>> DON: GOOD EVENING.

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

THANKS FOR JOINING US!

TOPPING OUR BROADCAST TONIGHT, GOVERNOR KAY IVEY THIS WEEK SIGNED SEVERAL CLOSELY-WATCHED BILLS IN TO LAW, INCLUDING ONE THAT WOULD BAN CURBSIDE VOTING IN THE STATE AND ANOTHER THAT WOULD BAN SO-CALLED ‘VACCINE PASSPORTS.'.

BUT SHE ALSO VETOED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD DELAY FOR TWO YEARS A HOLD BACK PROVISION OF THE ALABAMA LITERACY ACT.

THAT PROVISION SAYS THAT THIRD GRADERS WHO CAN'T READ AT GRADE LEVEL WOULD BE RETAINED.

SUPPORTERS OF THE DELAY BILL SAID LEARNING LOSS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK NECESSITATED IT.

IN A STATEMENT, THE GOVERNOR SAID• EVERYONE AGREES THAT THE PAST 15 MONTHS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAVE BEEN HARD ON ALL ALABAMIANS, INCLUDING SCHOOL PERSONNEL, STUDENTS AND PARENTS.

HOWEVER, TO ESTABLISH ANY DELAY AT ALL IN THE ALABAMA LITERACY ACT PRIOR TO ANALYZING THE 2020-2021 SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT DATA FOR READING WOULD BE HASTY AND PREMATURE.

>> DON: THE DEMOCRATIC-SPONSORED LEGISLATION THAT GOVERNOR IVEY VETOED ON THURSDAY WAS SPONSORED IN THE HOUSE BY REPRESENTATIVE BARBARA DRUMMOND OF MOBILE AND IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR RODGER SMITHERMAN OF BIRMINGHAM.

SMITHERMAN TOLD CAPITOL JOURNAL THAT HE WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED FOR STUDENTS AND FOR TEACHERS, AND BECAUSE HIS BILL HAD BI-PARTISAN SUPPORT.

>> I'M GOING TO BRING IT DOWN ONE STEP FURTHER.

IF YOU TOOK ALL OF THE DEMOCRATS OUT, THEY DIDN'T VOTE AT ALL.

THE BILL WAS STILL PASSED IN BOTH HOUSES IF IT WAS JUST THE MAJORITY PARTY.

THAT'S HOW PARTISAN THAT BILL AND THE CONCERN THEY HAD JUST LIKE WE DID.

SO I COULD NEVER IMAGINE THAT BILL WOULD NOT HAVE BECOME LAW.

IT'S A RECIPE TO SET THESE CHILDREN UP TO FAIL.

YOU KNOW.

AND THAT'S WHAT'S SO DISHEARTENING AND DISAPPOINTING TO ME BECAUSE IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY.

>> DON: IN VETOING SMITHERMAN'S LEGISLATION THIS WEEK, GOVERNOR IVEY DID SAY THAT SHE WOULD DIRECT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO GATHER DATA TO DECIDE WHETHER A FUTURE DELAY OF THE THIRD GRADE HOLD BACK PROVISION MIGHT BE WARRANTED.

>> DON: AMONG THE BILLS THAT GOVERNOR KAY IVEY SIGNED INTO LAW THIS WEEK IS ONE THAT BANS SO-CALLED ‘VACCINE PASSPORTS' IN THE STATE.

SUCH DOCUMENTS WOULD, OSTENSIBLY, BE REQUIRED TO ENTER CERTAIN BUILDINGS OR ATTEND CERTAIN EVENTS.

THE LEGISLATION WAS SPONSORED IN THE HOUSE BY REPRESENTATIVE PAUL LEE OF DOTHAN AND IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR ARTHUR ORR OF DECATUR, WHO PREVIOUSLY SPOKE ON THE FLOOR ABOUT THOSE WHO HAVE PUSHED BACK ON THE VACCINE PASSPORTS.

>> MAYBE THEY DON'T WANT TO GET A VACCINE OR MAYBE THEY'RE IN A RURAL AREA AND ARE NOT PRIVILEGED ENOUGH TO GET A VACCINE.

AND A LOT OF THESE ARTICLES TALK ABOUT POTENTIAL -- NOT ONLY IN OUR COUNTRY BUT IT'S A WORLDWIDE THING, ISRAEL BEING ONE OF THEM, AS THEY ADOPT THESE -- HOW THE RESTRICTION ON MOVEMENTS CAN HAPPEN AND WHERE IT'S BASICALLY A DISCRIMINATION ON HAVE AND HAVE NOTES.

DON: IN SIGNING THE BAN ON VACCINE PASSPORTS INTO LAW THIS WEEK, GOVERNOR IVEY SAID THAT SHE HAS NEVER BEEN FOR MANDATING VACCINES IN THE STATE, THAT SHE SUPPORTS VOLUNTARY VACCINATIONS.

DON: THE GOVERNOR THIS WEEK ALSO SIGNED INTO LAW LEGISLATION THAT WOULD BAN CURBSIDE VOTING IN THE STATE.

IT WAS SPONSORED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR DAN ROBERTS OF MOUNTAIN BROOK AND IN THE HOUSE BY REPRESENTATIVE WES ALLEN OF TROY.

ALLEN SPOKE TO CAPITOL JOURNAL ABOUT WHY HE THOUGHT THE LEGISLATION WAS IMPORTANT.

>> IT ALL STARTED WHEN THE FEDERAL JUDGE SAID LOCAL OFFICIALS COULD ALLOW CURBSIDE VOTING DURING THE 2020 TIME AFFECTED BY THE PANDEMIC AND WE WANTED TO PUT IT IN THE STATE LAW TO BAN IT BECAUSE WE WANT TO MAKE SURE ELECTION INTEGRITY IS IMPORTANT AND THE CHAIN OF CUSTODY OF THE BALLOTS IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANT AND ELECTION SECURITY IS IMPORTANT AS A FORMER PROBATE JUDGE THAT ADMINISTERED ELECTIONS FOR OVER NINE AND A HALF YEARS OVER 18 ELECTION CYCLES, IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE PROTECT THE BALLOT.

DON: REPRESENTATIVE ALLEN WILL JOIN US LATER IN THE BROADCAST TO TALK MORE ABOUT HIS LEGISLATION.

DEMOCRATS PUSHED BACK ON ALLEN'S BAN, CONTENDING THAT ALLOWING CURBSIDE VOTING WOULD HAVE MANY BENEFITS.

DON: INDEED, SENATE DEMOCRATS HAVE SAID THAT THEY FELT THAT BILLS LIKE THE CURBSIDE VOTING BAN WERE REGRESSIVE IN NATURE.

BUT AS CAPITOL JOURNAL'S KAREN GOLDSMITH REPORTS FOR US TONIGHT, THE MINORITY PARTY'S SENATE LEADER ALSO FELT THERE WAS SOME PROGRESSIVE LEGISLATION THIS YEAR AS WELL.

.

>> THROUGHOUT THE 2020-21 LEGISLATION STATE SENATOR BOBBY SINGLETON URGED HIS COLLEAGUES NOT TO PASS ANY BILLS THAT HE FELT WERE REGRESS I HAVE.

SOME BILLS RECEIVED FINAL PASSAGE THAT HE BELIEVED WOULD SET THE STATE BACK.

WE SPOKE WITH HIM THE NIGHT THE SESSION ENDED AND HE NOTED THEREIN SOME BILLS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN.

>> BUT WHAT ALABAMA DECIDED TO DO WAS STARTING TO LOOK AT BILLS LIKE INNOVATION COMMISSION, MAKING SURE THAT WE WERE MOVING FORWARD, YOU KNOW, IN THE 2ND CENTURY.

SO WE DIDN'T NEED THOSE OTHER BILLS SO HAVE US LOOKING THROUGH A MIRROR THAT ALABAMA WOULD GET A BLACK ION A NATIONAL STAGE.

>> HE WAS VERY PROUD HAT LAWMAKERS PASSED MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

>> YES, ESPECIALLY MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

>> I MEAN FOR THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN IT, YOU KNOW, AND I THOUGHT THE GOVERNOR WOULD PROBABLY ALLOW IT TO BECOME ALLOW WITHOUT HER SIGNATURE BUT THAT WAS BOLD FOR GOVERNOR IVEY BECAUSE SHE NOW UNDERSTANDS WHAT IT MEANS TO THOSE ALABAMIANS WHO ARE OUT HERE SUFFERING EVERY DAY WITH DEBILITATING ELEMENTS THAT THEY NEED SOMETHING OUTSIDE OF PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS TO COPE WITH THEIR PAIN.

>> AND THE BILL'S SPONSOR AGREES.

>> IT'S BEEN ABOUT A PATIENT ISSUE WITH ME.

AND I THINK IT MEANS A LOT IN THAT, YOU KNOW, IT'S GOING TO BE SOMETHING THAT HELPS INDIVIDUALS OF THE STATE.

THERE'S PROBABLY 200,000 PLUS PEOPLE THAT WOULD HAVE A CONDITION THAT WOULD QUALIFY AND IT MAKES US LOOK LIKE WE'RE TRY TRYING TO TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE INSTEAD OF FINDING A WAY TO STOP THINGS, WE FOUND A WAY TO GET A SOLUTION FOR THOSE PEOPLE.

I'M EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

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

DON: GOVERNOR KAY IVEY THIS WEEK ALSO SIGNED INTO LAW LEGISLATION THAT WOULD REQUIRE STATE DOCTORS TO TAKE EVERY MEASURE NECESSARY TO SAVE THE LIVES OF BABIES BORN ALIVE DURING ABORTIONS.

IT WAS SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE GINNY SHAVER OF LEESBURG, WHO TELLS CAPITOL JOURNAL THAT DOCTORS WHO DON'T DO SO COULD FACE CRIMINAL PENALTIES.

>> IT'S AGAINST THE LAW TO PERFORM AN ABORTION ON A VIABLE BABY SO THE PENALTY IS THE SAME.

AND IT IS A CLASS A FELONY, 10 TO 99 YEARS.

I THINK IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE RECOGNIZE AND HAVE A LOT EVERY HUMIDITY LIFE, AND I THINK THAT SHOWS IN OTHER AREAS OF OUR LIFE, IF WE DO NOT RESPECT EACH AND EVERY HUMAN LIFE, I THINK THAT'S FACTOR IN HOW PEOPLE TREAT THEIR OWN LIVES WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE AND SUICIDE AND SO I DIDN'T THINK I THINK IT'S FORTUNE STRESS THE VALUE OF EACH AND EVERY HUMAN LIFE.

DON: REPRESENTATIVE SHAVER SAYS IT IS RARE THAT BABIES ARE BORN ALIVE DURING ABORTIONS, BUT THAT IT CAN AND DOES HAPPEN.

SHE'LL JOIN US LATER IN THE BROADCAST TO TALK MORE ABOUT HER LEGISLATION BECOMING LAW.

DON: THE GOVERNOR THIS WEEK ALSO SIGNED INTO LAW A BILL THAT WOULD GIVE LEGISLATORS MORE OF A SAY OVER STATE PURCHASES OR PROJECTS THAT COST 10-MILLION DOLLARS OR MORE.

THE MEASURE BY REPRESENTATIVE MIKE JONES OF ANDALUSIA WOULD GIVE THE EXISTING LEGISLATIVE CONTRACT REVIEW COMMITTEE THE AUTHORITY TO QUESTION SUCH SPENDING BY STATE AGENCIES OR DEPARTMENTS THAT AMOUNTS TO ABOUT 5-PERCENT OF THEIR ANNUAL APPROPRIATION.

JONES' LEGISLATION WAS SIGNIFICANTLY SCALED BACK FROM ITS ORIGINAL FORM.

DON: LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR WILL AINSWORTH ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT HE WILL KICK OFF HIS RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN NEXT WEEK.

HE IS PLANNING AN EVENT AT THE JEFF COOK PERFORMING ARTS STAGE AT GUNTERSVILLE CIVITAN PARK NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT, JUNE 4TH.

GOVERNOR KAY IVEY AND SENATE MAJORITY LEADER CLAY SCOFIELD OF GUNTERSVILLE ARE AMONG THE DIGNITARIES SET TO ATTEND.

AINSWORTH SAID LAST MONTH THAT HE WOULD NOT RUN FOR GOVERNOR IF IVEY RAN FOR RE-ELECTION.

HE SAID IN FEBRUARY THAT HE WOULD NOT RUN FOR THE U.S. SENATE SEAT THAT THE RETIRING RICHARD SHELBY WILL LEAVE NEXT YEAR.

DON: A DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF IS COMING IN THE RACE FOR THE VACANT STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 78 SEAT.

KENYATTE HASSELL AND DONALD WILLIAMS WILL FACE OFF ON JUNE 22ND FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION.

HASSELL LED WILLIAMS IN THIS WEEK'S UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RETURNS 48 TO 23-PERCENT.

THE WINNER OF NEXT MONTH'S RUNOFF WILL GO ON TO FACE REPUBLICAN LORETTA GRANT IN THE SEPTEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.

THE HOUSE SEAT WAS FORMERLY HELD BY KIRK HATCHER, WHO LEFT IT AFTER BEING ELECTED TO THE STATE SENATE.

DON: THE 11TH US CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS HAS UPHELD THE CONVICTIONS OF A BIRMINGHAM LAWYER AND A STATE COAL COMPANY EXECUTIVE FOR BRIBING A FORMER STATE LEGISLATOR TO HELP BLOCK FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP EFFORTS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY.

THE US ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IN BIRMINGHAM ANNOUNCED THE DECISIONS THAT AFFIRMED THE GUILTY VERDICTS AGAINST JOEL GILBERT AND DAVID ROBERSON.

THE TWO HAD CONTENDED THAT THEIR ACTIONS DIDN'T MEET THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF BRIBERY.

BOTH WERE FOUND GUILTY OF BRIBING FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE OLIVER ROBINSON TO OPPOSE EXPANDING A FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP EFFORT FROM BIRMINGHAM INTO TARRANT.

ROBINSON SERVED PRISON TIME IN THE CASE.

DON: THE CITY OF MONTGOMERY HAS HONORED A LOCAL FAMILY FOR ITS EFFORTS TO HELP FIGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND FOR A BETTER SOCIETY.

IN OUR IN-DEPTH REPORT TONIGHT, CAPITOL JOURNAL'S RANDY SCOTT TAKES A CLOSER LOOK.

>> DUNBAR STREET SITS IN A NEIGHBORHOOD NOT FAR FROM DOWNTOWN MONTGOMERY.

IT'S A QUIET COMMUNITY BUT HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN THAT WAY.

IT'S HAD A HISTORY MAKING HISTORY.

IT'S THE REASON PEOPLE GATHER AT THIS HOUSE THIS DAY!

WE'RE HERE FOR THE UNVEILING OF THE HISTORIC MARK EARLY FOR REVEREND ROBERT GRATS AND HIS WIFE, JEANNIE GRATZ.

THIS IS THE HOME OF ROBERT AND JEANNIE GRATZ, THE PREACHER WHO CHAMPIONED THE CALL OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT.

THIS HOUSE HAS SEEN MANY EVENTS AND PEOPLE PASS THROUGH ITS DOORS.

>> AS PERMANENT AS THIS MARKER ALSO IS PERMANENT AND FAR LEECHING IS THE WORK DONE BY BOB AND JEANIE.

AND THE GOOD TROUBLE THEY GOT INTO FOR THE SAKE OF EQUAL JUSTICE.

>> WE HAVE ALWAYS CONSIDERED MONTGOMERY THE PLACE THAT WAS THE HOME OF OUR HEARTS.

AND WE AS CHILDREN, GROWING UP HERE, WE HAVE LEARNED LESSONS THAT WE APPLY TO EVERYTHING THAT WE DO IN OUR LIVES.

>> THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS REFERRAL A NEW HISTORICAL MARKER IN FRONT OF THEIR HOME THAT WILL SERVE AS A SITE FOR PEOPLE TO VISIT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GRATZ FAMILY AND THE MOVEMENT.

>> DR. KING TALKED ABOUT THE BELOVED COMMUNITY.

MY PARENTS LOOKED AT MONTGOMERY BEING THE COMMUNITY AND MORE THAN THAT.

THIS IS JUST AN HONOR FOR OUR FAMILY TO HAVE THIS HISTORICAL MARKER HERE.

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

>> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, ALABAMA REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIR JOHN WAHL IS BACK IN THE STUDIO WITH US.

WELCOME BACK TO THE PROGRAM.

>> I'M EXCITED TO BE HERE.

THANK YOU FOR THE INVITATION.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT THE JUST WRAPPED UP LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

THE PARTY HAD A COUPLE OF PRIORITY BILLS YOU WERE WATCHING CLOSELY.

YOU RECENTLY COMMENDED THE SPONSORS OF THE BILL THAT WOULD BAN VACCINE PASSPORTS IN THE STATE.

AND THE GOVERNOR SIGNED THAT RECENTLY INTO LAW AND THE PARTY WAS PARTICULARLY HAPPY ABOUT THAT.

>> WE ARE.

WE'RE REALLY EXCITED BOTH FOR THE GOVERNOR AND FOR THE LEGISLATORS AND THE WORK THEY'VE PUT INTO IT.

FOR ME THIS IS A BILL THAT HE PROTECTS PEOPLE'S HEALTH FREEDOM AND ALSO THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY.

SO IT'S A VERY IMPORTANT BILL I THINK WITH THE MOVEMENT WE'RE SEEING AROUND THE COUNTRY AND KIND OF THIS QUESTION OF THAT BALANCE BETWEEN HEALTH BUT ALSO PEOPLE'S FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS AND I THINK THIS BILL HELPS PROTECT ALABAMIANS FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS SO WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS BILL AND THE WORK OF PAUL LEE AND ARTHUR ORR.

>> IT SAID THAT ALABAMA WILL NOT PUT IN PLACE ANY SORT OF RULES OR REGULATIONS THAT SAYS PEOPLE MUST PRESENT PROOF OF VACCINATION TO, SAY, ENTER A BUILDING OR ATTEND AN EVENT OR THINGS LIKE THAT.

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

SO BASICALLY, YOU CANNOT DENY SOMEONE GOOD'S SERVICES OR ACCESS BASED ON IMMUNIZATION STATUS.

SO IT WILL PROTECT CUSTOMERS SUPPORTING AT FOOTBALL GAMES WHERE PEOPLE MAY NOT WANT TO TAKE VACCINE FOR HEALTH REASONS OR RELIGIOUS REASONS WOULD NOT BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST.

>> COULDN'T USE THAT AS A REASON TO DENY THEM GOODS OR SERVICES WHICH IS PARAMOUNT FOR SOME IN THIS PARTICULAR REALM.

IT'S BEEN SOMEWHAT CONTROVERSIAL.

YOU MENTIONED THERE HAVE BEEN MOVES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY TO BRING ABOUT THE VACCINE PASSION PORTS AND I DON'T THINK YOU'RE SAYING DON'T GET THE VACCINE IF YOU'RE SO LED BUT YOU'RE ALSO SAYING DON'T REQUIRE PROOF OF VACCINE.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

WE'RE SUPPORTIVE OF THE VACCINE AND OF THE IDEA THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE YOUR OWN MEDICAL DECISIONS.

WHETHER THAT'S TO GET THE VACCINE OR NOT GO GET IT.

BUT THAT'S YOUR PERSONAL MEDICAL DECISION.

AND YOU KNOW, FOR GOVERNMENT, OR THE NATIONAL LEVEL, TO CROSS THAT LINE AND SAY, HEY, WE'RE GOING TO MAKE YOUR MEDICAL DECISIONS FOR YOU, AND MAKE SOMETHING A REQUIREMENT, I THINK I THINK THAT OVERSTEPS THE BOUNDS OF GOVERNMENT THAT WE HAVE AND WHAT WE WERE FOUNDED ON.

>> ANOTHER PARTY WAS WATCHING CLOSELY THIS YEAR DEALT WITH TRANSGENDER ATHLETES AND YOU ISSUED A COMMENDATION TO THE SPONSORS OF THAT BILL, WITH SCOTT HAGAN OF HARTSELLE AND WHAT THAT BILL SAID IS THAT TRANS ATHLETES CAN'T COMPETE IN WOMEN'S SPORTS.

AND TO THE SPONSORS AT LEAST, BOTH OF WHOM HAVE BEEN ON THE SHOW TO TALK ABOUT THIS, IT WAS MORE ABOUT FAIRNESS IN WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE THAN IT WAS IN AN ANTITRANS BILL.

>> SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER IS THAT, WITH THIS BILL IT DOES NOT PREVENT ANYONE FROM PLAYING IN SPORTS.

YOU KNOW, IT JUST SAYS YOU PLAY THE SPORT OF YOUR BIOLOGICAL GENDER.

SO A TRANS ATHLETE TO STILL PARTICIPATE, THEY JUST COULD NOT -- A BIOLOGICAL MALE COULD NOT COMPETE AGAINST BIOLOGICAL WOMEN.

AND I THINK THAT'S IMPORTANT JUST ON A FAIRNESS LEVEL AND JUST ON A -- YOU KNOW, A COMMON SENSE LEVEL AND I THINK WE NEED TO GET BACK TO THAT AND I APPRECIATE THAT THE LEGISLATOR LOOKING INTO THAT ISSUE AND VOTING TO PROTECT WOMEN'S SPORTS BECAUSE I THINK THAT'S AN ISSUE IMPORTANT TO OUR CITIZENS.

>> GOVERNOR IVEY ALSO SIGNED THIS BILL INTO LAW.

THOSE WHO OPPOSED IT OPPOSED IT BECAUSE THEY FELT IT WAS DISCRIMINATORY AGAINST TRANS ATHLETES BUT OTHERS SAID THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM IN ALABAMA RIGHT NOW.

IT HAS NOT BEEN AN ISSUE.

BUT IT SPONSORS WERE ARGUE WE DON'T WANT TO IT WELCOME AN ISSUE.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

IT'S REALLY A CLARIFICATION.

LIKE I SAID, IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE, WITH THOSE PEOPLE WHO SAFE IT'S DISCRIMINATION IS THAT NO ONE IS BEING FOR WHICH BIDDEN FROM PLAYING SPORTS.

IT'S JUST WHICH GENDER THEY PLAY IN.

THAT'S IMPORTANT THAT GETS OVERLOOKED.

I SAW SEVERAL ATHLETES THAT SAID TRANS ATHLETES BANNED FROM PLAYING SPORTS.

THAT'S NOT TRUE.

BUT IF YOU'RE A BIOLOGICAL MALE YOU PLAY IN BIOLOGICAL MALE SPORTS AND IF YOU'RE FEMALE, YOU PLAY IN FEMALE SPORTS.

WE'RE JUST TRYING TO KEEP THE FAIRNESS OF GENDER SPORTS IN TACT IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

>> THE LEGISLATURE THIS YEAR DIPPED ITS TOE INTO SEVERAL MATTERS THAT COULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE SO-CALLED CULTURE WARS -- TRANSGENDER RIGHTS AMONG THEM AND ANOTHER BILL WOULD BAN CERTAIN MEDICAL PROCEDURES FOR TRANSGENDER MINORS.

IT DID NOT GET OUT THIS YEAR.

BUT WHEN WE TALK AUNT CULTURE WARS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THINGS LIKE GAMBLING AND MEDICAL MARION, AND IT SEEMED TO BE SOME OF THESE ISSUES WERE DIVISIVE EVEN WITHIN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

>> THERE ARE.

HAD A GOOD EXAMPLE WAS THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL A LOFT REPUBLICANS DO WANT THERE TO BE FREEDOM IN MEDICAL DECISIONS.

WE'RE GOING TO BACK TO WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT WITH THE VACCINE PASSPORT.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO PICK THAT METHOD OF FREEDOM TREATMENT, THERE'S A LARGE SECRETARY OF REPUBLICANS THAT WANT TOMORROW HAVE THAT; RIGHT.

SO THE PARTY DIDN'T COME OUT STRONGLY EASTERNER EITHER WAY ON THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL FOR THAT REASON BECAUSE THERE WERE REPUBLICANS THAT SUPPORT AND OPPOSE THAT LEGISLATION.

ONE THING ALL REPUBLICANS THINK IS THAT WE DON'T WANT TO SEE THAT MOVE TOWARDS A RECREATIONAL LEAGUES LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA SO IT'S OBVIOUSLY A SLIPPERY SLOPE THAT HAS TO BE WATCHED.

BUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA IS COMPLICATED ISSUE.

>> WHERE WE DEAL WITH TRANSGENDER YOUTH AND CERTAIN MEDICAL PROCEDURES AND EVEN GAMBLING TO A BIGGER EXTENT, WOULD I IMAGINE THAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY FELT LIKE IT HAD TO STAND WITH THE MAJORITY OF ITS VOTERS IN SAYING WE'RE GOING TO REPRESENT CONSERVATIVE VALUES.

DID YOU FIND THAT TRICKY GIVEN THESE HE CULTURE WAR TYPE OF BILLS?

>> THAT'S ALWAYS SOMETHING IN POLITICS.

TO ME, I BELIEVE THE PARTY HAS TO STAY FUNDAMENTALLY, BASED ON THE VALUES WE REPRESENT.

WE LOSE THOSE VALUES AND LOSE OUR INDEMNITY AS A PARTY.

WHAT MAKES THE PARTY SEGREGATE NOT THE LEADERSHIP OF THE PARTY.

NO SINGLE PERSON IN A PERSONALITY.

IT'S THE VALUES AND THE ISSUES.

I DEFEND THE VALUES THAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY REPRESENTS AND THE PEOPLE IN ALABAMA, BEING CONSERVATIVES AND BEING REPUBLICANS THAT THEY REPRESENT.

AND THAT'S MY JOB AND I TAKE PRIDE IN THAT!

THE PARTY STOOD WITH SHANE STRINGER OF CITRONELLE WHO LOST HIS JOB IN LAW ENFORCEMENT IN SOUTH ALABAMA BECAUSE OF HIS SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION THAT SOUGHT TO KEEP ALABAMA FROM ENFORCING NEW FEDERAL GUN RESTRICTIONS.

I KNOW YOU RECENTLY ISSUED A STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR REPRESENTATIVE STRINGER THIS THAT REALM.

>> FOR ME, THE SECOND AMENDMENT IS CLEAR AS IT CAN BE, SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.

THAT'S A PARTY PLATFORM ISSUE.

THAT'S AN ISSUE THAT THE EXEC COMMITTEE PASSED A REGULATION ON.

AND AS PARTY CHAIRMAN ON I'M GOING TO DEFEND PEOPLE'S SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS.

THAT'S SOMETHING THAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY ALWAYS STOOD UP FOR, PEOPLE'S FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS THROUGHOUT, WHETHER IT'S THE FIRST AMENDMENT, SECOND, FOURTH AMENDMENT, WE'RE GOING TO DEFEND PEOPLE'S RIGHTS.

AND FOR ME, HIM BEING FIRED OVER POLITICAL DISAGREEMENT WAS VERY DISAPPOINTING.

BECAUSE YOU KNOW, THAT DOESN'T JUST AFFECT HIM, THAT'S AFFECTS HIS FAMILY IF AND HIS ABILITY TO FEED HIS CHILDREN.

THE WE'RE SEEING THAT MOVE IN OUR CULTURE WITH THE WHOLE CANCEL CULTURE AND I FELT THERE WAS NO OTHER CHOICE FOR THE PARTY TO COME OUT IN SUPPORT OF HIM AND DEFEND HIM AND TRYING TO DEFEND PEOPLE'S RIGHTS.

I'M PROUD OF HIM FOR TAKING HIS STAND FOR THE SECOND AMENDMENT AND THE PARTY'S 10-0 PERCENT BEHIND REPRESENTATIVE STRINGER.

>> NEXT YEAR IS AN ELECTION YEAR.

IT WILL BE A BUSY TIME FOR THE PARTY AS YOU LOOK AT FIELDING THE CANDIDATES AND WE WILL SEE MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE COMING WEEKS AND MONTHS EVERYTHING FROM U.S. SENATE TO GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATIVE SEATS.

ONE OFFICE THAT'S DRAWN A LOT OF ATTENTION IN RECENT WEEKS IS HOUSE CONSTRICT 73.

IT'S A SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL THE SEAT THAT WAS LEFT BY MATT FRIDAY AFTER HE WENT TO THE CIVIL APPEALS COURT.

THE REPUBLICAN NOMINEES IN HIS RACE WAS A MAN NAMED KENNETH PASCHELL WHO, IF HE WINS THIS SEAT AND HE GOES AGAINST SHERIDAN BLACK IN JULY, BUT KENNETH PASCHELL, THE REPUBLICAN NOMINEE, IF HE WINS, HE WOULD BECOME THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN REPUBLICAN ELECTED TO THE LEGISLATURE, AS A REPUBLICAN IN A HUNDRED YEARS.

>> I HAD A GREAT MEETING WITH HIM.

WE'RE SUPER EXCITED ABOUT HIS PRESIDENCY SEE AND PLATFORM BUT AND THE WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE PARTY.

SHE ONE OF SEVERAL MINORITIES CHOSEN TO RUN AS REPUBLICANS.

WE HAD WILLIAM GREEN, DOWN HERE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY WHO RAN AS A REPUBLICAN, A MINORITY.

AND I THINK IT SHOWS THE GROWTH OF THE PARTY.

AND NOT EVEN OUR OUTREACH TO MINORITIES.

BUT MINORITIES THAT WANT TO BE PART OF THE MATTER AND RUN AS REPUBLICANS.

HE AND HAVING WON HIS PRIMARY AND WE'RE GOING TO WIN THAT ELECTION AND WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT WHAT HE WILL BRING TO THE STATE LEGISLATOR AND THE VALUE HE IS HE WILL BRING REPRESENTING HIS DISTRICT.

>> THE CAVEAT IN THAT RACE IS THAT HE WOULD BE THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN IN A HUNDRED YEARS ELECTED AS REPUBLICAN.

I WILL REMIND OUR USERS THAT JOHNNY FORD, WHO PREVIOUSLY SERVED IN THE LEGISLATURE WAS ELECTED AS A DEMOCRAT BUT SWITCHED TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY LATER.

SO HE WOULD BE -- KENNETH PASCHELL WOULD MAKE HISTORY AS THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN ELECTED AS A REPUBLICAN.

>> SINCE RECONSTRUCTION.

>> AS WE CLOSE UP, YOU HAVE BEEN MAKING THE ROUNDS HERE AT THE STATEHOUSE, DURING THE JUST WRAPPED UP SESSION.

I ASSUME YOU MET AND TALKED WITH A LOT OF LAWMAKERS ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS.

I HAVE.

YOU CAN YOU'RE YOU KNOW, NO LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS PERFECT.

THIS ONE IS NO EXCEPTION.

BUT WE WORKED WITH A LOT OF MEMBERS, HAD A LOT OF GREAT CONVERSATIONS.

WORKED ON A LOT OF GREAT CONVERSATION.

AND I'M EXCITED ABOUT WHAT WE WERE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS SESSION.

AND I'M ALREADY LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR.

>> JOHN WAHL IS CHAIRMAN OF THE ALABAMA REPUBLICAN PARTY.

ALWAYS A PLEASURE.

>> THANK YOU, SIR.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

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

>> NEXT UP, GINNY SHAVER OF LEESBURG IS BACK WITH US.

WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU FOR THE INVITATION.

>> ALWAYS NICE TO SEE YOU.

>> ALWAYS GRAD TO BE WITH YOU, DON.

>> A BILL YOU TRIED FOR SEVERAL YEARS FINALLY GOT OUT OF THE LEGISLATURE THIS YEAR.

IT WAS CALLED THE BORN ALIVE LEGISLATION.

AND IT WAS NAMED FOR A PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL.

BEFORE WE GO ANY FURTHER, TELL US ABOUT THE INDIVIDUAL FOR WHICH THE BILL WAS NAMED.

>> IT'S NAMED FOR JEANA JESSO HAD N WHO IS AN ABORTION SURVIVOR.

SHE HAS A CONNECTION TO ALABAMA.

SHE CAME TO ALABAMA IN THE EARLY '90S WHEN WE WERE FIGHTING TO GET PRO-LIFE LEGISLATION IN.

AND AT AGE 14, SHE SPOKE BEFORE A HEALTH COMMITTEE WHEN WE WERE TRYING TO GET THE PRO-LIFE LEGISLATION.

AND SHE HAS BEEN TO ALABAMA MANY TIMES SPEAKING AT PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS, AND HAS THAT CONNECTION TO ALABAMA.

BUT I FELT IT WAS NECESSARY TO GIVE A FACE AND A NAME TO THE BILL, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT BOTHERS ME IS THAT PEOPLE WANT TO SAY THAT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN, AND I ADMIT THAT IT HAPPENS RARELY BUT IT DOES HAPPEN AND SHE IS LIVING PROOF IT DOES.

>> I WILL REMIND FOLKS THAT YOU SAY ABORTION SURVIVOR.

THAT MEANS SHE WAS LITERALLY BORN ALIVE DURING AN ABORTION.

AND WHAT YOUR LEGISLATION SAYS IS THAT ANY BABY THAT IS BORN ALIVE, EVEN THOUGH IT'S A RARE OCCURRENCE THAT THE DOCTOR DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO PRESERVE THAT CHILD'S LIFE OR FACE CRIMINAL PENALTIES.

>> THAT'S CORRECT, DON.

THIS BILL DOES NOT RESTRICT OR INHIBIT ABORTION IN ANY WAY.

WE DID THAT WITH THE TOTAL BAN.

TWO YEARS AGO.

IT'S BEEN CHALLENGED IN THE COURT SYSTEM AND UNTIL IT'S ADDRESSED IF EVER, ABORTIONS ARE STILL HAPPENING IN ALABAMA.

IT HAS PAD HAPPENED.

THE DOCTORS WOULD HAVE TO REACT AS IF THEY WERE IN A HOSPITAL SETTING AND A CHILD WAS BORN; RIGHT.

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

WHAT WE'RE ASKING IS THAT OF THE SAME CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO THIS CHILD AS A BABY BORN ANYWHERE ELSE.

>> IT PREVENTS THIS FROM HAPPENING ON A VIABLE BABY AND IT'S A FELONY, 10 TO 99 YEARS.

>> I IMAGINE THAT DURING THE DEBATE OVER THIS.

I HOPE YOU POINT OUT A LOT OF PEOPLE BROUGHT UP THIS IS A RARE OCCURRENCE AND DO WE NEED TO GO THERE.

AND GIANA IS PROOF IT DOES HAPPEN.

>> THAT IS CORRECT.

I THINK IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE RECOGNIZE AND VALUE EVERY HUMAN LIFE.

AND I THINK THAT SHOWS.

THAT'S A FACTOR IN HOW YOU TREAT PEOPLE IN YOUR OBEY LIVES IN THE PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE AND SUICIDE AND SO I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO STRESS THE VALUE OF EACH AND EVERY LIFE.

>> DOES YOUR LEGISLATION GET CAUGHT UP IN THE BIGGER ABORTION DEBATE?

YOU POINTED OUT THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE LARGER ABORTION BAN THAT ALABAMA PASSED A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO THAT IS NOW MAKING ITS WAY THROUGH THE COURT SYSTEM.

>> ONCE PEOPLE REALIZED WHAT THE BILL IS NOT, AND THEN WE COULD TALK AUNT WHAT THE BILL ACTUALLY DOES, WE HAD BIPARTISAN SUPPORT.

AS YOU KNOW IT PASSED THE SENATE UNANIMOUSLY.

>> ABORTION IS COMING UP AGAIN IN THE U.S., SO I GUESS A LOT OF EYES WILL BE ON THE NATION'S HIGHEST COURT IN THE MONTHS TO COME, NOT ALABAMA'S CASE SPECIFICALLY BUT THEY ARE TAKING UP SOME ABORTION CASES AGAIN, WHICH IS LEADING SOME TO BELIEVE THAT MAYBE THE ROE VS. WADE DECISION MIGHT ULTIMATELY BE REEXAMINED.

>> THEY'RE TAKING UP THE CASE IN MISSISSIPPI WHICH IS THE HEARTBEAT BILL.

I WISH IT WERE OUR BILL SINCE OURS IS A TOTAL BAN OR ABORTION AND TARGETS ROE VS. WADE.

SO I WISH IT WERE OUR BILL AND HOPEFULLY THEY WILL GET TO US.

>> DO YOU SEE THIS AS SOMETHING LARGELY SUPPORTED BY ALABAMA AT LARGE AND I'M TALKING ABOUT THE LARGER ABORTION ISSUE.

>> ALABAMA VOTED.

WE HAD IT ON THE BALLOT AND WE ARE A PRO-LIFE STATE, BY A GREAT MAJORITY OF ALABAMIANS.

>> LET'S MOVE TO ANOTHER PIECE OF LEGISLATION.

IT WOULD MAKE IT ILLEGAL FOR A SCHOOL EMPLOYEE TO SOLICIT A STAY TUNED STUDENT TO SEND OBSCENE MATERIAL TOO ANY PERSON.

>> WELL, UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS NECESSARY AND IF YOU KEEP UP WITH THE NEWS THERE'S ANOTHER CASE EVERY WEEK OF AN INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A SCHOOL EMPLOY AND A STUDENT.

AND THERE'S A LOOPHOLE IN THE LAW THAT, WHILE IT'S -- IT WAS ALREADY ILLEGAL FOR OBSCENE MATERIAL TO BE SENT, IT WAS NOT ILLEGAL FOR A SCHOOL EMPLOYEE TO REQUEST THE OBSCENE MATERIAL.

SO HOPEFULLY THIS WILL CLOSE THAT LOOPHOLE.

THERE WERE SOME CASES THAT COULD NOT BE PROSECUTED AND AS WORD SPREADS TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE BAD INTENTIONS WILL KNOW THAT IT'S SILLY TO EVEN ASK A STUDENT TO SEND THE MATERIAL.

>> AS YOU ALLUDE TO, SOME PEOPLE WILL BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THIS WAS NOT ALREADY COVERED IN LAW.

>> EXACTLY.

IT WAS SHOCKING TO SOME.

THIS WAS NOT ALREADY AGAINST THE LAW.

>> DID A SPECIFIC INCIDENCE COME TO YOU AND INSPIRE YOU TO DO THIS -- >> YEAH, THERE WERE CASES IN MY AREA THAT I COULD NOT BE PROSECUTED BECAUSE OF THIS LOOPHOLE.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE BIG HEAVYWEIGHT ISSUES, REPRESENTATIVE THAT WE HAVE JUST WRAPPED UP.

LET'S START WITH GAMBLING.

THERE WAS A LOT OF DEBATE IN THE HOUSES IN THE THOSE DAYS.

THE HOUSE DID NOT GET ANY GAMBLING LEGISLATION.

THOSE WHO SUPPORT IT SAY THEY WILL BE BACK WITH IT NEXT SESSION AND THEY CAN GET SOMETHING PASSED AND ON THE NOVEMBER 2022 BALLOT.

WHERE DID YOU FALL ON THE DEBATE?

>> DURING MY CAMPAIGN I STATED THAT I WOULD ALLOW THE PEOPLE TO VOTE ON A CLEAN LOTTERY BILL.

WE DID NOT GET A CHANCE TO VOTE ON THAT, THERE WAS A COMPREHENSIVE GAMING BILL, BUT I STILL LEAN TO ALLOWING THE PEOPLE TO VOTE.

IT'S VERY HARD FOR ME TO NOT GIVE THE PEOPLE AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE.

I THINK SO THAT THE CITIZENS WANT TO VOTE FOR ON THIS ISSUE.

SO THAT'S WHERE I LEAN.

IS TO LET THE PEOPLE VOTE.

>> TO VOTE ON A SIMPLE LOTTERY OR A MORE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.

>> AMADE THE PROMISE ON A SIMPLE BILL.

A MORE COMPREHENSIVE BILL, I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEE WHAT'S IN IT AS TO WHETHER OR NOT I WOULD GO ALONG WITH IT.

BUT WE DIDN'T GET A BILL ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE.

BUT WE TRIED AND UNFORTUNATELY DID NOT GET A BILL ON THE FLOOR ON THE VOTE AND I UNDERSTAND LIKE YOU SAY IT WILL COME BACK NEXT YEAR.

>> A LOT OF YOUR COLLEAGUES HAVE EXPRESSED SIMILAR SENTIMENTS THAT THEY'RE FOR GIVING THEIR CONSTITUENTS THE RIGHT TO VOTE ON THIS ISSUE REGARDLESS OF HOW THEY FEEL PERSONALLY ABOUT IT BECAUSE VOTERS BACK HOME THEY SAY HAVE CLAMBERED FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE AND IT REALLY CAME DOWN TO A LOT OF PEOPLE OF A LOTTERY VERSUS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND SOME FOLKS DIDN'T WANT TO GO THERE WHERE A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WAS CONCERNED.

>> I THINK A SIMPLE LOTTERY BILL WOULD PASS OVERWHELMINGLY.

I'M NOT SURE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WOULD.

>> I'M NOT HEARING FROM APPLY CONSTITUENTS THEY WANTED A CASINO.

THAT'S NOT WHAT THEY HEAR.

AND I THINK IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN IF WE DID GET A.

THAT'S.

>> THAT'S AN OPEN QUESTION THAT A LOTTO POSED.

WOULD THE VOTERS BY IN LARGE APPROVE EVEN A SIMILAR LOTTERY PLAN AND IT'S GIVING THEM THAT CHOICE.

>> EXACTLY.

>> LEAGUE OF IT UP TO THE VOTERS.

>> NOW, LET'S SPEND THE LAST FEW MINUTES TALK GET ANT MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

GOVERNOR IVEY SIGNED IT INTO LAW.

YOU WERE A NO VOTE.

TELL US ABOUT THE VOTE YOU HAD.

>> I DID VOTE NO.

IT'S A HARD TOPIC WHATEVER YOU -- WHEN YOU BELIEVE IN THE PREMISE OF THE LEGISLATION AND I DO THINK THERE'S MEDICAL APPLICATION FOR MARIJUANA.

MY PROBLEM IS THAT WE ARE TREATING THIS DRUG DIFFERENTLY THAN ANY OTHER DRUG.

THAT'S FOR MEDICAL USE.

AND IT IS STARTING WITH THE FEDERAL LAWS AND THE RESTRICTIONS DUE TO MARIJUANA STILL BEING ON THE SCHEDULE 1 LIST OF NARCOTICS.

AND ALL THAT -- YOU KNOW, IT PREVENTS THE FDA FROM DOING STUDIES AND APPROVING IT EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SLATE SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS, THE THC FROM MARIJUANA AND PROVE SOME MARIJUANA RELATED DRUGS THAT WE ALREADY HAVE IN USE BUT INHIBITS BANKING.

SO THAT WAS THE FIRST REASON FOR BEING AGAINST IT.

>> WERE YOU ALSO OF THE SCHOOL OF THOUGHT THAT SOME OPPONENTS HAD ABOUT FEAR OF THIS BEING A JUMPING OFF PLACE FOR EXPANDING RECREATIONAL USE OF THE DRUG.

>> THAT HAS BEEN THE PATTERN IN OTHER STATES THAT HAVE TAKEN THIS APPROACH WHO HAVE PASSED AND IT MADE IT LEGAL FOR MEDICAL USE WITHOUT BAITS WAITING ON FDA APPROVAL.

THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED IN OTHER STATES.

SO I WOULDN'T CALL IT A FEAR.

BUT JUST A PROGRESSION OF, LOOK AT, YOU KNOW, WHAT HAS HAPPENED ELSEWHERE AND WHAT IS NEXT.

SO I DO HAVE THAT CONCERN AND I THINK IT WAS A CONCERN FOR A LOT OF OTHER LEGISLATORS AS WELL.

>> WE HAD THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON THE SHOW LAST WEEK AND HE SAID HE WISHED LAWMAKERS HASN'T GONE HERE AT ALL.

SINCE THEY DID, HE WOULD HAVE HOPED THAT THE LAW WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE LIMITED IN SCHOOL.

THE QUALIFYING CONDITIONS BE LIMITED TO END OF LIFE SITUATIONS OR SEIZURE DIS CORDS AND THAT TYPE OF THING.

>> I AGREE WITH THAT STATEMENT.

I STILL HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE COMMISSION AND THE DISPENSARIES.

IT'S UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL TO PAY FOR IT OUT OF POCKET.

IT'S NOT COVERED.

IT'S NOT A PRESCRIPTION.

AND IT'S NOT GOING TO BE READILY AVAILABLE TO ALL OF THE STATE.

IT'S JUST GOING TO BE FOR THOSE WHO CAN TRAVEL TO GET IT AND PAY FOR IT OUT OF THEIR POCKET.

AND YOU KNOW IT'S NOT SMOKEABLE PRODUCT -- WHICH I WOULDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH.

YOU HAVE SOMEONE WHO IS DYING FROM CANCER -- GIVE THEM EVERYTHING THAT WE CAN TO EASE THEIR PAIN AND THEIR SUFFERING.

SO, YOU KNOW, I DO BELIEVE THERE IS A USE.

IT WAS JUST THE METHOD SET OUT IN THIS BILL THAT I COULD NOT GO ALONG WITH.

>> BEFORE WE CLOSE I HAVE HEARD SOME LAWMAKERS SAY THEY WERE REALLY SURPRISED THAT ALABAMA APPROVED MEDICAL MARION BEFORE THEY APPROVED A LOTTERY BILL.

ARE YOU OF THAT ILK TOO.

>> WELL, WE HAVE BEEN AT BOTH TOPICS FOR A LITTLE WHILE NOW.

>> I'M NOT REALLY SURPRISED.

I THINK THERE'S PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR MEDICAL USE OF MARIJUANA.

>> GINNY SHAVER OF LEESBURG, ALWAYS A PLEASURE.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

>> THANK YOU, DON.

>> "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK MANY.. >> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, REPRESENTATIVE WES ALLEN OF TROY IS BACK IN THE STUDIO WITH US.

WELCOME BACK TO "CAPITOL JOURNAL."

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

APPRECIATE IT.

>> NICE TO SEE YOU AS ALWAYS.

>> LET'S BEGIN WITH THE BAN ON CURBSIDE VOTING WHICH GOT OUT OF THE LEGISLATURE THIS YEAR.

YOU WERE THE PRIMARY SPONSOR OF THIS LEGISLATION.

AND THERE WERE SOME WHO ARE WONDERING IF IT WAS GOING TO GET OUT.

IT GOT OUT ON THE LAST NIGHT.

WERE YOU ONE OF THOSE THAT WONDER IF IT WAS GOING TO GET OUT?

>> WE CERTAINLY CUT IT CLOSE.

9:POSITIVE IS WHEN THEY HAD THE CLOTURE VOTE IN THE SENATE AND HAD THE VOTE RIGHT AFTER THAT.

IT WAS GOOD NIGHT.

I'M GLAD TO SEE THAT GET ACROSS THE FINISH LINE.

YOU DON'T WANT THANK MY COLLEAGUES, MATT SIMPSON WHO HANDLED THE BILL ON THE FLOOR FOR ME WHEN I WAS OUT SICK WITH COVID, AND HE DID A TREMENDOUS JOB DEFENDING THE JOB AND THEN SENATOR DNA ROBERTS IN THE SENATE DID A TREMENDOUS JOB AS WELL.

I WANT TO THANK ANY TWO COLLEAGUES.

>> I WILL REMIND THE VIEWERS THE DAY THIS WAS DEBATED ON THE HOUSE FLOOR YOU WERE OUT SICK, AND REPRESENTATIVE SIMPSON STOOD IN FOR YOU AND SENATOR ROBERTS CARRIED IT IN THE SENATE WHICH PASSED ON THE LAST DAY OF THE SESSION.

LET'S GO BACK OVER THE PARTICULARS ON YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF WHY WE NEED THIS LEGISLATION, WHY SHOULD WE BAN CURBSIDE VOTING WHEN WE NEVER HAD IT IN THE FIRST PLACE.

>> YEAH, WE NEVER HAD IT.

IT ALL STARTED WITH THE FEDERAL JUDGE THAT SAID LOCAL OFFICIAL COMPOSE ALLOW CURBSIDE VOTING DURING THE 2020 ELECTION IRAQ IS THAT WAS AFFECTED BY THE PANDEMIC.

SO WE WANTED TO PUT IT IN THE STATE LAW TO BAN IT BECAUSE WE WANT TO MAKE SURE ELECTION INTEGRITY IS OF IT MOST IMPORTANCE AND THE CHAIN OF CUSTODY FOR THE BALLOTS IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE AND ELECTION SECURITY IS IMPORTANT AS A FORMER PROBATE JUDGE THAT ADMINISTERED ELECTIONS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL FOR OVER NINE AND A HALF YEARS, OVER ANNE ELECTION CYCLES, IT'S VITALLY IMPORTANT YOU PROTECT THE BALLOT AND THOSE MACHINES AND WHAT THIS BILL DOES, IT DOESN'T ALLOW FOR THE BALLOTS TO EXIT THE PHYSICAL PRECINCT.

IT DOESN'T ALLOW FOR MACHINES TO BE SET UP OUTSIDE OF THE PRECINCT AND THAT'S WHY THIS BILL IS IMPORTANT IS TO PROTECT ELECTIONS.

>> SECURITY, YOU FELT MIGHT HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED WHAT IS BY ALLOWING THE BALLOT TO LEAVE THE PHYSICAL BUILDING.

>> YEAH.

I DO.

IN THE BALLOT -- IF THE BALLOT WERE TO LEAVE THE PRISONS, YOU KNOW, IT'S NO LONGER REALLY SECRET.

BECAUSE SOMEBODY HAS TO CARRY IT OUT THERE TO A PERSON MAYBE VOTING RIGHT OUTSIDE OF THEIR CAR WINDOW OR WHATEVER.

WHAT IF IT'S RAINING?

YOU KNOW, WHAT'S ITS GOING TO BE GOING TO DO TO THE BALLOT, FEEDBACK THROUGH THE ELECTRONIC MACHINE, THE VOTE COUNTING MACHINE?

SO THERE'S AREAS OF PROBLEMS THAT REIDENTIFIED WITH THE CURBSIDE VOTING AND WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PASSED A PIECE OF STRONG LEGISLATION TO BAN THE PROCESS.

>> WHEN THIS BECAME AN ISSUE LAST YEAR DURING THE PANDEMIC, SECRETARY OF STATED JOHN MERRILL STATED HE DIDN'T BELIEVE WE COULD SUPPORT IT IN STATE LAW, EVEN THOUGH STATE LAW DIDN'T SPECIFICALLY FOR BID IT, OR IT DIDN'T THEN.

SO REALLY HIS INTERPRETATION OF THE LAW, AS HE UNDERSTOOD IT, HAS COME DO BARE KNEW SO TO SPEAK.

>> AND WE WERE GLAD TO GET IT INTO STATUTE AND GET THE BILL PASSED AND WITH STRONG MAJORITIES IN BOTH HOUSES.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT THE PUSH BACK OVER THIS.

THERE WAS A SIDE THAT FELT LIKE THIS WAS ANOTHER EFFORT TO MAKE IT HARDER TO VOTED IN ALABAMA.

YOU PUSHED BACK AGAINST THAT IDEA; RIGHT?

>> WE DID.

YOU KNOW, I DON'T THINK IT'S VERY HARD TO VOTE NOW.

I THINK WE HAVE GOT SEVERAL WAYS TO DO THAT.

AND I DON'T THINK THAT ARGUMENT STANDS UP.

YOU LOOK AT TURNOUT.

ESPECIALLY IN 2020, I DON'T THINK WE'RE MAKING IT AT ALL HARDER TO VOTE.

AS A MATTER OF FACT, WE HAVE GOT NUMEROUS WAYS TO DO THAT.

SO IT'S ALL ABOUT ELECTION SECURITY AND BALLOT SECURITY AND THE CHAIN OF CUSTODY FOR THAT BALLOT.

>> SPEAKING OF CHAIN OF CUSTODY, YOU MENTIONED YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A PROBATE JUDGE PIKE COUNTY.

YOU HAVE OVERSEEN LOFT LOCOMOTIVE LOCAL ELECTION.

CHAIN OF CUSTODY DEALS I GUESS WITH AMONG OTHER THINGS HOW MANY HANDS THAT BALLOT WOULD PASS THROUGH IF IT WERE CAST AT THE CURBSIDE AND THEN LEFT TO OTHERS TO TAKE INSIDE AND BE PROCESSED, THAT SORT OF THING.

>> THAT'S WHERE WE BELIEVE THAT IT WAS -- IT COULD BE PROBLEMATIC IF THE BALLOT WERE TO WALK OUT THE DOOR, SO TO SPEAK, WITH SOMEONE LIKE WHO IS TOUCHING THE BALLOT.

SO WHEN YOU WALK IN TO GO VOTE, YOU ARE GOING TO SIGN IN ON THE DOTTED LINE, SHOW YOUR ID, THEY'RE GOING TO HAND YOU THE BALLOT, AND GO SECRET BALLOT VOTE AND PUT IT IN THE MACHINE AND VOTE AND THEN IT'S THERE.

SO WE JUST MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE PROTECTING THAT SECRET BALLOT.

>> I MENTIONED THE PUSH BACK FROM THE OTHER SIDE WHO HAVE CONTENDED THAT YOUR BUT I WILL AND ANOTHER BILL THAT GOT OUT OF THIS DEAL THIS YEAR THAT WOULD BAN DOUBLE VOTING WHERE YOU CAN'T VOTE IN ANOTHER STATE'S ELECTION AND ALSO VOTE IN ALABAMA'S, OPPONENTS CLAIM THOSE WERE SOLUTIONS LOOKING FOR A PROBLEM SO TO SPEAK.

HOW DO YOU REACT?

>> REPRESENTATIVE BLACKSHEAR, THAT WAS HIS LEGISLATION.

WE SUPPORT IT.

IT'S A GOOD PIECE OF LEGISLATION AND GLAD WE GOT IT PASSED.

I DON'T AGREE WITH THE OTHER SIDE'S CHARACTERIZATION OF A SOLUTION LOOKING FOR A PROBLEM.

YOU KNOW IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PROTECT THE ELECTION PROCESS, BOTH IN OUR STATE AND OTHER STATES AS WELL.

>> REPRESENTATIVE, WHILE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT ELECTION MATTERS YOU ANNOUNCED YOU'RE GOING TO REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FORE SECRETARY OF STATE NEXT YEAR.

>> YES, SIR.

WE ANNOUNCED THAT NOT TOO LONG AGO.

LOOKING EXCITED ABOUT IT AND LOOKING FORWARD TO CAMPAIGNING AND LETTING EVERYONE KNOW OUR PLATFORM, WHY WE'RE QUALIFIED AND, YOU KNOW, IT'S GOING TO BE FUN.

WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE PROCESS.

>> YOU CERTAINLY DO BRING THAT DEGREE OF EXPERIENCE TO THE TABLE.

DO YOU COME IN WITH ANY PARTICULAR GOALS?

TO DO YOU SEE AREAS THAT NEED IMPROVING OR EXPANDING ON PERHAPS.

>> I BRING A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE TO THE PROCESS.

WE HAVE TALKED HERE ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE AS PROBATE JUDGE SO I HAVE BEEN FROM AT 5:30 IN THE MORNING TO OPEN UP THE COURTHOUSE TO GET READY ON ELECTION DAY.

I WORKED ALONGSIDE CIRCUIT CLERKS AND SHERIFFS AND I HAVE TRAINED THE POLL WORKERS AND HELPED WORKED ON THOSE MACHINES SOMETIMES.

I HAVE PROVED OF THE BALLOTS AND DONE EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN AS IT PER TINES ELECTIONS.

MY VIEW IS, AS SECRETARY OF STATE, IF I WERE TO WIN, I'M GOING TO BE ONE THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO ADMINISTER THE ELECTION LAW ON ELECTION DAY AND I'M GOING TO BE THERE TO SUPPORT THEM.

IT'S NOT GOING TO BE A TOP DOWN APPROACH.

I'M GOING TO BE THERE TO SUPPORT THEM BECAUSE I HAVE DONE IT.

>> LET'S SPEND THE LAST FEW MINUTES TALKING ABOUT THE LEGISLATION THIS YEAR SOUGHT TO BAN MEDICATIONS FOR TRANSGENDER YOUTH.

YOU SPONSORED THIS IN THE HOUSE.

THE SENATE VERSION IS THE ONE THAT ULTIMATELY MOVED THIS YEAR.

BUT IT NEVER CAME UP FOR A VOTE IN THE HOUSE.

IT WAS ON THE AGENDA ON THE LAST DAY BUT YOU NEVER GOT TO IT.

ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED THIS DIDN'T GET OUT?

>> I AM.

IT WAS A GOOD PIECE OF LEGISLATION AND IT PROTECTS CHILDREN.

THOSE POWERFUL DRUGS THAT ARE BEING ADMINISTERED TO CHILDREN TODAY IN ALABAMA, THERE'S NO LONG TERM -- I SAID IT BEFORE -- THERE ARE NO LONG-TERM RIGOROUS STUDIES ABOUT THE LONG-TERM AFFECTS OF THESE POWERFUL PUBERTY BLOCKERS BEING ADMINISTERED TO MINORS.

WHEN ADULTS ARE ADULTS THEY CAN GO OUT AND MAKE ADULT DECISIONS BUT WE DON'T ALLOW CHILDREN TO BUY CIGARETTES, VAPE, TOOT TEASE, SIGN CONTRACTS, THOSE THINGS.

WE THIS IS ABOUT CHILDREN.

>> DO YOU FORESEE IT COMING BACK NEXT YEAR?

>> I DO.

WE HAD THE VOTES THIS YEAR.

WE JUST RAN OUT OF TIME.

WITH OVER A THOUSAND BILLS FILED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION WE RAN OUT OF TIME.

BUT THE VOTES WERE THERE.

>> YOU HAVE SAID ON THE SHOW PREVIOUSLY THIS WASN'T IN YOUR OPINION ANY SORT OF ANTI TRANSGENDER LEGISLATION BUT ABOUT PROTECTING CHILDREN, AND THIS WAS A DECISION THEY COULD MAKE WHEN THEY WERE OF STAGE.

>> CORRECT.

WHEN THEY GET TO BE AN ADULT AND MAKE ADULT DECISIONS.

NO DIFFERENT THAN, YOU KNOW, IF A CHILD OF -- A 13-YEAR-OLD BOY IS PLAYING BASEBALL AND WANTS TO HIT THE BALL A LONG WAY WHAT IF THE PARENT WANTS TO GIVE HIM ANABOLIC STEROIDS, WE DON'T ALLOW THAT?

THE STATE OF ALABAMA GIVE STEROIDS TO A 13, 14, 15-YEAR-OLD BOY TO HIT THE BALL A LONG WAY.

WE DON'T DO THAT.

WE WANT TO PROTECT THE CHILD'S BODY.

THESE LIFE ALTERING DECISIONS THESE KIDS ARE MAKING AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE, AND THEY CAN'T FULLY GRASP THE LONG-TERM AFFECTS OF THESE DRUGS.

>> THE TRANS COMMUNITY PUSHED BACK HEAVILY ON THIS AND THEY CLAIMED THAT A LOT OF THESE KIDS WHO UNDERGO HORMONE THIRD-PARTIES OR TAKE PUBERTY BLOCKERS SAY IT'S A LIFE SAFER FOR THEM AND IT SAVES THEM FROM SUICIDE AMONG OTHER THINGS.

>> I HEAR THAT ARGUMENT.

BUT AGAIN THERE ARE NO LONG-TERM STUDIES THAT SUGGEST THAT TO BE THE CASE WHEN THEY GET TO BE AN ADULT -- INTO ADULTHOOD.

BECAUSE 98 PERSIAN -- THE STUDY FROM EUROPE SHOWED -- I THINK IT WAS SWEDEN -- THAT 98 PERCENT OF KIDS WHO START ON PUBERTY BLOCKERS GO ON TO CROSS SEX HORMONE DRUGS.

SO THAT'S PROBLEMATIC.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE PROTECT THEIR BODIES FROM THE POWERFUL DRUGS AND ALSO WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT THE CLINIC IN ENGLAND THAT ADMINISTERED THESE POWERFUL DRUGS WAS SHUT DOWN TO GIVING THESE DRUGS TO MINORS IN ENGLAND ZERO SO I THINK THEY'RE FIGURING OUT OVER THERE, THAT'S NOT THE BEST PRACTICE.

>> I MENTION DIZZY THAT THE SENATE PRACTICE WAS THE ONE THAT MOVED.

WILL YOU OR SENATOR SHE'LL BRING THIS LEGISLATION BACK?

>> I HAVEN'T TALKED TO HIM SINCE WE HAVE BEEN OUT OF SESSION.

I DIDN'T GET TO TALK TO-WHEN WE SINE DIE LAST MONDAY NIGHT.

SO BUT I FEEL CERTAIN IT WILL COME BACK BUT I HAVEN'T DISCUSSED WHICH ONE OF US IS GOING TO BRING IT BACK OR NOT.

>> REPRESENTATIVE WES ALLEN OF TROY.

ALWAYS A PLEASURE.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> FINALLY TONIGHT, IT'S OUR WEEKLY STATE HISTORY WITH DR. SCOTT HARRIS.

>> ALWAYS NICE TO SEE YOU.

>> GLAD TO BE HERE.

>> IT'S A HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DADE DAY.

AND NORMALLY WE WOULD BE TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE NEEDING TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL IF THEY'RE GATHERING IN LARGE GROUPS ON A HOLIDAY.

DO WE HAVE THAT CONCERN NOW GIVEN THE WANING PANDEMIC NUMBERS IN ALABAMA AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

>> I WOULD SAY WE CERTAINLY HAVE CONCERN FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE AS WE ALWAYS HAVE HAD.

BUT THE FACT PEOPLE ARE GETTING VACCINATED MAKES US HAVE A LITTLE LESS WORRY.

THE MESSAGE IS THE SAME.

IF YOU'RE VACCINATED YOU CAN PRETTY MUCH RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITY IN MOST CASES.

CERTAINLY WITH OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR SURE F YOU'RE NOT VACCINATED I THINK THERE'S SOME CAUTION THAT YOU NEED TO MIND.

>> BUT GIVEN OUR HISTORY WITH MAJOR HOLIDAYS OVER THE PAST YEAR OR SO, IT WOULD NOT BE REALISTIC, WOULD IT, TO EXPECT ANY SORT OF SIGNIFICANT SPIKE IN OUR CASE NUMBERS AFTER MEMORIAL DAY, WOULD IT?

>> CERTAINLY NOT LIKE WE HAVE SEEN BEFORE.

REMEMBER MEMORIAL DAY LAST YEAR, AND THEN THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS DAY CARE THOSE WERE DIFFICULTY TIMES FOR ALABAMA.

WE.

WE DO NOT EXPECT TO SEE ANYTHING LIKE THAT BECAUSE WE HAVE ENOUGH PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN VACCINATED.

WE HAVE LARGE POOL OF PEOPLE WOULD HAVE NATURAL INFECTION AND NATURAL IMMUNITY AS WELL SO I THINK WE WILL SEE A LARGE NUMBER.

HOWEVER IF HAVE YOU A LARGE NUMBER OF UNVACCINATED PEOPLE SPENDING TIME TOGETHER THERE'S A RISK ON A LEVEL.

>> SPEAKING OF WE HAVE A LARGE NUMBER VACCINATED, AS GOOD AS THE NUMBER IT IS, WE HOPED IT WOULD BE BETTER.

ED BIDEN HAS PUSHED FOR THE GOAL OF HAVING 70 PERCENT OF AMERICANS VACCINATED BY THE JULY 4 HOLIDAY.

BUT ALABAMA IS PROBABLY NOT GOING TO MEET THAT GOAL.

>> PROBABLY NOT.

UNFORTUNATELY I WISH I COULD SEE THAT WE WERE GOING TO BE SOMEWHERE NEAR THERE.

WE'RE REALLY ABOUT HALF OF THAT RIGHT NOW AS WE GET INTO JUNE.

WE HAVE HAD ABOUT 35 PERCENT OF THE ELIGIBLE POPULATION RECEIVED ONE DEGREES.

ABOUT 35 PERCENT ARE FULLY VACCINATED NOW.

I THINK THERE WERE DOUBLE DIGIT NUMBERS OF THE STATE THAT RECEIVED THAT 70 PERCENT GOAL OR RIGHT AT IT.

THAT'S TERRIFIC FOR THE NATION.

BUT WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO HERE IN ALABAMA.

>> DESPITE OUR BEST EFFORTS, ALABAMA CONTINUES TO RANK LOW NATIONALLY FOR THE RATE OF VACCINATION IN THE STATE.

IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN PUT OUR FINGER ON OR ARE WE BATTLING THE VACCINE HESITANCY RIGHT NOW.

>> VACCINE HESITANCY IS A BIG PART.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF NOT THAT I CAN THINK.

I THINK IT'S WORTH MENTIONING ALABAMA IS NEAR THE BOTTOM IN TERMS OF VACCINATION RATES AND THE OTHER STATES NEAR THE BOTTOM ARE OUR SISTER STATES.

WE'RE ACTUALLY AHEAD RIGHT NOW WITH MISSISSIPPI AND LOUISIANA.

WE'RE VERY CLOSELY RANKED WITH ARKANSAS, TENNESSEE, AND GEORGIA.

I FEEL THESE STATES IN THE SOUTHEASTERN IT'S ARE ALWAYS AT OR NEAR THE BOTTOM NOR ANY HEALTH INDICATOR YOU CAN THINK OF, EVEN BACK BEFORE COVID, WHATEVER DISEASE, CONDITION, OR MEDICAL CARE YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT, WE UNFORTUNATELY ARE NEAR THE BOTTOM.

I THINK OUR HESITANCY IS PLAYING A ROLE FOR SURE.

THERE'S NO DOUBT THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT ABLE TO MAKE UP THEIR MIND OR WHO HAVE MADE UP THEIR MIND THEY'RE NEVER GOING TO TAKE THE VACCINE.

WE STILL DO THOUGH HAVE POCKETS OF POVERTY WHERE PEOPLE DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO CARE.

THEY'RE NOT USED TO OBTAINING VACCINATIONS IN THIS WAY AND IT'S JUST A STRUGGLE FOR SOME PEOPLE TO GET IT.

>> SPEAKING OF THAT, I HEARD A NEWS REPORT THIS WEEK NAPPED THAT HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF OXFORD OVER IN EAST ALABAMA WAS ACTUALLY LOOKING AT CLEARING IT'S NEXT SHIPMENT OF THE COVID VACCINE BECAUSE DEMAND HAD BECOME SO SPARSE THERE.

IS THAT A RECURRING THEME YOU'RE HEARING RIGHT NOW?

>> THAT'S NOT UNUSUAL AT ALL RIGHT NOW.

WE HAVE GOTTEN TO AROUND 1400 PROVIDERS IN THE STATE COUNTING DOCTOR'S OFFICES AND HOSPITALS AND URGENT CARE EASY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND SO ON.

OF THE 1400 CENTERS MANY OF THEM ARE SAYING PLEASE DON'T SEND US THE REGULARLY SCHEDULE SHIPMENT.

WE JUST ORDER IT WHEN WE NEED IT.

MANY ARE STARTING TO SEE THAT THEIR STOCKS ARE ACCUMULATING AND THAT THEY HAVE IN STORAGE.

WE'RE RUNNING UP A LITTLE BIT AGAINST THE VACCINE -- SOME OF THE VACCINE BEGINS TO EXPIRE IN JUNE AND IN JULY.

RIGHT NOW, THERE'S NO MECHANISM FOR THAT SHELF LIFE OR RETURNING THAT VACCINE OR SHIPPING IT ANYWHERE SO ALL STATES ARE I'M GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH EXPIRATION OF VACCINE IN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO.

>> SO A LOT OF THESE PROVIDERS ARE TO ONLY ORDERING WHAT THEY NEED VERSUS TAKING A SPECIFIC ALLOTMENT EVERY MONTH.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

SO WE HAD GRADUALLY ADDED PROVIDER AS WE HAD GOTTEN ADDITIONAL VACCINE IN SEPTEMBER SO THAT EVERYONE WAS RECEIVING A SHIPMENT EVERY THREE OR FOUR WEEKS, A SET NUMBER.

WE HAVE NOW SHIFTED TO JUST SAY WE WILL SEND YOU VACCINE WHEN YOU WANT IT.

JUST LET US KNOW HOW MUCH YOU WANT AND WHICH PRODUCT YOU WANT AND WE WILL SEND IT WHATEVER YOU LIKE.

AND A LOT OF PEOPLE FIND THEY HAVE PLENTY ON HAND RIGHT NOW.

>> YOU KNOW AS WE BATTLE VACCINE HESITANCY THERE ARE ALL SORTS OF PROMOTIONS GOING ON RIGHT NOW ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO GET THE SHOTS.

WE HEARD THIS WEEK THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM IS ACTUALLY CONSIDERING A VACCINE LOTTERY.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS IDEA.

>> YOU KNOW, VACCINE INCENTIVES ARE INTERESTING.

WE HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME TALKING ABOUT HOW TO DO THAT.

WE HAD SOME CONCERN EARLY ON ABOUT INCENTIVIZING PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY WITH, YOU KNOW, SMALL GIFTS ARE SMALL AMOUNTS OF MONEY, AND IT FEELS THAT WOULD UNFAIRLY INFLUENCE PEOPLE WHO WERE LOW INCOME PEOPLE AND WE DON'T WANT PEEP TO MAKE MEDICAL DECISIONS BECAUSE THEY REALLY, REALLY NEED, YOU KNOW, $20 OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

I THINK SO LOTTERIES LIKE THAT GIVE OUT LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY REALLY ELIMINATE THAT PROBLEM.

IF EVERYONE HAS A FAIR SHOT IT'S NOT GOING TO INCENTIVE EYES LOW INCOME PEOPLE MORE THAN HIGH INCOME PEOPLE.

SO WE'RE LOOKING AT WAYS TO DO THAT.

AS YOU KNOW, OHIO HAS DONE THAT.

I THINK THEY HAD THEIR FIRST MILLION DOLLAR PAYOUT TO SOMEONE EARLIER THIS WEEK, YOU KNOW, THAT'S AN INTERESTING EXCITING THINGS.

WE'RE TRYING TO GET GUIDANCE FROM THE FEDS ABOUT HOUSE FEDERAL MONEY CAN BE USED TO DO THAT.

I KNOW SOME STATES USED IT TO FUND COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND I THINK THAT'S A REALLY ATTRACTIVE IDEA.

WE INVESTIGATING, IF WE CAN DO THAT HERE IN ALABAMA, SO I THINK YOU WILL SEE MORE AND MORE PEOPLE TRYING TO DO INCENTIVES LIKE THAT.

>> ONE STATE I HEARD IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK, I CAN'T REMEMBER WHICH ONE, GAVE A QUOTE/UNQUOTE FULL RIDE TO ONE STUDENT WHO WAS LUCKY NOW TO WIN THAT CONTEST.

I GUESS WE WILL DO WHAT IT TAKES TO GET SHOTS IN ARMS.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

AND, OF COURSE, COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE A GREAT IDEA OF COURSE BUT I THINK PARTICULARLY THEY'RE REALLY LOOKING AT MARKETING VACCINES TO THAT AGE GROUP THOUSAND THAT THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA HAVING MOVED DOWN TO AGE IT WILL.

IF YOU'RE 12 AND UP YOU'RE ELIGIBLE FOR A VACCINE SO GETTING A FREE COLLEGE RIDE ALONG WITH THAT IS A GOOD DEAL.

>> WE TALKED A COUPLE OF WEEKS ABOUT OUR STABLE DAILY CASE RATES AND OUR HOSPITALIZATION RATE BEING VERY STABLE.

WE HEARD IN THE PAST WEEK THAT A COUPLE OF HOSPITALS IN ALABAMA ACTUALLY HAVE NO COVID PATIENTS RIGHT NOW, WHICH IS A GOOD THING.

FOR INSTANCE THE HOSPITAL IN ANNISTON WHICH WE CONSIDER A MID-SIZED HOSPITAL, MIDWEEK, WAS REPORTING NO COVID PATIENTS.

THAT'S PRETTY SIGNIFICANT.

>> IT'S A GREAT MILESTONE AND OUR HOSPITALS HAVE WORKED SO HARD FOR SO LONG DOING ALTHOUGH OF THE THINGS THEY HAVE TON TO KEEP PEOPLE HEALTHY SO WE'RE PROUD TO SEE THAT.

WE HAVE HAD THAN THREE HUNDRED PATIENTS ON ANY DAY THIS WEEK AND THAT'S THE BEST SINCE LAST MAY.

>> THE GOVERNOR'S HEALTH ORDERS RELATED TO THE SAFER AT HOME ORDERS EXPIRE ON MEMORIAL DAY.

BOIL IT DOWN FOR US.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN.

THE MASK MANDATE ALREADY EXPIRED?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

IT'S NOT GOING TO MEAN A LOT TO MOST PEOPLE.

THERE WERE RULES IN PLACE AROUND HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES STILL BUT IN FACT THOSE FAMILIES ARE UNDER FEDERAL GUIDANCE ABOUT WHAT THEY CAN AND CAN'T DO ANYWAY.

THEY'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO REQUIRE MASKS IN MOST CLINICAL SETTINGS BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THE FEDS TELL TOMORROW DO.

THERE WERE RULES THAT APPLIED 20 SENIOR SISTERS BUT NOTHING AT RISK.

WHEN THOSE GO AWAY, SENIOR SISTERS ALREADY REFERRING BACK TO THE NORMAL SIFT ASS JUNE FIRST.

THERE WAS NOTHING BEYOND THAT REMAINING ABOVE THE ORDER.

I WILL POINT OUT THE GOVERNOR'S DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY FOR THE STATE STILL EXTENDS INTO JULY AND THAT'S IMPORTANT FOR THINGS LIKE USING THE NATIONAL GUARD AND OTHER TYPES OF FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENT, BOUGHT AS YOU SAY THE HEALTH ORDER ITSELF GOES AROUND THIS WEEK.

>> DR. SCOTT HARRIS ALWAYS A PLEASURE.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> YOU BET.

"CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> THAT'S "CAPITOL JOURNAL" FOR TONIGHT.

>> COMING UP NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT AT 7:30, WE WILL HAVE THE LATEST FROM THE STATEHOUSE AND THE GUESTS ARE SCHEDULED TO INCLUDE JERRY CARL OF MOBILE TO DISCUSS THE FAILURE OF A MOVE TO CREATE A BIPARTISAN COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE THE U.S. CAPITOL UPRISING.

WE'RE ALSO SET TO BE JOINED BY REPRESENTATIVE STEVE CLOUSE OF OZARK, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE GENERAL FUND BUDGET COMMITTEE, WHO'LL TALK ABOUT A POSSIBLE SPECIAL SESSION ON A PRISON CONSTRUCTION BOND.

WE'RE ALSO HOPING TO BE JOINED BY REPRESENTATIVE MERIKA COLEMAN OF PLEASANT GROVE, WHO'LL DISCUSS THE GOVERNOR SIGNING A RESOLUTION SHE SPONSORED THAT WOULD FORM A COMMISSION TO REMOVE RACIST LANGUAGE FROM THE STATE CONSTITUTION.

AND WE'LL ONCE AGAIN TALK WITH THE STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT ABOUT THE LATEST ON CORONAVIRUS VACCINATIONS.

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

I'M DON DAILEY.