The Appointment Trap: How HB22 Silences Alabama Voters ​

By Christopher M Peeks February 06, 2026

The Appointment Trap: How HB22 Silences Alabama Voters

​Since America’s founding as the world’s first modern Republic, the right to vote has been the most sacred privilege afforded to United States citizens. This inalienable right empowers the people to select their leaders; the government, in turn, derives its authority from the consent of the governed. Sadly, we are now witnessing an attempt by the legislature to strip that liberty away from Alabamians at the behest of Alabama Power.

​House Bill 22, introduced by House Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, is presented under the guise of selecting "more qualified" members and removing political influence. In reality, it fosters nepotism by allowing the state’s largest utility provider to hand-pick commissioners through the three most powerful figures in state government. Under this bill, the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the Senate Pro Tem would appoint the three Public Service Commissioners.

​This power grab renders the Commissioners unaccountable to the electorate, making them answerable only to the three officials who anointed them. Proponents argue this legislation will remove political spending from the Public Service Commission; however, it will likely increase those funds. Instead of filling campaign coffers through back-door channels, Alabama Power can now concentrate its financial influence on the specific individuals who grant the commission seats. Furthermore, appointment-seekers may donate large sums in hopes of securing a spot on this regulatory board.

​This nefarious attempt to transfer authority from the people to a small trio of individuals gives the utility company free rein over Alabama ratepayers. This must be stopped. Contact your Representative and State Senator immediately and tell them to vote NO on House Bill 22.