The turnover in the Alabama Legislature headed into the new quadrennium, combined with new leadership in the House of Representatives, has made State House expectations somewhat of a wildcard for 2023 and beyond.
During an appearance on Huntsville radio WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show," State Sen. Sam Givham (R-Huntsville) gave his best guesses about what to expect.
Although the second-term Madison County lawmaker said there was no apparent public push for school choice, he said he did anticipate a push for gambling legislation and a change to how the state selects the state health officer.
Current State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris became a prominent fixture in Alabama's COVID-19 policies throughout 2020 and 2021. However, how he came to occupy the office became a point of controversy.
In Alabama, the state's top health official is selected by the state public health committee, which consists of members appointed by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama.
Givhan told host Dale Jackson to expect movement on changing that.
"I do think there is probably going to be some movement on at least the state health officer, and this is not personal, you know, to the current state health officer," Givhan said. "It's more of an issue, you know – should someone with that power be appointed by a board of doctors as opposed to the governor?"
Jeff Poor is the executive editor of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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