• Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor

Hartselle Enquirer
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Obits
  • Opinion
  • Public Records
  • Madison County Record
  • Madison Living Magazine
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
  • Contact Us
  • Services
  • About Us
  • List of Locations
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a News Tip
  • Submit a Photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Engagement Announcement
  • Wedding Announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letter to the Editor
    Hartselle Enquirer
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
    Lawmakers to meet in State House, public access questions remain
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, RSS Twitter, Z - News Main
     By  John Few Published 
    11:05 am Wednesday, January 6, 2021

    Lawmakers to meet in State House, public access questions remain

    By CAROLINE BECK, Alabama Daily News

    MONTGOMERY — Alabama lawmakers and legislative officials this week said they plan to hold the upcoming regular legislative session in the State House, but the logistics of how to do it safely and allow public access are still being developed.

    Under Alabama’s constitution, the Legislature is required to convene on Feb. 2, but the still-raging coronavirus pandemic has many concerned about how they can do so safely given the relatively cramped quarters in the State House building.

    “The House and Senate leadership continue working closely on a joint plan that will allow the Legislature to fulfill its obligations while also safeguarding the health of lawmakers, staff, and the public to the fullest extent possible,” House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, said in a statement.

    Each year the session begins with the pomp and circumstance of the State of the State address, in which the governor speaks to a gathering of lawmakers in the historic Old House Chamber of the State Capitol. However, this year’s event, if it happens at all, will likely be much different, according to Gov. Kay Ivey’s office.

    “We expect there will be changes made to the State of the State production this year, but no final decisions have been made at this time,” Ivey Press Secretary Gina Maiola said.

    There were talks of possibly conducting the legislative session in a larger venue than the State House because of concerns over the Coronavirus. Federal CARES Act funding could be used to cover costs, but State House officials say right now the plan is to stay in place.

    “At this point the House will be meeting in the State House,” House Clerk Jeff Woodard said on Tuesday. “We will not be moving off site.”

    House members will be spread out among the House chamber, gallery and two overflow rooms during legislative days in order to safely hold all 105 members in a socially distanced way and will be able to vote with a new virtual voting system.

    Now the concern is how to safely allow the public to watch the House’s proceedings if the gallery is occupied by lawmakers.

    Woodard said the speaker’s office and he are working on a policy for public access and would likely have a final decision in the coming week.

    When COVID-19 disrupted the 2020 session, all members of the public, except members of the press, were not allowed in the State House.

    The 35-member Senate will be meeting as it normally would in the Senate chamber, Senate Clerk Patrick Harris told ADN, and each member will have their temperature checked and be required to wear a mask.

    Everyone who enters the State House will have their temperatures checked and will be checked again before entering the seventh floor, where the Senate chamber and senators’ offices are, Harris said.

    Members of the public will have to set up appointments to see senators in their offices. The Senate gallery will have limited capacity and be on a first-come-first-serve basis.

    There will be a limited number of committee rooms that both House and Senate members will be using.

    Public access to committee meetings will also be limited but live streaming of proceedings will be available for each room and holding rooms where the public can watch the meetings will also be provided, Harris said.

    For public hearings, lawmakers will have to submit a list of speakers to the committee chair beforehand.

    “We’re trying to do our best to keep it as open as we possibly can within the guidelines of the social distancing rules,” Harris said.

    Newly-nominated Senate Pro Tem Greg Reed, R-Jasper, told ADN that making sure their work during the session is as transparent to the public as possible is a main priority for him.

    “We are going to have a hands-on deck attitude looking for ways to be as responsive to members, staff and the public as we can, while keeping in mind keeping folks safe is a top priority,” Reed said.

    Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, said Tuesday he hasn’t had any conversations with GOP leadership about what the session will look like but was told such meetings will happen soon.

    He said lawmakers need to move forward with items “crucial to the state” and Democrats’ priorities include continued COVID-19 testing, access to health care and the expansion of broadband internet access.

    “This pandemic has allowed us to see how our needs for (broadband),” Singleton said.

    He said decisions about the session and access need to be based on the latest information.

    “I think that’s what’s going to be driving this whole session, I think it should be data driven, we should look at the numbers,” Singleton said. “…I think we have to be very cautious of how we open these (State House) doors back up and yet still make sure that we’re in position to do the business of the state of Alabama. There’s a balance.”

    House Majority leader Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, said he is concerned about having appropriate public access to the State House especially considering the ever-changing nature of the Coronavirus.

    “It’s all fluid and it changes daily, so we’re trying to work with it and accommodate as many people as we can safely,” Ledbetter said.

    He expects high priority legislation, like the state’s budgets and prison legislation, to be some of the first bills taken up and wants to make sure legislation cut short in the last session is dealt with as well.

    Lawmakers haven’t been given special priority to receive a COVID-19 vaccine before the session starts but many members could qualify for the next phase of vaccines because of their age.

    Ledbetter said those lawmakers who qualify should get the vaccine if they want to but he plans on waiting his turn.

    “I won’t do it until everyone else has the opportunity to,” Ledbetter said. “We’ve got people who go out every day and do their job, be it at a grocery store or teachers in schools, and I think that we’re expected to go out and do our jobs just like everyone else.”

    Singleton said lawmakers need to lead by example in promoting the vaccine and he will get his as soon as it is available to him.

    “If they call me over right now, I’m on my way,” he said.

    Also on The Madison Record
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Madison County Record, News, Sports, ...
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Bob Labbe 
    July 2, 2025
    Editor’s note: Former Major League Baseball superstar Jose Canseco spoke exclusively with Bob Labbe of the Madison Record about the former All-Star’s ...
    Madison Stake of LDS Church hosted Make Music Huntsville
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Madison Stake of LDS Church hosted Make Music Huntsville
    Gregg Parker 
    July 2, 2025
    MADISON – “Make Music Huntsville 2025” offered a full day of live music, worship and community connection. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day S...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Heidi Clemons feels ‘out of this world’ as Midtown’s Teacher of the Year
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Heidi Clemons feels ‘out of this world’ as Midtown’s Teacher of the Year
    Gregg Parker 
    July 2, 2025
    MADISON – When Heidi Clemons hears a student say, “That was so fun, Senora Clemons!,” she knows all her planning for that lesson paid off. She is “Tea...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Madison Elementary picks Beth Massey as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
    Madison Elementary picks Beth Massey as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    July 2, 2025
    MADISON – When Beth Massey started working for Madison City Schools in 2019, she immediately felt at home. Massey is “Teacher of the Year” at Madison ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    As ‘Mrs. Alabama America,’ Brianna Sistrunk focuses on national title
    Bob Jones High School, Living, Madison, ...
    2025 Mrs. Alabama America
    As ‘Mrs. Alabama America,’ Brianna Sistrunk focuses on national title
    As ‘Mrs. Alabama America,’ Brianna Sistrunk focuses on national title
    Gregg Parker 
    July 2, 2025
    MADISON - Brianna Sistrunk of Madison has been crowned 2025 Mrs. Alabama America and soon will compete at the national level. The Mrs. Alabama America...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – When Chelsea Young moved to Madison in 2016, Madison City Schools held “a reputation for academic excellence and for one of the best distric...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – Annabel Richter’s work can confirm that a student has a solid path to a well-rounded education. Columbia Elementary School’s faculty and sta...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Summer camp
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON - A local church’s special event connected on a personal level with 130-plus children who celebrated faith and friendship. Starting summer in ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Get Legals or Public Notices Published
    Latest Local News
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Editor’s note: Former Major League Baseball superstar Jose Canseco spoke exclusively with Bob Labbe of the Madison Record about the former All-Star’s ...
    July 2, 2025
    Madison Stake of LDS Church hosted Make Music Huntsville
    Madison Stake of LDS Church hosted Make Music Huntsville
    MADISON – “Make Music Huntsville 2025” offered a full day of live music, worship and community connection. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day S...
    July 2, 2025
    Heidi Clemons feels ‘out of this world’ as Midtown’s Teacher of the Year
    Heidi Clemons feels ‘out of this world’ as Midtown’s Teacher of the Year
    MADISON – When Heidi Clemons hears a student say, “That was so fun, Senora Clemons!,” she knows all her planning for that lesson paid off. She is “Tea...
    July 2, 2025
    Madison Elementary picks Beth Massey as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Madison Elementary picks Beth Massey as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    MADISON – When Beth Massey started working for Madison City Schools in 2019, she immediately felt at home. Massey is “Teacher of the Year” at Madison ...
    July 2, 2025
    As ‘Mrs. Alabama America,’ Brianna Sistrunk focuses on national title
    As ‘Mrs. Alabama America,’ Brianna Sistrunk focuses on national title
    MADISON - Brianna Sistrunk of Madison has been crowned 2025 Mrs. Alabama America and soon will compete at the national level. The Mrs. Alabama America...
    July 2, 2025

    More Local News

    Our Latest E-edition
    Read the most recent edition
    Latest Stories
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    MADISON – A special event for young, aspiring entrepreneurs and vendors will debut with Little Booths Market Day on July 12. Little Booths Market Day ...
    June 25, 2025
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    HUNTSVILLE - Top of Alabama Regional Council of Government or TARCOG wants your input. Affiliated with TARCOG, the Area Agency on Aging is conducting ...
    June 25, 2025
    Heart of the Valley YMCA hires Rob Gray as president
    Heart of the Valley YMCA hires Rob Gray as president
    By GREGG PARKER MADISON COUNTY -- Heart of the Valley YMCA has appointed a new president to lead the organization. Rob Gray has accepted the position ...
    June 25, 2025
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...
    June 18, 2025
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    MADISON – With their continuous honors, Madison City Schools students have proven their mastery of the ‘three Rs – Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic.’ H...
    June 18, 2025
    poll
    Latest Sports
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Editor’s note: Former Major League Baseball superstar Jose Canseco spoke exclusively with Bob Labbe of the Madison Record about the former All-Star’s ...
    July 2, 2025
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...
    June 18, 2025
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    MADISON - Since birth, Mitch Daly has always been on the move as his father, Ed, is a four-star general in the U.S. Army causing him to pack up his wi...
    May 26, 2025
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    HUNTSVILLE - The Cotton Row Run is a community event. The annual Memorial Day extravaganza, held in downtown Huntsville, again this year will attract ...
    May 20, 2025
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    HUNTSVILLE – Madison Academy entered the state soccer tournament scoreless in three previous games at John Hunt Park, including against Donoho last se...
    May 9, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Business
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Business
      • Sponsored Content

    Other Publications

    Madison Living Logo Living 50 Plus Logo

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , The Madison Record