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Alabama House committee approves bill allowing governor, AG to appoint local police chiefs • Alabama Reflector

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alabamareflector.com – Alander Rocha – 2025-02-12 18:02:00

Alabama House committee approves bill allowing governor, AG to appoint local police chiefs

by Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector
February 12, 2025

An Alabama House committee Wednesday approved a bill that would allow state officials to appoint the leaders of local police departments.

HB 14, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, would allow the governor and attorney general to appoint a local police chief if they determine there is an ongoing public safety risk. 

“It was a fair, valid question about ‘Why don’t we just do both to give it a little more meat and to make sure that everybody’s on the same page?’” Ingram said.

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The legislation has drawn opposition from city officials and legislators, who say it is government overreach that would allow chiefs appointed under the law to operate without local oversight. 

The bill requires the governor’s office and attorney general’s office to review crime statistics relevant to the area and consult with the local district attorney’s office, the sheriff’s office and crime victims before declaring an emergency. Staffing at a local police department must also be 30% off average staffing levels over the prior ten years. Many police departments in the state are dealing with staffing issues and struggling to attract recruits. 

The legislation was amended after a public hearing in Tuesday’s committee meeting to limit the intervention to six months, with the possibility of returning after another six-month period. The amendment also requires the governor and the attorney general to agree to intervention.  As originally filed, the bill only required one of the two officials to decide to intervene.

“Six months they’re out. They can’t come back in for another six months,” Ingram said.

But opponents of the legislation said they remained wary of political influence. 

“I just still have concerns that there’s no criteria, and it could be an arbitrary use of power at the executive level,” said Rep. Kelvin Datcher, D-Birmingham.

Reed said that this bill is a temporary way to address violence and that Gov. Kay Ivey’s office is working on another bill that would provide a more permanent solution, including funding for a permanent task force.

“This was just a temporary fix, since we had so much problems here, along with the city, the county and the state, that worked on that,” he said, though he did not specify the local governments.

The bill now heads to the full House for further consideration.

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Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com.

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News from the South - Alabama News Feed

Saturday Morning Weather – 3/15/25

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www.youtube.com – WHNT News 19 – 2025-03-15 07:53:32

SUMMARY: Today’s weather forecast for Saturday, March 15, 2025, indicates an Impact Day due to severe storms expected this afternoon. Residents should prepare for damaging winds, potential tornadoes, and large hail. After experiencing significant thunderstorms this morning, a clearing is occurring, which could lead to stronger storms later. High temperatures currently in the low 60s are forecasted, with rain expected to continue in Northeast Alabama until 9 AM. Severe thunderstorms will likely intensify after lunchtime, impacting areas across the Tennessee Valley through the evening. It’s crucial to stay updated with weather alerts throughout the day.

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Saturday Morning Weather – 3/15/25

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With no storm shelter in Leeds, residents make alternative plans ahead of severe weather outbreak

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www.youtube.com – WVTM 13 News – 2025-03-15 04:26:00

SUMMARY: Residents of Leeds, Alabama, are concerned about the lack of storm shelters as they face a severe weather threat. Many, including Albert, have been pushing for a shelter for years but have seen no progress. With the city under a level five risk for severe weather, those without access to shelters are frustrated. Some residents, like Dot, have basements for safety, but others, like Patsy, must seek refuge elsewhere. The community fears that if action isn’t taken, lives may be at risk. Dot plans to approach the city council again, urging them to prioritize a storm shelter.

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With no storm shelter in Leeds, residents make alternative plans ahead of severe weather outbreak

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Alabama Alert Day: Overnight storms could produce tornadoes, and a tornado outbreak forecast for …

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www.youtube.com – WVTM 13 News – 2025-03-14 22:37:15

SUMMARY: Alabama is bracing for severe weather overnight, with the potential for tornadoes expected from early Saturday morning through the afternoon. Chief Meteorologist Jason Simpson noted that thunderstorms may begin around 1:00 AM, primarily affecting northwestern Alabama. A lull is anticipated before a more dangerous system moves in, posing a high risk for severe storms and tornadoes, particularly in the afternoon, with conditions worsening as instability increases. Residents should prepare for a lengthy exposure to severe weather and should have a tornado safety plan in place as the storm system approaches from the northwest.

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Alabama Alert Day: Overnight storms could produce tornadoes, and a tornado outbreak forecast for Saturday, March 15

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