BREAKING: House GOP Caucus Makes Leadership Change as PSC Bill Stalls
Scott Stadthagen out, Chip Brown in as Majority Leader, as PSC appointment bill stalls in House
The Alabama House Republican Caucus held an emergency meeting at the State House on Thursday. During that meeting, House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) was replaced with Representative Chip Brown (R-Mobile),
Sources indicate the move was "procedural" in nature and not related to any misconduct. Lawmakers described it as a step to avoid potential conflicts while Stadthagen seeks the party’s top leadership position.
Stadthagen is currently seeking the position of Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.
The meeting came just hours after legislation that would eliminate the elected positions on the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) was removed from the House calendar. According to sources familiar with the discussion, the bill did not currently have the votes needed for passage amid divisions within the Republican caucus and the State GOP.
Rep. Brown was temporarily selected to serve as Majority Leader, until after the March 7 ALGOP Winter Meeting, at which time a new ALGOP Chair will be elected.
Notably, Rep. Brown is also the sponsor of HB392, a bill that would fundamentally change the nature of the Public Service Commission by making Commissioners appointed rather than elected, as they are now.
The elevation of Rep. Brown has caused some to speculate that this may be a move to aid in reviving HB392. HB392 was on the House calendar for consideration Thursday morning, but was removed shortly before the beginning of the session.
The PSC proposal in HB392 has sparked significant debate among Republican lawmakers and grassroots activists across Alabama. Supporters say it would reform and modernize the Commission’s structure, while opponents argue it would shift the positions from voters to an appointment process, removing accountability and opening the door to special interest influence. In a Cullman Daily News poll, over 1,200 respondents overwhelmingly opposed the bill with a 99% majority.
This is a developing story. ALPolitics.com will provide updates as more details become available.
