By Samuel Mattison
Alabama Political Reporter
State Representative Micky Hammon (R-Decatur) announced Tuesday that he would not seek re-election in 2018 after more than decade in the Alabama Legislature.
“Now that Republicans have implemented the reforms necessary to take Alabama to the next level, I think it’s time to turn my seat over to the next generation of leaders, who will carry us into the future with fresh perspectives and new ideas,” Hammon said.
As Hammon leaves office, he thanked his family for always supporting his career as an elected official.
“Public service requires a great deal of time and effort by the officeholder, but it also demands a good bit of sacrifice by their family members,” Hammon said. “My wife and children have my deepest gratitude for putting up with the family events I missed and the weeks I was away from home while serving in Montgomery. Their love and support has sustained me throughout my legislative service.”
Hammon’s main Legislative achievement was the 2010 House Bill 59 which was controversial at the time of its signing. The Legislation dealt with immigration in Alabama.
The bill gave Law Enforcement officials in Alabama more power when dealing with suspected illegal immigrants.
A part of the law said that police could ask to verify citizenship status of people who were under “reasonably suspicion” of being in America illegally. This part was ruled unconstitutional by Federal Judge Myron Thompson.
Called “the toughest immigration law” by former Governor Robert Bentley, who signed the bill into law in 2010.
Hammon was notably the House Majority leader in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2010 to earlier this year. He is also currently the vice-president of the House Commerce and Small Business Committee.
Hammon represents House District 4 which includes parts of Limestone and Morgan counties.
Other representatives not seeking election include Ed Henry (R-Hartselle), Alan Boothe (R-Troy) and Mike Millican (R-Hamilton). Alabamians will go the polls next year in November to elect statewide positions and Legislators.
