The Alabama Legislature is poised to address the State Health Officer's appointment and scope of authority through several bills filed in both legislative houses.
One area that got notice in 2023 but was thwarted by Democrat lawmakers was reforming the antiquated law governing the Alabama Department of Public Health and its leadership under the direction of the State Health Officer.
Despite making controversial statements earlier this year and being under the scrutiny of some Republican lawmakers, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris is getting a raise.
Freshman State Rep. Mark Shirey (R-Mobile) says he believes State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris survived the scrutiny of the Alabama Legislature because of the lobby working under the Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA) banner in Montgomery this session.
Education is the “number one issue that keeps coming up” in District 100, according to new State Rep. Mark Shirey (R-Mobile).