Alabama legislative preview: Day 17 – Tuesday, March 6, 2018
The Legislative Session resumes Tuesday when the Alabama House of Representatives convenes at 1:00 p.m. and the Alabama Senate at 2:00 p.m. Here is what state legislators have on their plate Tuesday: House: Convenes Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. HB317: Economic Development, notification and confidentiality provisions revised for certain economic incentives, State Industrial Development Authority, bonds for industrial development and site preparation, auth., Alabama Jobs Enhancement Act, Secs. 41-29-501 to 41-29-507, inclusive, added; Sec. 41-29-3 am’d. Sponsored by Moulton-Republican State Rep. Ken Johnson HB170: Workforce Council, membership revised, regional workforce development councils, membership qualifications revised, Secs. 41- 29-290, 41-29-291, 41-29-300 am’d. Sponsored by Brewton-Republican State Rep. Alan Baker SB192: Agriculture and Conservation Development Commission, allocation of funds to soil and water conservation districts, minimum deleted, Sec. 9-8A-5 am’d. Sponsored by Lineville-Republican State Sen. Gerald Dial and Geneva-Republican State Rep. Donnie Chesteen HB161: Capital offenses, aggravating circumstances if victim was a law enforcement or correctional officer, or under 14 years of age, Sec. 13A-5-49 am’d. Sponsored by Greenville-Republican State Rep. Chris Sells SB159: Public schools, grant all professional educators’ associations same level of access to employees of public schools Sponsored by Trussville-Republican State Sen. Shay Shellnut and Rainbow City-Republican State Rep. Mack Butler HB401: Alabama Insurance Guaranty Association Act, provisions conformed to most recent model act, obligation of assoc. to pay covered claims before order of liquidation of insolvent insurer, statutory cap for benefits and aggregate cap provided, Secs. 27-42-3, 27-42-5, 27-42- 8, 27-42-11, 27-42-12 am’d. Sponsored by Albertville-Republican State Rep. Kerry Rich SB258: Food service establishments, require grease traps to having locking manhole covers Sponsored by Auburn-Republican State Sen. Tom Whatley and Auburn-Republican State Rep. Joe Lovorn HB316: Credit Unions, regulation of; voting and notice requirements for board meetings, provided for, conversion of credit unions chartered in other states to Alabama state chartered credit union, provided for, access provided to certain third-party examination reports, executive session of boards, provided for, certain public disclosures, provided for, Secs. 5-17-22, 5-17-40, 5-17-45, 5-17-56, 5-17-60, am’d. Sponsored by Rainbow City-Republican State Rep. Mack Butler HB211: Funeral Service, mortuary school, students with valid apprenticeships or internships in another state may attend, criminal prosecution of funeral service law violations, quorum of the board, provided further, Secs. 34-13-3, 34-13-5, 34-13-6, 34-13-22 am’d. Sponsored by Anniston-Republican State Rep. K.L. Brown HB320: Income tax, filing requirement threshold to be sum of standard deduction and personal exemptions, Sec. 40-18-27 am’d. Sponsored by Fairfield-Democrat State Rep. Rod Scott HB414: Alcoholic beverages, nonprofit special events retail license, provided for, donation of beer, wine, and liquor authorized, Sec. 28-3A-6 am’d. Sponsored by Gadsden-Democrat State Rep. Craig Ford HB140: Motor vehicles, handicapped parking, sign designated special access parking place not required to specify fine, Sec. 32-6-233.1 am’d. Sponsored by Moulton-Republican State Rep. Ken Johnson SB154: Municipalities, ordinances, summons and complaint in lieu of arrest, further provided for, exceptions, Sec. 11-45-9.1 am’d. Sponsored by Florence-Republican State Sen. Tim Melson and Tuscaloosa-Democrat state Rep. Chris England HB354: Taxation, sale of tax liens, tax liens authorized to be sold at auction to the bidder with the lowest interest rate, Secs. 40-10- 199, 40-10-200 added; Secs. 40-10-180 to 40-10-198, inclusive, am’d. Sponsored by Columbiana-Republican State Rep. Corley Ellis SB182: Taxation, to provide that certain evidence of comparable sales or leases shall be inadmissible in taxpayer appeals for the rulings of boards of equalization fixing value of commercial property, Sec. 40- 3-27 added Sponsored by Rainbow City-Republican State Sen. Phil Williams and Columbiana-Republican State Rep. Corley Ellis HB89: Attorneys, allow attorneys with special licenses to do pro bono work, Sec. 34-3-6 am’d. Sponsored by Tuscaloosa-Democrat state Rep. Chris England HB358: Environmental Management Commission, membership to include licensed geologist, Sec. 22-22A-6 am’d. Sponsored by Fayette-Republican state Rep. Kyle South Senate: Convenes Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. The Alabama Senate has not yet released a proposed special order calendar. This post will be updated once one has been released.
Alabama legislative preview: Day 7 – Tuesday, January 30, 2018
The Legislative Session resumes Tuesday when the Alabama House of Representatives reconvenes at 1 p.m and the Senate an hour later. Here is what state legislators have on their plate Tuesday: House: Convenes Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. For the first time this legislative session, the Rules Committee has put forth a resolution for a special order calendar. Upon the adoption of their resolution on Tuesday, the business they set below “shall be the special and paramount order of business for the 7th legislative day taking precedence over the regular order of business or any pending or unfinished business.” SB17: Alabama Family Trust Corporation, compliance with federal Social Security law and rules, provisions for successor life beneficiary deleted, disbursement of remainder including reimbursement for medical assistance, trust not to affect Medicaid appropriations. Sponsored by Alabaster-Republican state Sen. Cam Ward and SB98: Ad valorem taxes, co. commission authorized to reduce for projects under Ala. Jobs Act, Sec. 40-7-25.4 added Sponsored by Decatur-Republican state Senator Arhur Orr and Athen-Republican state Rep. Danny Crawford HB198: Alabama Assistance and Service Animal Integrity in Housing Act, documentation to be provided to landlord for exception, offenses of misrepresentation of entitlement to an assistance animal or service animal and misrepresentation of an animal as an assistance animal or service animal created as misdemeanors. Sponsored by Montevallo-Republican state Rep. Matt Fridy HB105: Emergency responders, certified peer support member, certain communications priviledged, criminal penalties for violation Sponsored by state Rep. Lee HB9: Youth sports, unpaid and volunteer youth athletics assoc. personnel to complete a youth injury mitigation course annually Sponsored by Birmingham-Republican state Rep. Jack “J.D.” Williams HB26: Would make it illegal to smoke a tobacco product in a motor vehicle — whether in motion or at 24 rest — when anyone under 18 is also present. The penalty for violating the law would be a $100 fine. Sponsored by Birmingham-Democrat state Rep. Rolanda Hollis HB10: Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund, established, ADECA required to administer trust fund; Public Transportation Trust Fund Advisory Committee, created. Sponsored by Birmingham-Republican state Rep. Jack “J.D.” Williams HB66: Mayors, legislative functions in cities/towns with 12,000 or more but less than 25,000 inhabitants, authorized to continue operating as a city or town with less than 12,000 inhabitants by majority vote of council and mayor under certain conditions, veto power restricted, Secs. 11-43-2, 11-43-3, 11-43-40, 11-45-4, 11-45-5 am’d. Sponsored by Moody-Republican state Rep. Jim Hill HB164: Tax Exemption Reform Act, grace period to obtain or renew certificate of exemption from Dept. of Revenue for united appeal fund entities and supported charities provided through Sept. 30, 2018, Sec. 40-9-12.1added Sponsored by Trussville-Republican state Rep. Danny Garrett HB170: Workforce Council, membership revised, regional workforce development councils, membership qualifications revised, Secs. 41- 29-290, 41-29-291, 41-29-300 am’d. Sponsored by Brewton-Republican state Rep. Alan Baker HB53: Environment, Alabama Legacy for Environmental Research Trust, abolished, Sec. 22-30B-19 repealed Sponsored by Sylacauga-Republican state Rep. Ronald Johnson HB69: Competitive Bid law, purchase and installation of heating and air conditioning units for local boards of education, exempted when bid pursuant to purchasing cooperative and process approved by Dept. of Examiners of Public Accounts, Secs. 39-1-5, 39-2-2 am’d. Sponsored by Hayden-Republican state Rep. David Standridge HB40: Gas, natural gas, conversion of motor vehicles for operating on compressed natural or liquefied gas, extended weight allowances, Sec. 32-9-20 am’d. Sponsored by Fayette-Republican state Rep. Kyle South HB106: Court reporters, state salary tied to pay scale of Alabama Personnel Dept. Pay Plan for state employees, subject to cost-of-living and merit raises, provide pay for court reporter returning to state service, provide salary of supernumerary court reporters, Secs. 12- 17-274, 12-17-292 am’d. Sponsored by Dothan-Republican state Rep. Paul Lee HB151: Taxation, two-year surety bond required with new or renewal sales tax license registration and certain non-compliant licenses, Sec. 40-23-6 am’d. Sponsored by Sylacauga-Republican state Rep. Ronald Johnson HB194: Palliative and end of life individual health plans, authorized to provide health care and other directives to health care providers, schools, etc. for terminally ill minors, Alex Hoover Act, Secs. 22- 8A-15 to 22-8A-18, inclusive, added; Secs. 22-8A-2, 22-8A-3, 22-8A-7 am’d. Sponsored by Brierfield-Republican state Rep. April Weaver Senate: Convenes Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. The Alabama Senate has not yet released a proposed special order calendar. This post will be updated once one has been released.
Alabama legislative preview: May 16 – May 19, 2017
Four days. That’s all Alabama’s state lawmakers have to complete their legislative priorities for 2017. Some bills will end up languishing in the annals of Alabama history, while others will soon have their day on the governor’s desk. With the time running out, the Republican-controlled Legislature has a full plate of legislative priorities from prison construction, to redistricting, to the budget to get across the finish line, else they will have wait until next year to see them through. Or risk being called back to Montgomery for a special session by Gov. Kay Ivey later this year. Here is what legislators have on their plate for the final days of the 2017 Regular Session: House: Convenes Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. SB187: The Fair Justice Act would shorten the death penalty appeals time by requiring inmates to raise claims such as ineffective counsel at the same time as direct appeal claiming trial errors. Sponsored by Alabaster-Republican Sen. Cam Ward; Rogersville-Republican Rep. Lynn Greer SB82: Marshall James Walton Highway Safety Act would create the crime of homicide by vehicle or vessel if the person causes the death of another person while knowingly engaged in the violation of any state law or municipal ordinance applying to the operation or use of a vehicle or vessel Sponsored by Montrose-Republican Senator Trip Pittman; Mobile-Republican Rep. Chris Pringle SB108: Prohibits a voter from voting in a primary runoff election unless the voter voted in the preceding primary election of the party for which the runoff election is being held Sponsored by Auburn-Republican Sen. Tom Whatley; Birmingham-Republican Rep. Arnold Mooney SB23: Would require the AlabamaLaw Enforcement Agency to operate a driver’s license office in each county of the state a minimum of one day each week. Selma-Democrat Sen. Henry Sanders; Gadsden-Democrat Rep. Artis McCampbell Senate: Convenes Tuesday at 2 p.m. To be updated when Senate posts Special Order Calendar. Unfinished Business There are still several issues left unfinished in this final week of session, including a prison construction plan, state budgets, autism legislation, as well as child care regulations. One of the most contentious issues is the House redistricting map. The Senate still needs to approve it, but Republican and Democratic lawmakers are at odds with how to proceed as Democrats say new plan continues the state’s history of racial gerrymandering in order to maintain Republican dominance. Legislation that passed the House decriminalizing midwifery also awaits Senate approval.
Alabama legislative preview: May 3 — May 4, 2016
Two days. That’s all Alabama’s state lawmakers have to complete their legislative priorities for the year. Some bills will end up languishing in the annals of Alabama history, while others will get their day on the governor’s desk. The entire session has been covered in the grey cloud of scandal, between accusations of Gov. Robert Bentley‘s infidelity, and the impending ethics trial of Speaker Mike Hubbard, but legislators stayed on track … mostly. Some much-debated bills like the gas tax are dead for good this year, while others, like payday lending reform and industrial hemp legalization, are walking a blade-thin line to final passage. Here is what legislators have on their plate for the final two days of the 2016 Regular Session. Here is what legislators have on their plate for the final two days of the 2016 Regular Session. House — Convenes Tuesday at 1 p.m. SB372 creates a new provision in Alabama’s controversial “chemical endangerment of a child” law, allowing the consumption of controlled substances under the “good faith” supervision of a physician. The chemical endangerment law came under fire last fall after a searing investigation by AL.com and ProPublica. Sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Montgomery) in the Senate and Rep. April Weaver (R-Alabaster) in the House. SB91 regulates Payday Lenders, restricting the interest rates and fees they may charge. The bill being considered in the House Tuesday is a watered-down version of one passed by the Senate in early April. Should it pass the House it would have to be reconsidered by the Senate in the waning hours of the Session on Wednesday. Sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) in the Senate and Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville) in the House. SB268 Currently, an inmate’s eligibility for Medicaid is terminated once they are incarcerated. SB268, already passed by the Senate, would change that termination to a suspension. The bill’s sponsors argue this will help reformed convicts land back on their feet when their sentences are complete. Sponsored by Sen. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) in the Senate and Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa) in the House. SB347 which would give the Department of Agriculture and Industries the authority to study, regulate, and tax industrial hemp, and reclassify the plant as separate from marijuana. Similar bills have been passed previously in both the House and Senate, but because they weren’t identical they must be considered again. Sponsored by Sen. Paul Bussman (R-Cullman) in the Senate, and Rep. Ken Johnson (R-Moulton) in the House. Senate — Convenes Tuesday at 1 p.m. HB204 reorders the names appearing on primary ballots in presidential election years to present elected official positions first, and delegates to the national convention last. Currently, the delegates come directly after the presidential candidates themselves, an arrangement found to be confusing for many primary voters, as they had to sift through a litany of names they didn’t recognize to find the candidates for federal and state offices. Sponsored by Rep. Randy Wood (R-Saks) HB393 is the House version of the industrial hemp bill described above. HB433 prohibits a sexually exploited child from being “adjudicated, delinquent or convicted of a crime of prostitution.” Essentially, the bill protects children who are victims of sexual crimes or trafficking from being convicted of prostitution. The bill’s sponsor is a longtime advocate for harsher penalties for sex traffickers, and has fought to protect the victims of the deplorable practice. Sponsored by Rep. Jack Williams (R-Vestavia Hills) HB98 allows qualifying retirees from the U.S. Military to obtain concealed weapons permits from their county’s sheriff at no cost to them. The Sheriff may revoke the permit if cause is found. Sponsored by Rep. David Standridge (R-Hayden)
Alabama legislative preview: April 26 — April 29, 2016
With only two weeks left in the Alabama Legislature’s 2016 Regular Session, the state’s Senators and Representatives will begin scrambling to push their priorities through the sometimes arduous legislative process. Here is a preview of what our representatives in Montgomery will be tackling this week: House — Convenes Tuesday at 1 p.m. HB323 would change the law to allow capital offenders who committed the crime while under the age of 18 would qualify for life imprisonment, instead of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The bill was filed to comply with recent United States Supreme Court decisions in Miller v. Alabama and Graham v. Florida, which held that the Eighth Amendment forbids a sentencing scheme that mandates life in prison without possibility of parole for juvenile homicide offenders. Sponsored by Rep. Jim Hill (R-Moody) HB534 codifies the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs, which was first established by Executive Order 19 earlier this year. The bill solidifies that the Director of the Office to be a cabinet-level position and creates the Advisory Board on Minority Affairs. Sponsored by Rep. John Knight (D-Montgomery) HB428 creates a new provision in Alabama’s controversial “chemical endangerment of a child” law, allowing the consumption of controlled substances under the “good faith” supervision of a physician. The chemical endangerment law came under fire last fall after a searing investigation by AL.com and ProPublica. Sponsored by Rep. April Weaver (R-Alabaster) HB483 allows Briarwood Presbyterian Church, to employ peace officers to “protect the safety and integrity of the church and its ministries.” A similar bill was passed during one of 2015’s special sessions but failed to be signed by Governor Bentley. The push came after a significant drug bust in early 2015 at the private, Christian school. Sponsored by Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Birmingham) HB157 creates a ban on physician-assisted suicide. Sponsored by Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Birmingham) HB222 “The Voting Rights Restoration Act” would amend the process under which convicted felons can have their ability to vote restored, expediting the process, as well as requiring state and county prisons, jails, and correctional facilities to post information about how felons can apply. Sponsored by Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa) Senate — Convenes Tuesday at 2 p.m. To be updated when Senate posts Special Order Calendar. Unfinished Business There are still several issues left unfinished at this point in the session, including a gas tax increase championed by many of the state’s business organizations, pension reforms, and an $800 million plan to build four new prisons with more than 13,000 beds as a remedy to prison overcrowding.
Alabama legislative preview: April 19 – April 22, 2016
As the clock begins to wind down on the Alabama Legislature’s 2016 Regular Session, the heat will begin to build under legislators and special interests looking to pass their legislative priorities in the remaining eight working days available to lawmakers. Here’s your weekly sneak peek at some of the most important legislation that will be considered in the Alabama House and Senate. House — Convenes Tuesday at 1:30PM Education Trust Fund: Both houses of the Alabama Legislature have passed their own versions of the year’s education budget, but the differences send the legislation to a conference committee before final passage can be decided. Among the most controversial sections of the Senate-passed bill is the inclusion of an amendment that would only allow teachers who obtain higher degrees to earn raises if their advanced degree is in an “area of need.” The Senate bill also includes the first pay raise for teachers since 2008. On Wednesday the House Ways and Means Committee will consider SB287 authorizing the Alabama Corrections Institution Finance Authority to issue up to $800 million in bonds to construct and renovated the state’s overcrowded prisons. Senate — Convenes Tuesday at 2:00PM SB186 “The Voting Rights Restoration Act” would amend the process under which convicted felons can have their ability to vote restored, expediting the process, as well as requiring state and county prisons, jails, and correctional facilities to post information about how felons can apply. Sponsored by Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison (D-Birmingham) SB78 Increases the number of years qualifying rural physicians can receive a $5,000 income tax credit from 5 to 10 years, and adds dentists practicing in rural areas to those eligible for it. Sen. Gerald Dial (R-Lineville) SB304 Would allow Alabama Sheriffs to issue and renew the concealed weapons permits of any eligible Alabamian, regardless of county. Currently Sheriffs may only issue permits to those who reside in their county. Sponsored by Sen. Jabo Wagonner (R-Vestavia Hills) SB360 Would close Alabama’s primaries, requiring people to register with their party of choice at least 14 days before the primary vote is held. Such a measure has been particularly popular in a year where first-time and crossover voters have arguably decided primary elections in several states. Sponsored by Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Opelika) SB372 Creates a new provision in Alabama’s controversial “chemical endangerment of a child” law, allowing the consumption of controlled substances under the “good faith” supervision of a physician. The chemical endangerment law came under fire last fall after a searing investigation by AL.com and ProPublica. Sponsored by Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Montgomery) The House and Senate general fund budget committees have scheduled a joint meeting Wednesday to discuss the Medicaid shortfall.
Alabama legislative preview: April 11 – April 15, 2016
Alabama legislators will return to Montgomery this week to continue the 2016 regular session. The House will convene at 1pm on Tuesday, April 12th, while the Senate will convene at 4pm. This week the House will consider: HB393, which would give the Department of Agriculture and Industries the authority to study, regulate, and tax industrial hemp, and reclassify the plant as separate from marijuana. Sponsored by Ken Johnson (R-Moulton) The Senate version, SB347, is sponsored by Sen. Paul Bussman (R-Cullman) HB218, an effort to require cursive handwriting skills to be taught by the end of the third grade year to “to prepare him or her to enter the world of work and/or to complete course work at the postsecondary level.” Sponsored by Dickie Drake (R-Leeds) HB2, or the “Kelsey Smith Act”, which would require wireless communications service providers to give location information to law enforcement agencies upon request in an emergency situation involving a risk of death or serious bodily harm. Sponsored by Tommy Hanes (R-Scottsboro) The Healthcare Costs sub-committee will meet Tuesday at 10am in room 418 to consider HB158, the Child Care Provider Inclusion Act, which would prohibit the state from discriminating against a child care service provider on the basis that the provider declines to provide a child care service that conflicts with the religious beliefs of the provider. HB158 is sponsored by Rep. Richie Wingo (R-Tuscaloosa) The Senate has yet to publish its special order calendar, but this story will be updated when it becomes available.
Alabama legislative preview: Mar. 14 – Mar. 18, 2016
The Legislative Session resumes Tuesday when the Alabama House of Representatives reconvenes at 1 p.m and the Senate an hour later. The Senate is slated to take up a slew of measures this week, including SB89 from Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) which would require all Alabama public school students to pass a civics test to graduate. SB148 from Sen. Jim McClendon (R-Springville), which would require all passengers in a vehicle to wear a safety belt, will also come up this week. The measure met with opposition when last it appeared on the floor, as lawmakers questioned the need for furthering meddling in people’s private matters. The “Fantasy Contests Act,” SB114 from Sen. Paul Sanford (R-Huntsville), will also come up for discussion this week, as well as SB14 from Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa), which would authorize carrying weapons in vehicles without a permit. Over in the House, lawmakers will take up their version of the “Fantasy Contests Act,” as well as the lottery bill from Rep. Alan Harper (R-Northport). HB13 would allow people to vote on whether or not a lottery is allowed in the state, though it provides no details on how profits from such a lottery would be allocated. The body will also take up three bills from Rep. Mike Jones (R-Andalusia): HB332 which would abolish common law marriages; HB333, which would change laws related to judge’s ruling in divorce cases; and HB334, which would provide a process for grandparents to petition for visitation rights with their grandchildren. A slew of alcohol-related legislation is also scheduled to go before the House. The House was scheduled to take on the General Fund budget this week, but the activity calendar makes no mention of the legislation coming before the body. The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is set to take up a bill that would legalize industrial hemp in the state on Wednesday and the Senate Judiciary Committee is slated to take up SB97 from Sen. Gerald Dial (R-Lineville), which would allow the Ten Commandments to be displayed on state and public school property. The Alabama Prison Transformation Initiative Act will once again appear before the Senate Committee on General Fund Finance and Taxation, where a vote is scheduled to take place. The House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security will take up HB98 from Rep. David Standridge (R-Hayden), which would provide a lifetime pistol permit to retired military veterans and the House Committee on Health will debate HB159 from Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Birmingham), which would allow doctors to decline services that violates their conscience. The House Judiciary Committee will take up two marijuana-related bills: HB61, also known as “Leni’s Law,” from Rep. Mike Ball (R-Madison), which would decriminalize possession of the seizure-reducing medication cannabidiol, and HB257 from Rep. Patricia Todd (R-Birmingham), which would make possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana punishable by only a fine.
Alabama legislative agenda preview: Feb. 22 – Feb 26, 2016
The fourth week of the Alabama legislative session kicks off this week, with the House of Representatives convening at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday and the Senate just half an hour later. According to statements made last Thursday by House Speaker Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn) and Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston), both chambers will likely begin looking at the General Fund budget this week, as well as a slate of other bills. The House is on schedule to take up HB2, a bill requiring wireless service providers to hand over customer location information upon law enforcement’s request. House members will also look at HB56, which will establish the Fantasy Contests Act and provide regulations for such gaming, and HB46, which would allow Alabama distilleries to sell “fifths” for off-premise consumption. Perhaps the most exciting piece of legislation to hit the House floor this week will be HB13, the bill from Rep. Alan Harper (R-Northport) to allow Alabama citizens to vote on whether or not to allow a lottery in the state. The legislation has been given flack for not specifying where the proceeds from such a lottery would be allocated, though sponsors hope to add such details to the legislation once a vote is taken by the people. The Senate will be mulling over SB89, which would require Alabama public school students to pass a civics test before graduating, and SB86, which would prohibit public colleges and universities from using funds or property to advocate for or against state and local ballot measures. The Senate will also take up one of the controversial bills from Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa), which will prohibit the removal of historical monuments from public property and put the appeals process in the hands of a newly-established Joint Committee on Alabama Monument Protection. On Wednesday, committee hearings will get underway. The Senate Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development will meet to take up a laundry list of bills, including a bill aimed at immortalizing Alabama’s status as a “Right-to-Work” state in the constitution and a bill aimed at limiting the responsibility that employers have for paying permanent total disability benefits to employees once they reach the age of 65. The committee will also take up three bills aimed at loosening Alabama’s restrictions on alcohol in relation to wineries, distilleries and brewpubs. The Senate Committee on Constitution Ethics and Elections will meet to take up a measure aimed at expediting the process by which Alabama felons are given back their voting rights and the Senate Committee on Tourism and Marketing will look at a bill from Sen. Trip Pittman (R-Montrose) to establish an Alabama lottery run in conjunction with other multi-state games. The House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism will meet to discuss a measure aimed at allowing wineries to establish an off-premise tasting room and the House Committee on Health will mull over the Assisted Suicide Ban Act, a bill that will allow healthcare providers to decline to perform services that violate their consciences and the Fetal Heartbeat Act. The House Judiciary Committee will take up a piece of legislation defining moral turpitude, the vague crimes of which can remove a person’s voting rights permanently.
Alabama legislative agenda preview: Feb. 2 – Feb. 5, 2016
With the first day of Alabama’s Legislative Session about to get under way, legislators have a slew of hefty proposals before them, including bills concerning a state lottery, gun laws, a teacher pay raise, and the always daunting task of balancing the state budget. Legislators will hear from the Alabama Community College System Tuesday for another round of Education Trust Fund Budget concerns. Legislators will also hear from the Legislative Fiscal Office and Finance Department before the start of Tuesday’s 2016 Session. Legislators will hear from a variety of committees on Wednesday, starting with the Senate Judiciary Committee at 9 a.m. Later that day, legislators will hear from the Agriculture, Forestry and Conservation Committee to discuss Senate Bill 58, sponsored by Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn). The bill would specify that the regulation of seeds would be overseen by the Board of Agriculture and Industries and the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. The committee would also discuss Senate Bill 62, also sponsored by Whatley, which would authorize the use of bait in the hunting of whitetail deer and feral swine. The Education Policy Committee will also address legislators on Wednesday to discuss Senate Bill 60, sponsored by Sen. Rusty Glover (R-Mobile), which would terminate Common Core curriculum and have the state revert back to “prior courses of study.” Legislators are also scheduled to hear from the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education on Wednesday, though the topics of discussion were unavailable.
