEN IT PASSED WITH LESS THAN 15 MINUTES OF DEBATE.

WERE YOU SURPRISED?

>> I WAS IN SOME WAYS, BUT IN OTHER WAYS I WAS NOT.

WE WERE EXPOSED TO THIS LEGISLATION LAST YEAR.

IT HAD CHANGED OVER THE YEAR VERY LITTLE, IF ANY.

SO EVERYBODY IN THE SENATE HAD BEEN EXPOSED TO IT.

SOME VOTED FOR IT LAST YEAR.

SOME VOTED AGAINST IT LAST YEAR.

IT WAS REALLY THE SAME ISSUE.

I THINK EVERYBODY KNEW GOING IN THEY WERE GOING TO VOTE YES OR NO OR MAYBE.

BUT IT PASSED BASICALLY ON THE SAME VOTE AS IT DID LAST YEAR.

>> Don: I'LL REMIND VIEWERS, THIS LEGISLATION AMONG OTHER THINGS WILL ALLOW STATE DOCTORS TO PROVIDE MEDICAL CANNABIS PRODUCTS UNDER TIGHTLY REGULATED CONDITIONS.

THERE ARE A DOZEN OR SO CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH IT COULD BE PRESCRIBED AND TIGHTLY REGULATE THE GROWING OF THE MARIJUANA IN THE STATE.

HOW DID YOU WEIGH IN ON THIS ISSUE?

>> I TALKED TO A LOT OF PHYSICIANS THAT ARE FRIENDS OF MINE, VERY CLOSE FRIENDS.

EVERY ONE THAT I TALKED TO SAID THIS HELPS SOME PEOPLE WITH CERTAIN AILMENTS.

NO DOCTOR THAT I TALKED TO, THAT LIVE IN MY DISTRICT SAID IT'S A GATEWAY TO DRUG USE.

BUT THEY STUDIED IT.

THEY RESEARCHED IT AND THEY TOLD ME IF THEY WERE IN MY SEAT THEY WOULD VOTE FOR IT.

I COULDN'T MAKE THE DECISION BY MYSELF.

I'M NOT A PHYSICIAN.

I HAVE NO MEDICAL BACKGROUND.

SO, I ASKED PEOPLE WHO HAD A MEDICAL BACKGROUND.

THEY SAID THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE PASSIONATE ABOUT USING THIS, EITHER AN ADULT OR CHILD IN THE FAMILY AND IT HELPS SOME PEOPLE WITH CERTAIN AILMENTS.

SO I VOTED FOR IT.

>> Don: OF COURSE THE SENATOR WHO IS SPONSORING THIS LEGISLATION H SENATOR NELSON OF FLORENCE IS HIMSELF A PHYSICIAN.

DID THAT HELP YOU?

>> OH, SURE.

TIM IS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT IT.

HE DID A LOT OF RESEARCH ON IT.

HE INTRODUCED IT LAST YEAR.

IT PASSED THE SENATE LAST YEAR.

IT DID NOT PASS THE HOUSE.

THAT MAY BE THE RESULT OF IT THIS YEAR.

I'M NOT POSITIVE IT WILL PASS THE HOUSE, BUT IT PASSED THE SENATE THE SECOND TIME IN TWO YEARS.

>> Don: THEY CALL THIS A GATEWAY TO EXPANDING RECREATIONAL USE OF MARIJUANA IN THE STATE, AND THAT IS NOT THE INTENTION AT ALL.

>> OH, NO.

THERE ARE CERTAIN GUIDELINES BUILT INTO THE LEGISLATION THAT I THINK CLEARLY, CLEARLY PROHIBITS IT FROM BEING USED ON -- AS A GATEWAY DRUG.

SO, I'M CONFIDENT IN THE LEGISLATION.

OF COURSE, I'VE VOTED FOR BILLS IN THE PAST THAT DID NOT EXACTLY TURN OUT LIKE I WANT THEM TO BUT I FEEL GOOD ABOUT THIS BILL.

>> Don: BACK TO YOUR CONTENTION THAT IT MAY, ONCE AGAIN, HAVE A HARD TIME IN THE HOUSE, IS THAT THE RUMBLING YOU ARE ALREADY HEARING?

>> YES, IT IS.

THERE'S 105 MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE FROM ALL KIND OF BACKGROUNDS AND TRADITIONS.

YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU USE THE WORD "MARIJUANA," IT HAS AUTOMATICALLY A NEGATIVE CONNOTATION.

IT'S HARD TO VOTE SOMETIMES FOR A WORD LIKE "MARIJUANA" BEING IN LEGISLATION BECAUSE OF THE HISTORY AND MISUSE OF IT.

BUT BASED ON THE MEDICAL ADVICE THAT I GOT, I CAN STAND BY MY VOTE ON THIS LEGISLATION.

>> Don: BASED ON THE HISTORY OF THIS, YOU MENTIONED -- IT'S COME UP SEVERAL TIMES IN THE SENATE -- AND ALL OF THE RESEARCH THAT'S GONE INTO IT, IT REMAINS A PASSIONATE INTEREST IN THE PUBLIC.

DO YOU HEAR FROM CONSTITUENTS ABOUT THIS?

>> NOT REALLY.

I REALLY DIDN'T.

IT WAS WELL PUBLICIZED AND I THINK EVERYBODY SHOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS GOING TO BE AN ISSUE THIS SESSION.

BUT I DON'T RECALL GETTING ANY PHONE CALLS, LETTERS, MAYBE -- MAYBE ONE TEXT A MONTH OR SO AGO THAT WAS OPPOSED TO IT.

BUT I HAD VERY LITTLE OR NO OPPOSITION REALLY.

>> Don: SENATOR WAGGONER, I MENTIONED YOU WERE THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE THAT DECIDES THE DAILY WORK AGENDA.

I THINK YOU WERE ALL PREPARED THIS WEEK TO TACKLE THE GAMBLING EXPANSION BILL BUT SENATOR DEL MARSH, WHO'S SPONSORING THE LEGISLATION DECIDED TO DELAY IT FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS WHILE HE CONTINUES TO WORK ON THE ENABLING LEGISLATION.

IT IS A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT THAT IF APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATURE WOULD ULTIMATELY GO UP FOR A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE.

DID YOU SEE THAT AS A WISE DECISION, DELAYING A VOTE ON THIS ISSUE?

>> I DID.

THERE'S STILL A LOT OF QUESTIONS AMONG THE SENATE MEMBERSHIP, THE SENATE LEADERSHIP.

I THINK DEL WAS WISE IN POSTPONING IT A FEW DAYS AND CARRYING IT OVER.

IT'S REALLY COMPLICATED.

I MEAN, IF IT WAS A SIMPLE LOTTERY BILL, I THINK IT WOULD HAVE PASSED IN GREAT HASTE.

OF COURSE, WHATEVER PASSES, THERE'S A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE.

THAT'S WHERE IT WILL REALLY BE DECIDED IF WE TAKE ON THE ISSUE OF EXPANDING GAMBLING IN ALABAMA.

WE UNDERSTAND THE GOVERNOR'S WILLING TO SIGN A COMPACT WITH THE INDIANS.

THEY HAVE, WHAT, FOUR FACILITIES IN ALABAMA.

THIS WOULD ALLOW THEM TO HAVE ONE MORE CASINO UP IN NORTH ALABAMA.

SO THEY WOULD HAVE A TOTAL OF FIVE.

IT'S REALLY COMPLICATED.

IT'S FAR REACHING AND IT'S A BIG STEP FOR ALABAMA WHEN YOU START TALKING ABOUT CASINOS AND TABLE GAMES AND SLOT MACHINES AND DO WE REALLY WANT TO GO THERE.

BUT EVERY STATE AROUND US, TENNESSEE, FLORIDA, MISSISSIPPI, GEORGIA, THEY ALL HAVE, YOU KNOW, LOTTERY.

SOME HAVE MORE.

SO, A LOT OF ALABAMIANS ARE GOING ACROSS THE STATE LINE TO PLAY THE GAMES.

SO, IT'S ESTIMATED WHATEVER WE HAVE, IF ANY, IF IT IS SIMPLE LOTTERY WE ARE TALKING 200 TO $300 MILLION A YEAR OF REVENUE.

AND IF WE GO THE FULL ROUTE, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT 700 OR $800 MILLION, WHICH IS HUGE FOR OUR BUDGET.

>> Don: DO YOU GENERALLY SPEAKING SUPPORT THE CONCEPT?

>> SCHOOL IS STILL OUT ON ME.

THE LOTTERY YES.

WHETHER OR NOT WE KNOW IT OR NOT WE HAVE GAMBLING IN ALABAMA IN THE INDIAN CASINOS.

I'VE NEVER BEEN IN ONE.

IT DOESN'T BOTHER ME THAT, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE GO BUT I'VE NEVER BEEN IN ONE.

BUT WHEN YOU START TALKING ABOUT PUBLIC CASINOS, NOT INDIAN, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE PUBLIC, OPENING UP THE HORSE TRACK OR DOG TRACK IN BIRMINGHAM AND VICTORYLAND AND GREENE COUNTY, IT'S GETTING PRETTY WIDESPREAD.

IF IT ENDS UP, LIKE I THINK IT IS GOING TO, I MIGHT JUST VOTE FOR THE WHOLE PACKAGE.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT'S THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA THAT DECIDE.

SO I WOULD BE VOTING TO LET THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA SAY YES OR NO.

>> Don: I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU TO LOOK INTO YOUR CRYSTAL BALL AND SAY WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ITS CHANCES WHEN IT GOES BEFORE THE PUBLIC, IF IT GOES BEFORE THE PUBLIC.

IT IS AN OPEN QUESTION.

>> IT IS AN OPEN QUESTION.

I THINK THE LOTTERY WOULD BE A SLAM DUNK AND PASS.

WE WOULD BE COMPETING WITH THE STATES AROUND US.

BUT WHEN YOU GET TO PRIVATE CASINOS, ANOTHER INDIAN CASINO, THINK THE SCHOOL IS STILL OUT.

>> Don: IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MINUTES I WANT TO TALK ABOUT YOUR DIRECT WINE SHIPMENT BILL WHICH IS BACK THIS YEAR.

IT IS MOVING.

IS IT SCHEDULED TO HIT THE FLOOR ANYTIME SOON?

IT HAS COME OUT OF COMMITTEE IN THE HOUSE.

OF COURSE, IT WAS A SENATE BILL AND I PASSED IT THROUGH THE SENATE.

IT IS OVER IN THE HOUSE AND I THINK IT WILL BE ON THE CALENDAR MAYBE NEXT WEEK.

IT'S COME OUT OF COMMITTEE.

SO IT'S MOVING.

REMIND OUR VIEWERS AGAIN WHAT YOU ARE PROPOSING HERE.

>> I THINK IT IS A PHENOMENON OF THE PANDEMIC.

MANY, MANY ALABAMIANS ARE NOT GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE.

YOU KNOW, THEY ARE HAVING IT SHIPPED TO THEIR HOME SO THEY WOULD NOT BE EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS.

I HAD MANY PEOPLE TO CALL ME AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO GO TO THEIR LOCAL PACKAGE STORE.

WHY CAN'T IT BE SHIPPED LIKE GROCERIES?

I HAD A BILL PREPARED AND IT PASSED THE SENATE.

IT'S ALSO OVER IN THE HOUSE FOR CONSIDERATION.

I THINK IT'S A CONVENIENCE TO A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT WANT TO BUY A BOTTLE OF WINE OR A CASE OF BEER.

I THINK WHEN THIS PANDEMIC GOES AWAY, I THINK GROCERY SHOPPING WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL.

I THINK THIS TYPE OF HAVING ALCOHOL SHIPPED TO YOUR HOME WILL ALSO PROBABLY GO AWAY.

I THINK IT IS A PHENOMENON OF THE PANDEMIC.

>> Don: WELL, PANDEMIC ASIDE, THERE HAVE BEEN A CONTINGENT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE, FOR YEARS, PUSHED FOR DIRECT WINE SHIPMENT IN THE STATE, EVEN BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.

BUT AT THE SAME TIME SOME HAVE PUSHED BACK AGAINST IT.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

BUT THERE ARE A LOT OF SAFEGUARDS IN IT.

NOT EVERYBODY CAN QUALIFY TO GO PICK IT UP AND BRING IT TO YOUR HOME.

IT HAS TO BE A LICENSED DRIVER AND THE PERSON THAT RECEIVES IT IN THEIR HOME HAS TO BE AN ADULT AND CERTAIN QUALIFICATIONS BEFORE YOU CAN DELIVER AND BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE THE PRODUCT.

>> Don: WE'RE OUT OF TIME BUT BRIEFLY, BEFORE WE CLOSE, HOW HAVE YOU FELT HOW WE ARE DEALING WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS?

GOING WELL CONSIDERING?

>> I THINK OVERALL IT HAS WORKED.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE IS PEOPLE IN THE LOBBYING COMMUNITY CAN'T COME AND VISIT THEIR SENATOR OR HOUSE MEMBER.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC CAN'T COME UP TO THE GALLERY.

SO THERE IS DISAPPOINTING FACTORS TO IT.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO COME AND SEE ME, THEY CALL MY ASSISTANT AND THEY ARE ESCORTED IN AND ESCORTED OUT.

>> Don: THEY HAVE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.

>> THEY HAVE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BUT IT IS SOMETHING WE HAD TO DO TO PROHIBIT THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS IN THE STATEHOUSE.

I THINK IT HAS WORKED WELL.

OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, MAYBE WE CAN LESSEN THE RESTRICTIONS THAT ARE REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE FIFTH AND SEVENTH FLOOR.

>> Don: SENATOR WAGGONER, THE LONGEST SERVING SENATOR IN THE STATE'S HISTORY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND BEING ON THE SHOW.

>> MY PLEASURE, AS USUAL.

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

ARE.

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

YOU CAN ALSO CONTACT US BY E-MAIL AT DDAILEY@APTV.ORG OR BY MAIL.

>> Don: NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, HOUSE MINORITY LEADER ANTHONY DANIELS OF HUNTSVILLE IS WITH US.

WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> Don: REPRESENTATIVE, IT'S NICE TO SEE YOU ON A LOT OF LEVELS, NOT LEAST OF WHICH IS TO SEE YOU NICE AND HEALTHY.

WE LAST SPOKE AROUND THE HOLIDAYS AND YOU WERE AT HOME SICK WITH COVID AND YOU HAD A PRETTY SERIOUS CASE OF IT.

>> IT WAS A PRETTY BAD CASE.

IT'S SOMETHING THAT HAD ME REALLY DOWN.

FOR SIX DAYS STRAIGHT MY LOWEST TEMPERATURE WAS PROBABLY 100.4.

>> Don: WOW.

>> I GOT SO BAD I HAD TO HAVE THE MONOCLONAL INFUSION.

I WOULD SAY IT SAVED MY LIFE.

>> Don: YOU WERE SICK THROUGH CHRISTMAS AND BEYOND.

>> I'M IN THE 90% NOW BUT RESPIRATORY WISE, MY LUNG CAPACITY IS NOT WHERE IT WAS.

I'M JUST BUILDING UP EACH AND EVERY WEEK TRYING TO GET STRONGER AND BEING ABLE TO GO THE DISTANCE AND BUILD MY ENDURANCE.

>> Don: YOUR FAMILY, KID AND KIDS ENDED UP BEING INFECTED BUT LUCKILY TO MUCH LESSER DEGREE.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

WE ARE VERY BLESSED.

MY KIDS DIDN'T HAVE MANY SYMPTOMS AT ALL, MILD SYMPTOMS AND MY WIFE HAD MILD SYMPTOMS.

I'M THANKFUL THEY DIDN'T GO THROUGH THIS AS I DID.

>> Don: GIVEN THE EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE HAD WITH THIS VIRUS, I'M CURIOUS HOW YOU WEIGH IN ON VACCINATIONS.

WE HAVE HEARD A LOT ABOUT DISPARITIES IN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY ABOUT GETTING THE VACCINATION DATING BACK DECADES TO VARIOUS INSTANCES THAT HAVE CAUSED CONCERNS THAT HAVE ENDURED THROUGHOUT THE YEARS FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS.

WHERE DO YOU SIT ON THIS ISSUE?

>> I'M SUPPORTIVE AND AN ADVOCATE FOR DOING THE VACCINATIONS.

RIGHT NOW WE HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY GET VACCINATED.

YOU KNOW, JUST TRUST THE SCIENCE.

I KNOW THERE'S BEEN A LONG HISTORY, ESPECIALLY WITH THE TUSKEGEE EXPERIMENT AND A LOT OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS ARE VERY RELUCTANT BUT I THINK RIGHT NOW, I THINK THE DOLLARS OF SOMEONE THAT WAS A PART OF THAT PARTICULAR PROJECT, SHE TOOK THE VACCINATION ABOUT A WEEK AGO.

HAVING ADVOCATES THAT LOOK LIKE THE COMMUNITY, THAT HAS THE CONCERN, IS ALWAYS IMPORTANT.

I THINK WE HAVE TO DO A BETTER JOB MAKING CERTAIN WE ARE PUTTING LEADERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS THAT LOOK LIKE THE COMMUNITY THAT IS LESS LIKELY TO TAKE THE VACCINATION SO THEY CAN FEEL SOME TYPE OF COMFORT.

>> Don: WOULD YOU SAY TO THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY THIS WEEKEND, GO AND GET THE SHOT?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

IF THE SHOT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU GO GET THE SHOT.

IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND YOU.

I THINK THAT MANY INSTANCES WE LISTEN TO THE TALK THAT'S IN THE COMMUNITY THAT'S NOT SCIENCE BASED, AND WE TEND TO TAKE THAT ADVICE WITHOUT THE ADVICE OF THE DOCTORS AND SCIENTISTS THAT DO THIS EVERY DAY.

I WOULD SAY TO ALL INDIVIDUALS, REGARDLESS OF YOUR RACE, GO AND TAKE THE SHOT AND GET VACCINATED BECAUSE IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE AND A LOT OF OTHERS.

>> Don: THE HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ANNOUNCED ITS LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR THE NEW SESSION AND COMBATING COVID AND ENSURING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE RANKED RIGHT UP THERE.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

IN PREVIOUS YEARS WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT EXPANDING MEDICAID.

WE STILL REMAIN IN THAT SAME POSTURE.

IN LIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC, THE PANDEMIC HAS EXPOSED A LOT OF VULNERABILITIES IN OUR HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE, AND I THINK YOU ARE SEEING BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE HAVE FRANK CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MEDICAID EXPANSION OR RULE HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND JUST TRYING TO HAVE AN HONEST CONVERSATION ABOUT HOW WE DO THAT BECAUSE THEY HAVE SEEN THEIR LOVED ONES, THEY HAVE SEEN FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS AND MANY DID NOT MAKE IT OUT OF COVID-19.

SO, YOU KNOW, THE PREVENTATIVE CARE AND HAVING THAT ACCESS -- THAT HIGH-QUALITY ACCESS CONTINUOUSLY IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

>> Don: MEDICAID EXPANSION HAS BEEN A BUZZ PHRASE IN THE HALLS OF THE STATEHOUSE FOR YEARS.

THERE'S BEEN A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF PUSH BACK FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE POLITICAL AISLE ON THIS ISSUE.

DO YOU FEEL ANYMORE OPTIMISM ABOUT POSSIBLY EXPANDING MEDICAID THIS YEAR GIVEN THE PANDEMIC AND THE THINGS IT HAS LAID BEAR?

>> I THINK THERE ARE SOME DIFFERENT THINGS ON THE TABLE THIS YEAR THAT WILL GIVE US LEVERAGE TO HAVE THOSE CONVERSATIONS IN A MORE REALISTIC MANNER.

I WOULD CHALLENGE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE CONGRESS TO CONSIDER ALLOWING STATES THAT DID NOT EXPAND BEFORE TO BE ABLE TO EXPAND AND START OVER AT YEAR ONE.

IT'S HARDER TO ARGUE AGAINST STARTING OVER AT YEAR ONE WHERE IT IS FREE MONEY FOR THE FIRST SEVERAL YEARS, WHERE, YOU KNOW, YOU ARE 100% VERSUS BEING AT 60 OR 70%.

THEN THE REVENUE -- OTHER REVENUE SOURCES THAT COULD BACK FILL AND BE PUT IN PLACE TO PAY FOR IT DOWN THE ROAD.

I THINK THAT RIGHT NOW IS A GRAND OPPORTUNITY.

THAT'S SOMETHING WE HAVE ON THE TABLE.

THERE ARE OTHER THINGS ON THE BARREL THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS A PRIORITY TO US.

WE FEEL THAT WE HAVE A NEGOTIATING TOOL TO TAKE TO THE TABLE.

YOU KNOW, THIS TIME IT WILL BE VERY DIFFERENT.

>> Don: WELL, THAT FREE MONEY ASPECT THAT YOU MENTIONED UP FRONT, BUT THEN THE LONG TERM COST OF THE STATE ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE THE STICKING POINT.

YOU THINK IT WILL BE APPROACHED DIFFERENTLY.

>> I THINK WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WITH THE GAMBLING, THE SOURCE THERE, IT IS CERTAIN ENOUGH TO MAKE SURE WE GET A CUT OFF THE TOP TO SUPPORT IT.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE JOB CREATIONS AND THE OPPORTUNITIES IT WILL GENERATE FOR THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND AS A RESULT OF THE JOBS AND THE PAYROLL TAX AND OTHER THINGS, I THINK IT WILL PAY FOR ITSELF.

I THINK THAT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT IT AS AN INVESTMENT.

INVESTING IN SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT IS NOT NECESSARILY A GOOD INVESTMENT.

I THINK THIS IS AN INVESTMENT THAT YIELDS INVESTMENT LONG TERM FOR OUR STATE AND COMMUNITIES.

>> Don: YOU MENTIONED THE GAMBLING AND EXPANSION BILL.

LET'S GO THERE FOR A MOMENT.

HOW DOES THE CAUCUS FEEL ABOUT WHAT'S ON THE TABLE, EXPANDING LOTTERY AND SPORTS BETTING?

>> WE ARE OPEN AND LISTENING.

WE HAVEN'T SEEN OR HAD ANY INTERACTION.

THE SENATE HAS THE BILL RIGHT NOW.

WE'RE WAITING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS THERE.

WE'RE GOING TO WEIGH IN HERE SOON.

WE WILL HAVE SOME MEETINGS TO TALK TO MY COLLEAGUES AND MEMBERS AND SOME AREAS FEEL THEY HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT AND OTHERS FEEL THEY HAVEN'T HAD A SEAT AT THE TABLE.

WE WANT TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS AS WE MOVE FORWARD.

I THINK THERE COULD BE A PATH FOR US TO GET THERE.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE CERTAIN AS A LEADER I'M PAYING ATTENTION TO THE CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS FROM MY MEMBERS.

AND THAT'S A PRIORITY FOR ME.

>> Don: SOME OF THE AREAS OF THE STATE WITH EXISTING FACILITIES HAVE ALWAYS PRESENTED ROAD BLOCKS WITH THIS LEGISLATION IN THE PAST.

THOSE SAME PEOPLE NOW, SOME OF THEM AT LEAST, ARE SAYING THEY LIKE THE PRINT ON THIS GUIDELINE >> WE HAVE COLLEAGUES A PART OF THE PROCESS.

WHAT WE WANT TO SIT AT THE TABLE ALL EARS.

WE'RE NOT COMMITTING TO ANYTHING AT THIS POINT WE'LL SEE AND MAKING SURE -- MY PRIORITY IS TO MAKE SURE MY MEMBERS HAVE A VOICE.

>> Don: YOUR CAUCUS' AGENDA IS MULTIFACETED AND I WANT TO TALK ABOUT VOTING RIGHTS, BECAME A HUGE ISSUE IN THE COUNTRY IN THE LAST YEAR.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF BILLS IN THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION DEALING WITH EXPANDED VOTING OR MAKING IT EASIER TO VOTE.

REPRESENTATIVE HALL OF YOUR OWN DELEGATION IN HUNTSVILLE PROPOSED A BILL THAT WILL MAKE NO EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING PERMANENT IN THE STATE.

WE SAW IT USED DURING THE PANDEMIC AND SHE HAS THE SUPPORT OF SECRETARY OF STATE MERRILL ON THIS LEGISLATION.

>> I THINK IT IS A NO BRAINER.

I THINK IT IS SOMETHING THAT WE SHOULD PRIORITIZE.

IT SHOULD BE -- IT NOT BE LIMITED TO JUST HAVING ONE DAY FROM 7 TO 7 AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO HAVE AN EXCUSE TO GO TO THE COURTHOUSE THAT IS OPEN FROM 8:30 TO 4:30, OR 8:30 TO 4:00, WHATEVER THE HOURS MAY BE TO CAST MY BALLOT.

WE HAVE SEEN IT WAS A RECORD TURNOUT BECAUSE WE EXPANDED ACCESS THROUGH BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC.

THAT SHOULD GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF WHY WE SHOULD CONTINUE THAT.

>> Don: REPRESENTATIVE HALL'S BILL GOT OUT OF COMMITTEE THIS WEEK.

I'VE HEARD SOME LAWMAKERS SAYING THEY ARE NOT SURE OF ITS CHANCES ON THE FLOOR.

THIS REMAINS A CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ITS CHANCES ON THE FLOOR?

>> I THINK IT HAS A GOOD CHANCE.

SECRETARY MERRILL IS SUPPORTIVE OF THE BILL AND IS ONE OF THE PRIORITIES FOR HIM.

BEING ABLE TO BE WORK IN A BIPARTISAN MANNER, I THINK WE CAN POSSIBLY DRUM UP ENOUGH SUPPORT TO MOVE IT.

I THINK OUR CONSTITUENTS IN THE COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE, REGARDLESS OF YOUR POLITICAL AFFILIATION, SHOULD WEIGH IN WITH THEIR REPRESENTATIVE.

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT PARTY THEY ARE FROM, TO VOICE WHY THEY THINK THIS PROCESS IS A BETTER PROCESS.

SO I THINK -- HEARING FROM THEIR CONSTITUENTS NOW, I THINK THOSE ARE THINGS THAT HAS TO HAPPEN IN ORDER TO MOVE THINGS FORWARD ANYWAY.

I THINK THERE'S A SOLID CONSENSUS.

THE PARTY PRESSURE HASN'T BEEN APPLIED ON EITHER SIDE THUS FAR.

WE'LL WAIT TO SEE WHAT THOSE DYNAMICS SHAKE OUT TO BE.

>> Don: BEFORE WE CLOSE, I WANT TO TOUCH ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM.

IT'S AT THE FOREFRONT GIVEN OUR PRISON PROBLEMS, THE FEDERAL LAWSUIT WE'RE UNDER, GOVERNOR IVEY'S PRISON CONSTRUCTION PLAN AND A NUMBER OF BILLS THAT ARE CURRENTLY MOVING IN THE LEGISLATURE, DEALING WITH SENTENCING REFORM AND THE LIKE.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

REPRESENTATIVE ENGLAND, JUDGE HILL THEY HAVE BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF THIS ISSUE FOR SOMETIME.

I TRUST THEM.

I TRUST THEIR JUDGMENT.

THE GOVERNOR PUT TOGETHER THIS COMMITTEE AND SO THE GOVERNOR IS COMMITTED TO IT.

I THINK WHAT THE DIFFERENCES ARE, I DON'T THINK THAT OUR CAUCUS DON'T BELIEVE YOU CAN BILL YOUR WAY OUT OF THIS PROBLEM.

WE THINK THE APPROPRIATE REFORMS MUST TAKE PLACE AND WE MUST BE AGGRESSIVE AND SHOW GOOD FAITH EFFORT BEFORE WE CAN HAVE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE OTHER OPTIONS.

SO, ALSO THE WOMEN'S PRISONS HAVE NOT BEEN TALKING ABOUT.

TUTWILER, WE HAVEN'T HAD A CONVERSATION ABOUT A FACILITY FOR TUTWILER.

ONE OF MY COLLEAGUES, DR. BORG, THIS HAS BEEN A PRIORITY OF HERS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ELEVATING HER CONCERNS AND THERE'S A CONSENSUS AMONG A LOT OF FOLKS WITHIN OUR CAUCUS THAT TUTWILER SHOULD BE A PRIORITY, IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A FACILITY BUILT THAT TUTWILER MUST BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION.

IT IS NOT PART OF THE CONVERSATION RIGHT NOW.

IT IS JUST ON THE TABLE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE UPHOLDING WHAT WE ALWAYS PUSHED FOR.

>> Don: ARE YOU IN THE CAUCUS BY PROXY AMONG THOSE CONCERNED BY THE GOVERNOR GOING THROUGH THE PRIVATE LEASE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS BECAUSE IT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED OUTSIDE OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS?

>> THERE'S NOT A LOT OF CLARITY.

FOR EXAMPLE, I'M FROM THE COUNTY AND A LOT OF THE COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE FACILITIES CURRENTLY THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PLANS ARE FOR THEIR FACILITY LONG TERM.

WHEN YOU HAVE CONTRACTS, WHETHER IT IS SEWAGE CONTRACTS OR WHAT HAVE YOU, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FACILITY CLOSING AND THAT COMPANY GOING BANKRUPT, THERE'S A DOMINO EFFECT.

IT HAS TO BE A CLEARLY ARTICULATED PLAN AS TO WHAT THE PLAN IS GOING TO BE FOR ALL OF THE VARIOUS SITES, HOW WE ARE GOING TO WORK WITH COMMERCE AND OTHERS TO DECIDE, AS WE ARE RECRUITING, WE LOOK AT THE SITES FOR POSSIBLE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES, BUT NONE OF THOSE CONVERSATIONS OR PLANS ARE THERE.

THERE'S NOT ENOUGH DETAIL.

I SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR ON A LOT OF THINGS BUT THIS IS SOMETHING I CAN'T -- IT'S NOT SOMETHING WHERE I AM NOT AT THE PLACE WHERE I CAN BE SUPPORTIVE OF A LEASE OPTION.

>> REPRESENTATIVE DANIELS, ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU ON THE SHOW.

AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> YOU CAN WATCH PAST EPISODES OF "CAPITOL JOURNAL" ONLINE AT 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.

>> Don: FINALLY ON THE BROADCAST TONIGHT, IT'S OUR WEEKLY VISIT WITH STATE HEALTH OFFICER, DR. SCOTT HARRIS.

WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> Don: ALWAYS NICE TO SEE YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> Don: I WANT TO BEGIN WITH HERD IMMUNITY.

WE HAVE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT THIS TERM DURING THE PANDEMIC, HOPING SOONER RATHER THAN LATER WE WILL REACH HERD IMMUNITY STATUS.

THAT'S WHEN SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY BEEN INFECTED THAT WE REACH A CERTAIN IMMUNITY.

A RESEARCHER WAS QUOTED IN THE PRESS SAYING WE MIGHT SEE HERD IMMUNITY AS EARLY AS THIS SPRING.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT PROJECTION?

>> I HAD A CHANCE TO REVIEW THAT STUDY THAT WAS CREATED.

SHE'S A TERRIFIC RESEARCHER.

WE WORKED WITH HER ON OTHER PROJECTS AS WELL.

I WOULD SAY -- I THINK SHE WAS CLEAR IN HER PREDICTION THAT IT MAY BE AS EARLY AS APRIL OR MAY BUT MAY BE AS LONG AS SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER.

I THINK SHE DID AN EXCELLENT JOB.

SHE WAS CAREFUL TO POINT OUT WHAT THE LIMITATIONS OF THESE PREDICATIONS ARE.

YOU CAN'T ACCOUNT FOR VARIANTS THAT ARE MORE EASY TO SPREAD.

WE DON'T KNOW THE TIMELINE FOR GETTING MORE VACCINE AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET.

SO THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS YOU CAN'T REALLY FACTOR IN WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO CREATE A PREDICTION LIKE THAT.

I THINK WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE HERD IMMUNITY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

WHEN YOU HAVE HERD IMMUNITY IT MEANS -- EVEN THOUGH YOU STILL HAVE CASES AND PEOPLE CAN GET INFECTED THERE'S NOT A POOL OF PEOPLE AROUND THEM THAT ARE SUSCEPTIBLE.

THE VIRUS STOPS WITH THE ONE CASE AND DOESN'T SPREAD ANY FURTHER.

THAT'S WHAT WE WANT TO SEE.

THAT'S THE REASON WE HAVE THE VACCINATION PROGRAM AND WHAT WE HOPE TO GET TO IF WE ARE GOING TO BE NORMAL AGAIN.

>> IT'S NOT OUT OF THE REALM OF POSSIBILITY THAT WE COULD RECOGNIZE HERD IMMUNITY AS EARLY AS THE SPRING.

>> IT IS NOT OUT OF THE REALM OF POSSIBILITY.

THERE ARE A LOT OF ASSUMPTIONS THERE IF EVERYTHING GOES PERFECTLY.

MOST OF THE PREDICATIONS WE HAVE SEEN HAVE PUT IT LATER IN THE YEAR THAN THAT.

YOU KNOW, WE DON'T KNOW.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST UNKNOWNS IS WE KNOW ONCE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN INFECTED THEY HAVE SOME IMMUNITY FOR A WHILE.

BUT WE DON'T KNOW ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN INFECTED.

THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WERE PROBABLY MILDLY INFECTED OR ASYMPTOMATIC THAT NEVER CAME TO OUR ATTENTION.

8% OF THE STATE WE KNOW IS INFECTED AND ANOTHER 12% HAVE VACCINATION PROTECTION BUT WHAT PERCENTAGE HAS ANTIBODIES ON BOARD THAT WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT.

SOME SAY FOR EVERY CASE WE KNOW WE MISSED TWO, THREE OR FOUR.

WE COULD BE CLOSER THAN WE REALIZE.

>> A LOT OF FOLKS HAVE WONDERED, GIVEN OUR VERY STABLE CASE COUNTS AND HOSPITALIZATIONS OVER THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS IF MAYBE WE ARE ALREADY APPROACHING HERD IMMUNITY.

I KNOW THAT IS SORT OF AN ARMCHAIR QUARTERBACK ASSUMPTION.

IS IT ONE YOU HEAR A LOT?

>> WE HEAR THAT A LOT.

WHAT I WOULD CAUTION PEOPLE TO REMEMBER IS THESE NUMBERS WE ARE SEEING RIGHT NOW, WHILE THEY HAVE BEEN FAVORABLE COMPARED TO A FEW MONTHS AGO, DON'T CHANGE OUR STRATEGIES IN THE SHORT TERM.

WE STILL WANT PEOPLE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES, TO EVERY EXTENT POSSIBLE.

STAY HOME IF YOU CAN.

IF YOU CAN'T STAY HOME, WEAR A MASK, STAY AWAY FROM OTHERS AND STAY AWAY FROM CROWDS AND WHEN YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE VACCINE, MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO GET VACCINATED.

ALL OF THOSE THINGS NEED TO CONTINUE.

NONE OF THAT WILL CHANGE.

THE HERD IMMUNITY QUESTION HASN'T EVEN BEEN SETTLED IN TERMS OF HOW MANY NEED TO BE IMMUNE.

NATIONALLY, A LOT OF RESEARCHERS SAY SOMEWHERE IN THE 70 TO 75% RANGE.

IF WE HAVE 70 TO 75% OF OUR POPULATION WITH SOME IMMUNITY IT MAYBE ENOUGH TO BREAK TRANSMISSION AND HAVE HERD IMMUNITY BUT THE NUMBER IS NOT KNOWN YET.

WE STILL HAVE MORE TO LEARN BEFORE WE CAN SAY WE ARE THERE.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT VACCINATIONS.

THE STATE IS DOING EVERYTHING IT CAN TO GET AS MANY SHOTS IN ARMS IN AS EFFICIENT OF A MANNER IF POSSIBLE.

BUT WE ARE DEALING WITH OVERWHELMING DEMAND AND LIMITED SUPPLY.

WE TALKED ABOUT HOW WE ARE DOING COMPARED TO OTHER STATES.

A POLL PUT US 45th IN THE NATION.

I KNOW THAT MUST HAVE BEEN DISCOURAGING.

DO YOU TAKE ISSUE WITH THAT FINDING OR AGREE WITH IT?

>> IT IS PROBABLY CORRECT IN TERMS OF WHAT THEY ARE MEASURING.

I SAW ANOTHER RANKING THAT WAS 42nd AND WOULDN'T SAY THOSE ARE TERRIFIC EITHER.

THEY ARE PREFERABLE TO BE LAST WHICH IS WHERE SOME SAY ALABAMA IS.

I WOULD SAY IN TERMS OF THE RANKINGS THAT THEY REFLECT THE FIRST TWO OR THREE WEEKS WE WERE SLOW TO VACCINATE AS MANY AS WE WOULD LIKE AND I WISH WE HAD DONE A BETTER JOB WITH THAT.

THE PAST FIVE WEEKS WE HAVE GIVEN EVERY DOSE WE CAN GIVE.

LAST WEEK, EVEN WITH THE WEATHER INTERRUPTIONS WE HAD THE SECOND MOST DOSES OF ANY WEEK SO FAR, SECOND ONLY TO THE WEEK WE HAD THE GIANT CLINICS IN THE STATE.

WE ARE DOING A GREAT JOB AND GIVING EVERY SHOT THAT WE ARE GIVEN.

IT IS NOT BETTER TO DO BECAUSE WE ARE GIVEN EVERY SHOT.

>> ARE WE AVERAGING 90,000 DOSES A WEEK?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

WE EXPECT 90 AND 100,000 DOSE.

WHAT WE DON'T KNOW IS WHEN THE ARRIVAL OF THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE WILL ARRIVE.

THAT WOULD PROBABLY IMMEDIATELY ADD A FEW TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOSES, WE THINK, TO ALABAMA'S SUPPLY.

THAT WOULD MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.

>> Don: ONE OF THE ISSUES WITH THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE IS ITS EFFICACY.

SOME PEOPLE ARE MAKING A BIG DEAL OF IT.

OTHERS NOT SO MUCH.

IT IS -- CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG, 72% EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING INFECTION, BUT IT MATCHES ALL OF THE OTHER VACCINES IN TERMS OF PREVENTING AGAINST SERIOUS ILLNESS AND HOSPITALIZATION.

PLUS, IT HAS THE ADDED BONUS OF ONLY REQUIRING ONE SHOT.

BUT THERE ARE THOSE WHO SAY GIVEN THOSE NUMBERS, I MIGHT WAIT ON A PFIZER OR MODERNA DOSE VERSUS A JOHNSON & JOHNSON.

I GUESS I'M ASKING DO WE NEED PEOPLE MAKING THAT DISTINCTION HERE?

>> PLEASE DON'T TRY TO PICK AND CHOOSE YOUR VACCINE.

THESE VACCINES ARE EQUAL IN EVERY WAY IN TERMS OF PREVENTING SERIOUS ILLNESS, HOSPITALIZATION AND DEATH.

NO ONE, WHO HAS RECEIVED THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE HAS DIED FROM COVID AT ALL AND THERE'S BEEN NO SERIOUS ALLERGIC REACTIONS WITH J AND J WITH THE TWO MRNA PRODUCTS, PFIZER AND MODERNA PRODUCTS.

IT IS EASIER TO STORE, IT CAN BE KEPT IN A NORMAL REFRIGERATOR.

THIS VACCINE HAS MANY ADVANTAGES.

WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE IT.

IT IS NOT INFERIOR TO THE OTHERS AND IN SOME WAYS IT IS SUPERIOR BECAUSE YOU HAVE LESS ALLERGIC REACTION.

SO TAKE THE VACCINE YOU ARE OFFERED.

DON'T WAIT AND SAY A BETTER ONE WILL COME ALONG LATER.

THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TO WAIT.

IF WE HAD ENOUGH FOR EVERYBODY YOU COULD BE A SMART SHOPPER AND PARSE THROUGH THE ADVANTAGES, BUT THESE VACCINES ARE EQUIVALENT AND YOU SHOULD TAKE THE ONE YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE.

>> ONE OF THE BIGGEST GETS RIGHT NOW IS GETTING AN APPOINTMENT TO GET A SHOT.

A LOT OF FOLKS ARE SAYING THEY ARE DESPERATELY TRYING TO GET AN APPOINTMENT AND THERE ARE NO APPOINTMENTS TO BE HAD RIGHT NOW.

I'M HEARING FROM SOME PEOPLE IN THE FIELD AT SOME OF THE CLINICS OUT THERE THAT MOST OF THE PEOPLE GETTING SHOTS RIGHT NOW ARE PEOPLE GETTING SECOND DOSES.

IS THAT WHY PEOPLE WHO WANT FIRST SHOTS ARE HAVING MORE CHALLENGE IN GETTING APPOINTMENTS?

>> SURE.

IT IS SIMPLE MATTER OF RESOURCES.

PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY, FOR EXAMPLE, JUST SPEAKING OF OUR COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS WE USED ALL AVAILABLE STAFF, TIME AND RESOURCES TO GIVE OUT AS MANY SHOTS AS POSSIBLE.

SO NOW FOUR WEEKS LATER, BECAUSE IT'S TIME FOR THE SECOND SHOT WITH THE MODERNA PRODUCT, WE'RE USING THE SAME AMOUNT OF STAFF, TIME AND RESOURCES BUT WE ARE SEEING THE SAME PEOPLE WE SAW IN JANUARY.

THERE'S NOT AN ABILITY TO ADD ADDITIONAL PEOPLE.

WE DO CONTINUE TO GET NEW FIRST SHOTS INTO THE STATE.

SO WE PUSH THOSE OUT TO ADDITIONAL PROVIDERS, AS WELL BUT ALMOST ALL PROVIDERS ARE ON A CADENCE OF VACCINATING OR GIVING FIRST SHOTS FOR FOUR WEEKS FOR MODERNA AND THEN TURN AROUND AND SEE THEM IN THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS.

THAT'S THE NATURE OF WHAT WE HAVE WITH THE TWO-DOSE REGIMEN.

>> THE WORD TO FOLKS IS BE DILIGENT IF YOU ARE TRYING TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

EVENTUALLY YOU'LL GET THERE.

THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS.

WE TALKED ABOUT A FEDERAL ALLOCATION MADE TO WALMART PHARMACIES IN ALABAMA.

THEY WERE LOOKING TO EXPAND THE LIST OF STORES TO OTHERS AND THEY LISTENED TO YOU IN LARGE PART.

YOU MADE SOME SUGGESTIONS TO WALMART.

THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO FOLLOW THEM, BUT THEY DID IN MANY INSTANCES AND ADDED OTHER LOCATIONS WHERE PEOPLE CAN GET SHOTS FROM THE FEDERAL ALLOTMENT.

>> WALMART HAS BEEN TERRIFIC TO WORK.

THE ORIGINAL 74 STORES WHERE THEY BROUGHT VACCINE INTO WAS SOMETHING THEY WORKED OUT WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

WE DIDN'T HAVE NOTICE OF THAT.

IT JUST HAPPENED.

WALMART EXPLAINED THEY INTENDED TO GET VACCINES IN ALL OF THEIR STORES EVENTUALLY.

WHEN THEY ADDED THE NEXT CROP THIS WEEK, 17, 18 LOCATIONS WE ARRANGED TO HAVE A CALL WITH THEM AND EXPLAINED THE PARTS OF THE STATE WHERE WE FELT WE HAD VULNERABLE PEOPLE AND HAD GAPS IN THE COVERAGE OF REACHING PEOPLE WITH THE VACCINE AND THEY LISTENED AND WERE HAPPY TO HELP.

ALMOST TO THE SITE AGREED WITH US TO PLACE THOSE VACCINES IN THOSE LOCATIONS.

SIMILARLY, YOU MAY HAVE HEARD THAT CVS THIS WEEK HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE SAME FEDERAL RETAIL PHARMACY PROGRAM.

THEY HAVE ANNOUNCED NINE SITES WHERE THEY ARE GOING TO BEGIN VACCINATING.

ALL NINE OF THOSE WERE SUGGESTED BY PUBLIC HEALTH.

WE HAD A CALL WITH THEM.

WE SAID WE HAVE SOME PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE LOCATIONS.

WE'D LIKE YOU TO CONSIDER GOING TO THOSE LOCATIONS AND THEY AGREED TO DO THAT RIGHT AWAY.

AND WE'RE GRATEFUL.

>> THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE BASED ON THE SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX WHERE YOU TAKE A LOT OF FACTORS INTO CONSIDERATION.

I GUESS WE COULD SAY UNDER SERVED AREAS.

TELL US WHERE CVS WILL BE SERVING.

>> SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX IS A FEDERAL TOOL THAT EVALUATES WHICH OF THE COMMUNITIES HAVE THE MOST NEED IN A WAY.

THERE'S NEED FOR VACCINE EVERYWHERE.

WE HAVE ELIGIBLE PEOPLE EVERYWHERE BUT SOME COMMUNITIES HAVE MORE RESOURCES AND AVAILABILITIES THAN OTHERS.

WE HAVE SET ASIDE A NUMBER OF THE COUNTIES THAT ARE ON THE SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX AS PLACES WE WANT TO SPECIFICALLY TARGET.

A LOT OF THOSE ARE IN ALABAMA'S BLACK BELT BUT CVS HAS AGREED TO ADD VACCINE TO THEIR SITE, ALMOST ALL OF THE COUNTIES OF THE BLACK BELT THAT HAVE A CVS WILL BE GETTING VACCINE.

THERE WERE A COUPLE OF OTHERS, LAWRENCE COUNTY AND FEW OTHERS BUT MOST ARE IN THE BLACK BELT.

WE'RE GRATEFUL THEY ARE ABLE TO ADD TO THAT VACCINE SUPPLY L. AS YOU POINTED OUT, THIS IS A FEDERAL ALLOTMENT.

IT DOESN'T ACCOUNT AGAINST ALABAMA'S LIMIT THAT WE GET.

THIS IS ADDITIONAL VACCINE COMING INTO THE STATE.

>> EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS, TALKING ABOUT THE DEMAND WE ARE SEEING RIGHT NOW.

>> ISN'T THAT A GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE.

WE WERE WORRIED FOR MONTHS WHETHER PEOPLE WOULD BE WILLING TO TAKE THE VACCINE.

CLEARLY PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO TAKE THE VACCINE.

>> Don: BEFORE WE CLOSE, THE MASKING MANDATE IS SET TO EXPIRE HERE FAIRLY SOON, RIGHT?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

IT WILL BE MARCH 5th THE LAST DAY OF THE CURRENT HEALTH ORDER.

>> Don: I GUESS YOU WILL BE IN CONSULTATION WITH GOVERNOR IVEY TO EXTEND THAT FURTHER.

>> I DON'T KNOW WHAT SHE HAS DETERMINED TO DO BUT SHE HAS BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF IT SO FAR.

I THINK IT MAKES GOOD PUBLIC HEALTH SENSE BUT WE WILL FIND OUT MORE WHEN SHE SPEAKS TO THAT NEXT WEEK.

>> STATE HEALTH OFFICER, DR. HARRIS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.

>> THANK YOU.

>> "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>>> MONTGOMERY NATIVE PERCY JULIAN WAS AN INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED CHEMIST THE THIRD AFRICAN-AMERICAN TO RECEIVE A PH.D.

IN CHEMISTRY.

HE SPECIALIZED IN THE CHEMISTRY OF NATURAL PRODUCT AND THEIR SYNTHESIS IN THE LABORATORY.

THIS TECHNOLOGY IS IMPORTANT IN MEDICINES, FOOD PRODUCTS, PAINT AND FIREFIGHTING FOAMS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

JULIAN RECEIVED MANY AWARDS INCLUDING ELECTION TO THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES AND THE NATIONAL INVENTORS HALL OF FAME.

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

COMING UP MONDAY NIGHT AT 10:30, WE'LL HAVE THE LATEST FROM THE STATEHOUSE, INCLUDING A PREVIEW OF THE UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE WEEK.

AND WE'LL BE JOINED BY ALABAMA SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION DR. ERIC MACKEY, WHO'LL TALK WITH US ABOUT A CONTINUED DECLINE IN CASES OF COVID-19 IN STATE SCHOOLS.

LAST WEEK, THE NUMBER FELL TO BELOW A THOUSAND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS.

WE'LL ALSO BE JOINED BY REPRESENTATIVE KIRK HATCHER OF MONTGOMERY, WHO'LL DISCUSS HIS BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW COLLEGE ATHLETES IN ALABAMA TO PROFIT FROM THEIR NAMES AND LIKENESSES, TO OBTAIN LICENSED AGENTS, AND TO PROHIBIT ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS AND CONFERENCES FROM BENCHING SUCH PLAYERS FOR RECEIVING COMPENSATION.

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

I'M DON DAILEY.