The Investigation

On April 28, 2016, twenty-three members of the Alabama House of Representatives introduced HR367 which proposed two articles of impeachment against Governor Robert Bentley. Proposed Article I (“Willful Neglect of Duty”) states that Governor Bentley has “willfully neglected his duty as Governor by failing to faithfully execute the laws of this state and by refusing to perform his constitutional and statutory duties.” Proposed Article II (“Corruption in Office”) states that Governor Bentley has “unlawfully misused state property, misappropriated state resources, and consistently acted in violation of law to promote is own personal agenda.”

Pursuant to House Rule 79.1, the proposed articles of impeachment were referred to the House Judiciary Committee to investigate the allegations and to recommend to the full House whether cause exists to impeach the Governor. The Committee was to adopt rules, gather information and submit a report to the full House.

The Committee Rules authorized the retention of a Special Counsel to aid in the Committee’s investigation. After a search process, the Committee retained Jack Sharman with Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama, to serve as its Special Counsel.

This page sets out the Special Counsel’s Pre-Hearing Submission, as well as exhibits and other documents relevant to the investigation.