EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 13

WHEREAS, on January 18, 2011, I issued Executive Order Number 1 to revoke, repeal and rescind Executive Order 44, dated December 30, 2008, as amended by Amendment Number 1, which were both issued by Governor Bob Riley during his term of office;

WHEREAS, the effect of revoking, repealing and rescinding Executive Order 44, as amended, was to disband the Governor’s Task Force on Illegal Gambling and to revoke the appointment of the Special Prosecutor;

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama has expended immense resources for the enforcement of Alabama’s anti-gambling laws, to date, more than nine million dollars;

WHEREAS, recent judicial rulings have raised concern with the unequal enforcement of Alabama’s criminal laws, including gambling laws, against individuals and businesses;

WHEREAS, the responsibility for enforcement of Alabama’s criminal laws most properly lies with the elected sheriffs and district attorneys of each County and is to be guided by their respective interpretation of the laws of the State of Alabama in their capacity as constitutional officers and officers of the courts;

WHEREAS, on January 13, 2015, I suggested to the Attorney General that he direct primary enforcement of the State’s gambling laws to local law enforcement, which holds the primary duty to investigate and enforce the State’s criminal laws;

WHEREAS, as Chief Magistrate of the State of Alabama, it is my desire both to limit additional State spending on enforcement of the State’s anti-gambling laws and to direct that the enforcement of these laws should continue to be led by local law enforcement officials, who bear the primary duty to investigate and enforce Alabama’s criminal laws;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama, and for other good and valid reasons, do hereby revoke, repeal and rescind Executive Order Number 1 issued January 18, 2011.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the primary responsibility for enforcement of Alabama’s criminal laws shall remain with the sheriffs and district attorneys of each County as guided by their careful interpretation of the laws of the State of Alabama in their capacity as constitutional officers and officers of the courts.

 

IT FURTHER ORDERED that this Executive Order shall become effective immediately upon the Governor’s signature and shall remain in effect until amended or modified by the Governor.

DONE AND ORDERED, this 5th day of November, 2015.

Robert Bentley
Governor

Attest:
John H. Merrill
Secretary of State