Local state Rep. Kurt Wallace recently met with other members of a newly formed legislative group.

The Speaker’s Commission on the Protection of Alabama Values & States Rights, a new study panel created by House Speaker Mike Hubbard (R – Auburn) and charged with ensuring that conservative social issues and 10th Amendment safeguards are given prominent attention during the upcoming 2013 legislative session, held its initial meeting with members from around the state gathering in Montgomery.

“Anyone who follows the national news knows that the individual rights of Alabamians are under attack from an ever-expanding and encroaching federal government, committed liberal activists, and entrenched special interests fighting to preserve the dysfunctional status quo,” Hubbard said. “Members of this commission were chosen because they understand first-hand how important it is for our fundamental freedoms and liberties to be protected, both on an individual level and for our state as a whole. That’s why I have asked them to search for ways the Legislature can help preserve the rights and values that Alabamians hold dear.”

Hubbard said the panel will seek input from conservative activists, Constitutional authorities and other experts on matters including, but not limited to, taxpayer rights, religious liberties, pro-life initiatives, Second Amendment protections, and Obamacare.

House Majority Leader Micky Hammon of Decatur will serve as chairman and join the other appointed members of the Speaker’s Commission on the Protection of Alabama Values & States Rights, who are, in addition to Wallace:

•The Rev. John Killian Sr. of Birmingham

•Lynn Mitchell Robinson of Addison

•Cliff Sims of Homewood

•Rep. Ed Henry of Hartselle

•Rep. April Weaver of Brierfield

•Rep. Barry Moore of Enterprise

More members may be added in the future.

Additional meetings will be held in the coming months as the commission works to present its final report to Hubbard prior to the commencement of the 2013 regular legislative session.