| Robert Lance Bell is a Republican member of the Alabama State Senate, representing District 11 since November 9, 2022. A lifelong St. Clair County resident, Bell practices law throughout Alabama, handling both plaintiff and civil defense matters as well as providing criminal defense services to his clients. He assumed office following the retirement of Jim McClendon and won his Senate seat decisively in the 2022 Republican primary with 73% of the vote against Michael Wright.
Bell earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Faulkner University and obtained his law degree from Birmingham School of Law. While pursuing his education, he worked for the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department and later as an investigator with the St. Clair County District Attorney's Office. His law enforcement background includes recognition by the Director of the FBI for his dedication and contributions to a joint federal and state kidnapping case.
In 2012, Bell became a partner at the Pell City law firm Trussell, Funderburg, Rea, Bell & Furgerson after working as an attorney in Birmingham. The firm has been serving St. Clair County for over twenty-five years and is involved in major community issues, including serving as legal counsel for the City of Pell City. Bell notably served as one of the defense attorneys for former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard during his 2016 ethics trial.
Bell's political involvement spans over a decade. He served as Chairman of the St. Clair County Republican Party from 2015 to 2021 and currently chairs the 3rd Congressional District Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee. His judicial experience includes serving as municipal judge for Ashville, Riverside, Childersburg, Ragland, and Ohatchee while also prosecuting for the City of Pell City.
In February 2025, Bell was appointed Chair of the Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee, assuming the role previously held by Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger. Bell emphasized that fiscal responsibility and economic development are essential to Alabama's continuing economic health and growth. He serves on multiple Senate committees, including Judiciary; State Governmental Affairs; Healthcare; Children and Youth Health; Tourism; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety; and Shelby County Legislation.
Bell played football at Pell City High School from 1987 to 1989 as a nose guard under Coach Pete Rich. He was part of a team that honored their former coach at his 88th birthday celebration, where Bell read a resolution from the Alabama Legislature recognizing Coach Rich's service. Bell described Coach Rich as "like a second father" who taught discipline and life lessons.
Bell is married to Holly Flemmons Bell, and they have two sons, Hudson and Holden. The family maintains strong ties to St. Clair County, where Bell continues to practice law and serve his constituents. He is also active in his community through various professional organizations and serves on the board of the Greater St. Clair Chamber of Commerce.
As a state senator, Bell has sponsored legislation including the Alabama Teacher Paperwork Streamlining Act and measures related to illegal immigration and human smuggling. He served as a Donald Trump elector in the 2024 Presidential Election, pledged to Trump and JD Vance. His legislative work focuses on supporting law enforcement, education reform, and economic development initiatives for his district encompassing Shelby, St. Clair, and Talladega counties |