As gambling appears once again to be dead for the legislative session, and potentially for the remainder of Gov. Kay Ivey's governorship, speculation abounds as to how the incoming new legislature and likely "Governor" Tommy Tuberville would approach it for the next quadrennium.
During an appearance on Huntsville radio WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show" on Thursday, State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) was bearish on a possible late special session called by Ivey to address gambling.
However, he also urged against holding a special session during the 2027 general session to pass a package of gambling bills. That tactic was used by Ivey when the legislature passed the gas tax increase included in the so-called Rebuild Alabama legislation in 2019.
"I don't think that the special session is inevitable," Givhan said. "Is the idea that Ivey will call one for the new legislature after the election? ... I don't see a big appetite unless the national championship-winning coach-elect [Tuberville] and Governor Ivey reach an accord because, if for instance, Ivey was going to do this on her way out as her lasting legacy in the state of Alabama and call the legislature in session, and Coach said, 'Whoa, whoa guys and gals. I don't want you to do anything. I want to get in here and evaluate it,' I think the legislature goes, 'Well, we're going to evaluate it. Let Coach take a look at this.'"
"Now, he could do what Ivey did on the gas tax, which I think would be a big mistake," he said. "You know, he could talk leadership into some long recess and call us into a special [session] within the general, which I don't think is appropriate. And I think, unlike the gas tax, that would be challenged legally on gambling."
Jeff Poor is the editor-in-chief 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 [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
