Permits for assault weapons coming? Campaign donations rundown; and mysterious stencils in this week’s OTR

Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama

Bills already prefiled

The next regular session of the Alabama Legislature doesn’t convene until Feb. 3, but there’s already been plenty of activity in Montgomery. To date, 29 bills have been prefiled by lawmakers, including one that would require the written consent of a parent or a legal guardian for any minor to receive a vaccination, another that would prohibit political parties from disqualifying candidates based solely on campaign contributions from a particular person or political action committee, and one sure to get notice – HB 23, which would require a permit specifically for assault weapons. Introduced by Rep. Kenyatte Hassell of Montgomery, the bill would require a permit to obtain or carry what it defines as an assault weapon. Under current state law, anyone 19 or older is legally allowed to purchase and carry firearms without a permit.

HSV City Council campaign donations

With the Huntsville municipal election less than a month away, let’s take a peek at campaign donations in the Huntsville City Council races. The District 1 and District 5 seats will be put to the vote at municipal elections Aug. 27. District 1 incumbent Devyn Keith is neck and neck with Michelle Watkins, a two-term member of the Huntsville City School board, with less than a $100 difference in reported campaign donations, according to the Secretary of State website. Keith has raised $23,640.00 to Watkins’ $23,575.03. No finance reports were located for the third candidate, Reggie McKenzie. Meanwhile in District 5, incumbent John Meredith has raised a whopping $57,825 to Kim Caudle Lewis’ $20,132.

Groceries galore

One sign of local growth is the growing number of grocery store options across Madison County. Food City announced last year it has six stores planned for the Huntsville area and has broken ground on several of those locations. One might think that announcement would cook other grocers, but local developers say that’s not the case. They cite Publix and WalMart Neighborhood Market as two grocers looking for additional sites for new stores. Those would be in addition to the ALDIs already approved for Madison.

Mysterious stencils?

You might have noticed some mysterious stencils in downtown Huntsville lately. The artistic markings are part of a bold marketing strategy. Literally.  Bold Agency, an ad agency based in Huntsville with clients nationwide, will be unveiling a new website on Aug. 14.