An email sent to members of the Alabama House of Representatives from Speaker Mike Hubbard reveals plans to thwart Gov. Robert Bentley’s abrupt call for a special session.

The email shares plans by Speaker Hubbard and Senate Pro Temp Del Marsh to convene as called by Bentley Monday, then immediately adjourn until Aug. 3.

The adjournment is significant, because it keeps the 30-day special session clock running and gives the Legislature flexibility to address the General Fund budget on their timeline, rather than Bentley’s. The Legislature will have about a week remaining in the special session should it come back into session Aug. 3.

Bentley’s call Thursday for a special session came as a surprise to legislative leaders, who believed Bentley had agreed not to call them back into session until mid-August, at the earliest.

Bentley’s veto of a General Fund budget that he called “unworkable” made a special session necessary. He favors new taxes to reconcile the state’s “budget crisis,” Marsh touts a gambling package and many legislators feel budgets cuts are in order.

All of that was in the mix when the regular session ended, and Bentley promised he’d call a special session.

But the abrupt timing is nothing short of bizarre.

Legislators on both sides of the aisle are expressing dismay, and many have scattered for the summer based on the perceived agreement with Bentley. While some have been meeting to look at possible solutions, none were prepared to introduce fully formed legislation.

Given Bentley’s opposition to gambling, the only cursory justification floated about is that this timing might prevent the pro-gaming lobby from being able to develop any serious influence in the General Fund budget discussions.

The announcement caused a mad scramble and will do little to improve relations between the governor and legislators. In fact, Bentley’s actions may have ensured that his call for the special session might be his only role in developing a General Fund budget solution for the state.

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