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HJR 167

General Assembly, Confirmation of Appointment - David Watson, University of Tennessee Board of Trustees -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Lamberth

Urges Alabama's governor to follow through on discussions with Sarah Collins Rudolph and her attorneys about the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing and her injuries.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HJR 167

Summary of HJR 167 (Alabama)

Overview

  • Bill Type: Joint Resolution (HJR)
  • Title: Urging Governor Ivey to follow through on discussions with Sarah Collins Rudolph and her attorneys
  • Status: Received in the House and referred to the House Committee on Rules
  • Introduced: March 5, 2025
  • Sponsors: Reps. Givan, Sellers, Datcher, Morris, Forte, Moore (M), Lawrence, Jackson, Lands, Travis, Bracy, Boyd, Warren, Tillman, Hassell, Drummond
  • Committee Referral: Rules (originating in the House)

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution urges Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to fulfill an assurance she gave in 2019 to engage in discussions with Sarah Collins Rudolph (the “fifth girl” injured in the September 15, 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing) and her attorneys.
  • It specifically calls for Governor Ivey to “follow through on the discussions” between the Governor’s attorneys and the attorneys representing Mrs. Rudolph and other interested parties.
  • The resolution frames the action as a recognition of the lasting physical and mental injuries suffered by Sarah Collins Rudolph and seeks accountability for the promised dialogue.

Key Provisions (Substantive Content)

  • Acknowledges the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, its impact, and Sarah Collins Rudolph’s injuries and lifelong consequences.
  • Recites that Attorney Ishan Bhabha sent a 2019 letter requesting an apology and a conversation about the event and its repercussions; Governor Ivey responded with a sincere apology and a commitment to initiate discussions with the Governor’s office and Legislature’s attorneys.
  • Declares legislative support for acknowledging Rudolph’s lasting injuries and urges the Governor to follow through on the promised discussions with Rudolph’s attorneys.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: Governor of Alabama (executive branch) and Sarah Collins Rudolph, along with her attorneys.
  • Indirect: The Alabama Legislature (as the adopting body of the resolution) and public perception regarding historic accountability and reconciliation.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: March 5, 2025
  • First Read / Action: Read first time March 26, 2025; referred to the House Standing Committee on Rules (originating action listed as “Pending Committee Action in the House of Origin” on March 20, 2025).
  • Additional Procedural Note: There is a reference to a referral to a subcommittee on Property Tax Appraisals noted in the legislative actions, but the primary referenced referral is to Rules.

Potential Impact

  • This is a non-binding resolution seeking a political commitment from the Governor rather than creating statutory obligations or appropriations.
  • If adopted, it signals formal legislative pressure for the Governor to engage in the discussed conversations, potentially shaping public messaging and further dialogue on the issue.
  • No fiscal impact or legal changes are created by a resolution of this type; its effect is largely rhetorical and ceremonial, aimed at resolution of a historical grievance through dialogue.

Contextual Notes

  • The resolution centers on the historic 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham and the personal injury to Sarah Collins Rudolph, a prominent Civil Rights-era case with ongoing calls for acknowledgment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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