Incumbent Republican Governor Kay Ivey won her first full term as Alabama governor defeating Democratic challenger and Tuscaloosa mayor Walt Maddox 59.6 percent to 40.4 percent.

Ivey, who was elected lieutenant governor in 2014, was sworn in as governor last year when her predecessor Robert J. Bentley resigned on April 10, 2017.

Ivey is Alabama’s first Republican female governor and second female governor.

Alabama, a Republican stronghold state, has not elected a Democratic governor since 1998.

The Alabama Code of Ethics Clarification and Reform Commission (Commission), a joint committee of the Alabama Legislature, met on August 28, 2018, to examine potential revisions to the ethics laws.

The meeting was timely as the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals upheld former House Speaker Mike Hubbard’s conviction on 12 felony ethics charges the day before and requested the Legislature clarify provisions of the ethics law. The Commission is considering recommending altering the definition of principal to include a person with the authority to fire or direct the lobbyist.

Other changes discussed included a tiered penalty system for violations of the law and provisions allowing public officials to maintain certain business relationships during their time as a public official.

The Commission is scheduled to meet again on September 20, 2018.

Birmingham, Alabama City Council President Jay Roberson announced he is resigning on September 10.

Roberson’s wife received a promotion at Alabaster City Schools to be a career coach, so the family will be moving to live in the school district.

Due to a lack of funds to hold a special election, Council will make an appointment to fill the remainder of Roberson’s term.

Gov. Kay Ivey signed House Bill 317 into law on April 6, 2018.

House Bill 317, exempts economic development professionals from registering as a lobbyist.

Under the bill, the economic development professional lobbyist registration exemption does not apply if a person seeks incentives or funds through legislative action outside of incentives already available.

The provision has a sunset of one year as the Legislature is expected to revise the Alabama Ethics Code during the next legislative session.

The Alabama Legislature adjourned sine die on March 29, 2018.

The Legislature passed House Bill 317, exempting economic development professionals from registering as a lobbyist, on the final day of the regular session.

Under House Bill 317, the economic development professional lobbyist registration exemption does not apply if a person seeks incentives or funds through legislative action outside of incentives already available.

Gov. Kay Ivey released a favorable statement regarding the passage of House Bill 317. Ivey has 10 days from adjournment to sign the bill.

Sen. Del Marsh introduced an 119 page bill revising the Alabama Ethics Act.

Senate Bill 343 amends several definitions, including but not limited to, de minimus, lobbyist, principal, and thing of value. The bill would allow caucuses to solicit or receive meals and beverages from a lobbyist or principal.

Additionally, the bill would authorize the creation of a legal defense fund for a public official or public employee being investigated for a violation of ethics laws.

Online registration for Alabama lobbyists is available beginning December 13, 2017.

Normally, registration is not available until the beginning of January.

In addition, 2018 lobbyist trainings will be held on January 24, March 14, and May 16, 2018. New lobbyists are required to attend one training.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has scheduled a special election on May 22, 2018, to fill the state House District 83 seat vacated by David L. Branscum.

The primary will be February 13 and a primary runoff, if necessary, on March 13.

Branscum vacated the seat to become the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development director in Arkansas.

Gov. Kay Ivey has scheduled a special election for House District 21. The seat is vacant due to the sudden passing of Rep. Jim Patterson earlier this October.

A special primary election will be held on January 9, 2018, and the special general election will be held on March 27, 2018, provided a runoff is not required.

If a runoff is required, the special runoff election will be held on March 27, 2018, and the special general election will be held on June 12, 2018.

Gov. Kay Ivey has scheduled a special election for Senate District 26. The vacancy is a result of state Sen. Quinton Ross accepting a contract to become the next president of Alabama State University.

The special election schedule coincides with the special election for House District 4. As a result, a special primary election will be held on December 12, 2017, and the special general election will be held on February 27, 2018, provided a runoff is not required.

If a runoff is required, the special primary election will be held on February 27, 2018, and the special general election will be held on May 15, 2018.

Gov. Kay Ivey has scheduled a special election for House District 4. The vacancy is a result of former state Rep. Mick Hammon’s mail fraud conviction.

A special primary election will be held on December 12, 2017, and the special general election will be held on February 27, 2018, provided a runoff is not required.

If a runoff is required, the special primary election will be held on February 27, 2018, and the special general election will be held on May 15, 2018.

Appointed U.S. Senator Luther Strange and former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore will be going head-to-head on September 26 because neither candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote in the first round of the Republican primary election.

President Trump and establishment Republicans have lined up behind Strange, but Moore has wide appeal among religious conservatives across the Yellowhammer State.

The winner of the runoff election will face Democrat Doug Jones, a former U.S. Attorney who coasted to victory in the first round, on December 12.

Gov. Kay Ivey banned lobbyists from executive branch appointments in an executive order dated July 13, 2017.

The order states public officials or public employees of the executive branch are prohibited from appointing a registered lobbyist to any executive agency. Any lobbyist currently serving in a position within the executive branch may finish their current term.

The press release and executive order can be found on the Governors website.

The Alabama Ethics Commission declined to vote on an advisory opinion recommending site consultants for companies considering moving to Alabama to register as lobbyists.

Economic development officials opposed the opinion because it could hurt business recruiting efforts.

There was no formal vote on the motion to approve the advisory opinion for lack of a second.