The 2021 regular session of the Alabama Legislature just wrapped up on Monday night, however there are already rumors of a special session — or multiple — that could be called this summer regarding major lingering issues, such as prisons, gaming and appropriating the latest batch of federal COVID-19 relief sent to the State.

This past session was an unprecedented time for all involved, from legislators, staff members, lobbyists, volunteer advocates and interested members of the public; the effects of COVID restrictions certainly affected the process and how stakeholders were able to participate in the legislative process.

In a statement to Yellowhammer News, State Rep. Kyle South (R-Fayette) paralleled several members of the Alabama Congressional delegation, who earlier this week called for the reopening of the U.S. Capitol. South called for the State House being reopened to the public as “a high priority.”

“I’m hopeful that as Alabama’s Covid-19 numbers continue to decline, and as Alabamians continue to be vaccinated that we in the Alabama Legislature place a high priority on public access to the people’s house,” South stated.

“There are already rumors of a special session in coming weeks to tackle a variety of issues that went unfinished during the regular session,” he added. “Whether the Governor calls us back to Montgomery to consider prison reform, gaming and the lottery, or the redrawing of legislative districts, we must commit to the public that the State House doors and access to their elected representatives will be unencumbered.”

Governor Kay Ivey reopened the Alabama State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion for public tours on March 10.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn