State Sen. Scott Beason announced on Friday that he will not seek reelection this year. The Alabama Republican is perhaps best-known as the sponsor of HB 56 – Alabama’s SB 1070-inspired anti-immigrant legislation. In addition to his ardent support of harsh anti-immigrant legislation, Breason also has ties Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. Beason serves on the advisory committee of Kobach-led Secure States Initiative.
When advocating for HB 56 in 2011, Beason claimed lawmakers needed to “empty the clip and do what has to be done.” In 2010, Beason referred to black Alabama residents as “aborigines.” Beason’s remarks were recorded while he was assisting the FBI in an investigation.