Alabama House convenes, swears in new members and adopts memorial resolutions for former representatives
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Summary
The Alabama House opened its session, swore in three new representatives, and adopted timely resolutions including memorials for former representatives Howard Sanderford and Samuel Allen Harper. The chamber also approved procedural suspensions and scheduled a recess to reconvene Jan. 14.
The Alabama House of Representatives convened for its session and adopted a series of timely resolutions on Jan. 13, including memorial measures honoring former legislators Howard Sanderford and Samuel Allen Harper.
Mister Speaker called the chamber to order and the House heard an invocation from Joe Hancox, identified in the transcript as founder of a local ministry, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by University of Alabama student Kylie Chapman. The Speaker administered oaths to three newly seated members — Representative Heath Albright (District 11), Representative Greg Barnes (District 13) and Representative Cindy Myrick (District 12) — each introduced by the chair and welcomed to the floor.
After the clerk confirmed that 84 members answered the roll and a quorum was present, the House approved motions to suspend the rules to consider timely resolutions. House resolution number 1 (by Representative Pringle), notifying the senate that the House is in session, and subsequent joint resolutions setting a committee to notify the governor and to convene a joint session for a gubernatorial address were read and adopted by voice vote.
The chamber adopted a resolution honoring the life and public service of the late Howard Sanderford. The resolution, read in full by the clerk, recorded Sanderford's death on Jan. 7, 2026, at age 90, and traced his military service, long career in business, and 33 years in the legislature beginning with his 1989 special election. "He will be remembered as a thoughtful and principled leader who was the epitome of a selfless statesman," the resolution states.
The House also adopted a time-sensitive resolution honoring Samuel Allen Harper, noting his death on Dec. 18, 2025, at age 68, his public-service career including work with the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority and his decade as state representative to House District 61 (2006–2018). The chamber agreed to add the whole House as cosponsors of that resolution.
Members approved a motion to allow artist Charles Forbus to paint a rendering of the last legislative session in the chamber, and Pro Tem announcements outlined the speaker's reception, the governor's address location and times, and scheduled tours of the new State House with safety requirements for visitors.
Pro Tem Pringle moved that the House stand in recess and adjourn upon the conclusion of the joint session tonight; that motion passed by voice vote and the House recessed to reconvene Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 8:30 a.m.
