Alabama

Alabama’s ‘back the blue’ police bill passes in final hour of legislative session

Published

10 months ago

May 15, 2025

Alabama’s ‘back the blue’ police bill passes in final hour of legislative session

Democratic Alabama state Senators Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham; and Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, on the Senate floor during the final day of the 2025 spring session on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, inside the Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala.John Sharp

A bill to expand Alabama law on legal immunity for police officers passed in the final half-hour of the annual legislative session on Wednesday night.

HB202 by Rep. Rex Reynolds, a former Huntsville police chief, is a priority for Gov. Kay Ivey and Republican leaders in the House of Representatives.

The bill would rewrite Alabama’s law on police immunity from criminal prosecutions and from civil lawsuits.

Lawmakers have hashed out the bill in public hearings and when the House passed the bill after a three-hour debate in March. It has undergone changes.

But Republicans and Democrats remained on opposite sides.

On Wednesday night, the Republican majority in the Senate voted to end the debate on the bill shortly after 10 p.m., more than an hour into the discussion.

The Senate passed it by a vote of 25-6. That sent it back to the House.

At about 11:35 p.m., the House passed the bill 73-28.

That sends it to Ivey, who can sign it into law.

Reynolds and other supporters of the legislation say the legal protections are needed at a time when cities are struggling to hire and retain cops because of concerns that they will be accused of wrongdoing for split-second decisions that sometimes involve life and death.

Democrats have opposed the bill saying it will make it harder to hold police accountable.

Sen. Lance Bell, R-St. Clair County, handled the bill Wednesday night on the Senate floor.

Bell introduced a new version of the bill Wednesday night.

Bell, an attorney and former deputy sheriff, said the bill would clarify the law on immunity and would reduce frivolous lawsuits.

Bell said it would not protect police who act outside the scope of their jobs.

“To me this is about protecting them while they’re protecting us,” Bell said.

Alabama State Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, speaks on the Alabama Senate floor during the final day of the 2025 legislative session on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in the Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala.John Sharp

Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, repeated assertions he made in committee, calling the bill “a license to kill Black people.”

Smitherman is an attorney who taught constitutional law for 25 years.

Smitherman said Black people are at risk of bad decisions by police who are scared or actions by cops who are racist.

“We as a people don’t get the benefit of the doubt at all,” Smitherman said.

Turning to his Black Senate colleagues to help make his point, Smitherman urged them to be cautious driving home after the Senate adjourns.

“Be careful, because you’re going to be DWB. Driving while Black,“ Smitherman said.

Smitherman repeated a story he has told before on the Senate floor, describing when he was stopped by a police officer in Montgomery even though he was driving below the speed limit.

The senator said the officer approached his car with his hand on his gun and gave him conflicting instructions, telling him to hold out his hands while also asking him to pull out his driver license.

Smitherman said the story was an example of how Black people can be at risk if they are not cautious during their encounters with police.

Alabama State Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, speaks on the floor of the Senate during the final day of the spring 2025 legislative session on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala.John Sharp

Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma, questioned the need for the bill and said it would erode public trust.

Stewart brought up the scandal in the Hanceville Police Department.

A grand jury indicted a former police chief and several officers and said the department should be abolished because of a “culture of corruption.”

Stewart said he supports police.

“But to have power unchecked, that is unacceptable in a democracy,” Stewart said.

Democratic Sens. Kirk Hatcher of Montgomery and Merika Coleman of Pleasant Grover also spoke in opposition to the bill.

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Alabama

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey receives Boy Scouts’ Circle of Honor

Published

1 hour ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey receives Boy Scouts’ Circle of Honor

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was honored for her lifelong dedication to youth and community service during the 12th annual Black Warrior Council Boy Scouts of America Circle of Honor awards luncheon.

The ceremony, which was held Feb. 27 at the Embassy Suites hotel in downtown Tuscaloosa, serves as a fundraiser for the council’s scouting program.

The Circle of Honor award is presented to people in west central Alabama whose livelihood and actions reflect the same values of the Black Warrior Boy Scouts. Recipients have also shown advocacy for youth and leadership in the community.

Past recipients of the award include Terry Saban, Nick Saban, former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, scientist and philanthropist Thomas Joiner, pharmacist and retailer James I. Harrison Jr., civic leader Mary Ann Phelps and more.

Cathy Randall, a Tuscaloosa businesswoman, educator and philanthropist, presented Ivey with the award. Randall was inducted into the Circle of Honor in 2025 along with her late husband, Pettus.

Ivey said she was grateful to receive the honor by the Black Warrior Council and highlighted the importance of public service.

“I’m proud to have dedicated my life to public service, there’s no more noble calling than to uplift and empower lives,” said Ivey during the Feb. 27 ceremony.

Ivey thanked the scouting organizations, including the Black Warrior Council for its contributions to educational opportunities, economic development, and public safety.

“In particular, I’m proud of the work done by our Scouting organizations like the Black Warrior Council, who lay a foundation for successful future in both our young people and our state, thank you for all you do to build a stronger Alabama by changing lives and preparing our future leaders,” said Ivey, a native of Camden in Wilcox County.

Ivey is wrapping up her second term as governor after a long career spent primarily in government.

After graduating from Auburn University in 1967, Ivey worked as a high school teacher and a bank officer. She served as reading clerk for the Alabama House of Representatives under then-Speaker Joseph C. McCorquodale and she served as assistant director at the Alabama Development Office.

In 2002, Ivey was elected to the first of two terms as Alabama’s treasurer and in 2010, she was elected to the first of two terms as lieutenant governor. On April 10, 2017, Ivey was sworn in as Alabama’s 54th governor after the resignation of Robert Bentley. She filled out the rest of Bentley’s term before winning the gubernatorial election in 2018 and she was re-elected in 2022.

She will leave office at the end of this year.

She is the first Republican woman to serve as Alabama’s governor but she’s the second woman to hold the state’s top executive office. Tuscaloosa County native Lurleen B. Wallace, a Democrat, became Alabama’s first female governor in 1966.

Circle of Honor luncheon raises nearly $200,000

Also during the ceremony, retired DCH Health System administrator Sammy Watson, who served as the event’s emcee, announced that the council had raised $197,000 through the luncheon that day.

Proceeds from the lunch will be used to expand Boy Scouts programs, making them available to over 3,000 young people in west central Alabama.

The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s leading outdoor education and character development program. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@usatodayco.com. To support her work, please subscribe to The Tuscaloosa News.

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Alabama

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

Published

13 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

SELMA, Ala. (WSFA) – After more than a decade serving Alabama’s fourth judicial circuit, Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. is stepping away from full-time service, closing a chapter that spans nearly four decades in the legal profession.

Pettaway was elected to the bench in 2012 and served in several counties including Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale and Bibb counties, the largest geographical circuit in the state.

Now, he says, it was simply time.

“I never wanted to serve in that capacity forever,” Pettaway said “And plus, I wanted to also make room for some younger, brighter minds to come forward.”

Before becoming a judge, Pettaway practiced law in Selma for nearly 30 years after being licensed in 1985. During that time, he handled cases that helped shape Alabama law; something he says he didn’t fully appreciate until colleagues reflected on his impact.

“I handled several cases which actually affected and changed the direction of the state of the law in our state,” he added. “And I didn’t realize I did all that.”

Friends and fellow legal professionals once presented him with research showing his involvement in Alabama Supreme Court cases that made significant changes in state law; a moment he describes as both surprising and humbling.

During his time on the bench, Pettaway says one of his priorities was maintaining professionalism and respect within the legal system.

He often referenced the Alabama State Bar’s Lawyer’s Creed — a pledge attorneys take promising to treat even their opponents with civility and understanding.

“In that creed, you are promising that you’re gonna treat even your opponents with civility and with kindness and understanding.”

Pettaway says he believes the legal profession — and society at large — must continue working toward a culture rooted in respect and service.

Although stepping away from full-time duties, Pettaway says he is not completely leaving the legal field. He has transitioned to retired active status and plans to assist with cases when needed, while also returning to private practice.

He says this new chapter is about balance.

After decades shaping courtrooms across five counties, Pettaway says he is focused on health, perspective and trusting the next generation to carry the bench forward.

Governor Kay Ivey has appointed former Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones to serve the remainder of Pettaway’s six-year term.

Jones previously served as senior chief trial attorney under District Attorney Robert Turner Jr. and has also led the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

The transition marks a new era for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, while closing a significant chapter in its recent history.

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Alabama

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine nears its conclusion, the Detroit Lions continue to work to identify potential fits for the franchise.

The Lions own pick No. 17 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Though Taylor Decker recently announced his return for the 2026 season, Detroit could still be thinking offensive line in the draft’s opening round.

If the Lions opt to fortify their offensive line, one name to watch for Detroit is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. A Lions scout pulled Proctor aside to talk at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January.

Now, Proctor confirmed to Crunch Time Sports that he met with the Lions at the NFL combine.

Proctor started 40 games across his Crimson Tide career, missing just the first two games of the 2024 season with injury.

The 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman was Alabama’s highest-graded player last season with an overall offensive grade of 85.9, per Pro Football Focus. Proctor had a pass-blocking grade of 84.2, a run blocking grade of 81.1 and allowed just two sacks during the 2025 college football season.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

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