Governor Kay Ivey’s appointments: Education related
While it has taken us a while to get a hold of Governor Kay Ivey‘s appointments list — of those Alabamians she has appointed to boards, commissions and committees — we are excited to say we finally have (most of) it and we’re breaking it down categorically for you. The Appointments Office supports Ivey in meeting her major obligation to appoint qualified, representative and appropriate people to positions on regulatory and licensing boards and commissions, university trustees, advisory boards and task forces. Her team lokos for qualified candidates to serve on 450+ boards and commissions that oversee a large variety of industries and make decisions that affect the day-to-day lives of Alabamians. Keeping with our efforts to shine light on what’s going on behind the scenes at all levels of government, this will be a regular column once again in the coming weeks. Information on open board positions is on the appointments webpage. Up now: education related appointments. Southern Regional Education Board Dr. Ed Richardson: 11/15/2017 Honorable Alan Baker: 07/26/2017 Alabama A&M Board of Trustees John Hackett, Jr.: 05/16/2017 Roderick Watts: 05/16/207 Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees Matthew Woods: 1/26/18 Southern Regional Education Board Dr. Ed Richardson: 11/15/2017 Honorable Alan Baker: 7/26/2017 Alabama Course of Study Committee: Mathematics Nancy Dotson: 01/22/2018 Harry Gilder,Jr.: 01/18/2018 Anne Rankin Penney: 01/22/2018 Dolores Sparks: 01/18/2018 Dr. George Faust: 01/18/2018 Lee Ann Latta: 01/18/2018 Kathryn Lanier: 01/18/2018 Alabama Course of Study Committee: Physical Education & Health Education Jessica James: 01/18/2018 Rhonda Mann: 01/18/2018 Carrie Karkoska: 01/18/2018 Rosalyn Fabianke: 01/18/2018 Nan Priest: 01/18/2018 Ann Murray: 01/18/2018 Alabama Charter School Commission Nominees Charles Jackson Pastor Ibrahim Lee Melissa Kay McInnis Karen Sweeney Associate Pastor Marvin McDaniel Buttram Tharon Honeycutt University of West Alabama Board of Trustees Dr. Randall Hillman: 12/28/2017 Andrew Coats: 12/28/2017 Honorable Jodi Campbell: 12/21/2017 Terry Bunn: 12/21/2017 Victor Vernon: 12/28/2017 Jerry Smith: 12/28/2017 University of South Alabama Board of Trustees Dr. Steven Furr: 10/01/2017 William Graham: 10/01/2017 Dr. Steven Stokes: 10/01/2017 Margie Tuckson: 10/01/2017 Tuskegee University Board of Trustees Henry Davis: 06/26/2017 Sylvester Hester: 06/26/2017 Alabama Community College Board of Trustees Matthew Woods: 01/26/2018 Education Commission of the States Christian Becraft: 06/02/2017 Honorable Jeana Ross: 07/18/2017 Dr. Jim Purcell: 07/18/2017 Athens State University Board of Trustees Mary (Cathy) Dickens: 07/18/2017 Missy Smith: 10/01/2017 Dr. Sandra Sims-de Graffendried: 10/01/2017 Commission on Higher Education Norman Crow, Jr.: 09/22/2017
Kay Ivey announces ‘Smart on Safety Initiative’ for schools
On Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey unveiled her new “Smart on Safety Initiative” during a press conference at the State Capitol. Ivey says her plan will enhance school safety and security, and that she is committed to keeping Alabama’s school children safe. The initiative consists of four key principals: Secured Schools: Ivey recognizes that each school’s security needs are unique. Therefore, Alabama will support local school officials as they meet their own safety needs. Governor Ivey supports permitting the Education Advancement and Technology Fund to be used for school security. (SB 323) We Know Our Kids: Schools will intervene in the lives of students who are at risk of harming themselves or others, before they act violently. Schools will be encouraged to identify at-risk students through student engagement and other factors. Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs): When a school emergency occurs, school personnel must be able to act immediately before first responders arrive. Schools must work with law enforcement and first responders to provide a coordinated response to emergencies. Each school will continuously update its EOP, and students and school personnel will receive regular training on the EOP. Governor’s Securing Alabama Facilities of Education (SAFE) Council: During the press conference, Governor Ivey signed Executive Order 713 convening her SAFE Council to implement her school safety priorities. The Council will be composed of the Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Secretary of the Office of Information Technology, the Alabama State Superintendent of Education and the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health. The SAFE Council will report to the governor by April 30, 2018. “In announcing a four-pronged approach to school safety, we will build on the foundation already in place and allow all available state resources to be focused on efforts to keep our children safe,” said Ivey. “Ensuring safety in our schools is a bipartisan issue, and we must do all we can to prevent violence and be sure we are ready to respond in the event such violence does occur.”
Craig Ford introduces bill to extend alcohol retail license to nonprofit special events
Gadsden-Democrat State Rep. Craig Ford has proposed a new bill to change the existing laws on beer, wine, and liquor sales at non-profit events. Currently, state laws allow a retail license for beer, wine, and liquor at special events, and allows manufacturers of those beverages to donate their product to charitable events, given that both they, and the event, receive the proper approval from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Ford’s bill, HB414, seeks to change the law so that charitable events are not the only ones who have the opportunity to receive this benefit. HB414 would also allow non-profit organizations who hold special events to be able to receive the same benefits as charitable events. The bill will also authorize donations of beer, wine, and liquor by non-licensed persons to non-profits and their special events provided that they apply for license with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and meet these requirements: a. Operates without profit to the organization’s members. b. Is exempt from taxation under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code. c. Satisfies at least one of the following requirements: 1. Has been continuously in existence in the state for a minimum of three years. 2. Is affiliated with a parent organization that has been in existence in the state for a minimum of three years. 3. Has reorganized and is continuing its mission under a new name on file with the Secretary of State and with a new tax identification number after having satisfied the requirements set forth in either subparagraph 1. or 2. HB414 is scheduled to be considered Thursday on the House special order calendar.
Governor Kay Ivey’s appointments: Health care related
While it has taken us a while to get a hold of Governor Kay Ivey‘s appointments list — of those Alabamians she has appointed to boards, commissions and committees — we are excited to say we finally have (most of) it and we’re breaking it down categorically for you. We will be ticking off by board issues starting with healthcare then going into education, infrastructure, judiciary and local appointments then additional ones. Keeping with our efforts to shine light on what’s going on behind the scenes at all levels of government this will be a regular column once again in the coming weeks. Information on open board positions is on the appointments webpage. Certificate of Need Board Terry Andrus: 08/01/2017 Freddy Ard: 08/01/2017 Dr. Kenneth Brewington: 08/01/2017 Randy Jones: 08/01/2017 Ornand Thompson, III: 08/01/2017 Alva Lambert: 08/01/2017 Brigadier General Edward Crowell: 08/01/2017 Dr. Herb Stone: 08/01/2017 Dr. Swaid Swaid: 08/01/2017 Opioid Council Dr. Bobby Lewis: 10/10/2017 Dr.Christopher Jahraus: 10/10/2017 Dr. Boyde Harrison: 10/10/2017 Dr. David Albright: 8/23/2017 Dr. Darlene Traffanstedt: 08/23/2017 Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) Honorable April Weaver: 08/01/2017 Honorable Greg Reed: 08/01/2017 Sue Neuwine: 08/01/2017 Scott Griffin: 08/01/2017 Brenda Culver: 08/01/2017 Dr. James Walburn: 08/01/2017 Steven Preston: 08/01/2017 Donald Lilly: 08/01/2017 Dr. McCain Ashurst: 08/01/2017 A.Drew Mason: 08/01/2017 Wayne Pate: 08/01/2017 Timothy Parker: 08/01/2017 Mary Sue McClurkin: 08/01/2017 Brandon Farmer: 08/01/2017 Terry Connell: 08/01/2017 Lisa Teel: 08/01/2017 Keith Newton: 08/01/2017 Barbara Estep: 08/01/2017 Walter Simmons: 08/01/2017 Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners Valeri White: 01/10/2018 La Shea Cobb-England: 01/10/2018 Amy Smith: 01/10/2018 Child Abuse & Neglect Board Myron Gargis: 07/26/2017 Nancy Sewell: 07/26/2017 Mary Ashcraft: 07/26/2017 Honorable Terri Collins: 07/26/2017 Sam Covert: 08/04/2017 Gilbert Darrington: 07/26/2017 Dept. of Mental Health Board of Trustees William Cobb: 10/23/2017 Dr. Pippa Abston: 10/23/2017 Cutis James: 10/23/2017 Cheryl Moyer-Peele: 10/23/2017 Tom Gerlach: 10/23/2017 Alabama Board of Nursing Gladys Davis Hill: 01/01/2018 Cara Floyd: 01/01/2018 Martha Houston: 02/22/2018 Cherry Rodgers: 07/18/2017 Vicki Hill: 07/18/2017 Janice Seip: 01/01/2018 Board of Rehab Services Charles Wilkinson: 11/20/2017 Alabama Independent Living Council Lorenzo Brown:11/20/2017 Michael Davis:11/20/2017 Commissioner Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw: 1/20/2017 Dennis Duncan:11/20/2017 Gale Hobbs: 11/20/2017 Dr. Cyndi Cortes: 11/20/2017 Kent Crenshaw: 11/20/2017 Dr. Graham Sisson: 11/20/2017 Karl Wade: 11/20/2017 Hospital Services Reimbursement Panel Glenn Sisk: 09/15/2017 State Board of Midwifery Tori Dennis: 01/10/2018 Noel Leithart: 01/10/2018 Colleen Tullis: 01/10/2018 Stacy Bufkin: 01/10/2018 Kaycee Cavender: 01/10/2018 Marie Wybenga: 01/10/2018 Paula Brennan: 01/10/2018 Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Mark Carroll: 10/20/2017 Rare Disease Advisory Council Scott Griffin: 08/10/2017 Kristin Anthony: 08/10/2017 Dr. Bruce Korf: 8/10/17 Alabama Board of Optometry Dr. Timothy Nichols: 08/10/2018 Statewide Health Coordinating Council Suzanne Waddell Woods: 01/05/2018 Commission on Physical Fitness Bobby Humphrey: 11/13/2017 Helen Massey: 11/13/2017 Hon. Rodger Smitherman: 11/13/2017 Board for Assisted Living Admin Angie Smith: 07/26/2017 Tammy Bowman: 07/26/2017 Dr. Donald Marshall: 07/26/2017 Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Philip Brown: 07/26/2017 Board of Examiners Nursing Home Admin Carol Moseley Knight: 06/26/2017 Cherise Ball Wilson: 07/18/2017 Sallee Sasser-Williams: 06/26/2017 Alabama Board of Nursing Gladys Davis Hill: 01/01/2018 Cara Floyd: 01/01/2018 Cherry Rodgers: 07/18/2017 Vicki Hill: 07/18/2017 Janice Seip: 01/01/2018 Alabama Board of Respiratory Therapy William Roberts Jr.: 07/18/2017 Dr. William Saliski Jr.: 07/18/2017 Board of Physical Therapy Alina Adams: 01/10/2018 Randi Borrego: 01/10/2018 Dr. Margaret Hemm: 07/18/2017 Deaf & Blind Board of Trustees Rev. John Whitfield: 05/09/217 Joseph Johnson, Jr.: 05/09/2017 Clarence Haynes: 05/09/2017 William Dobbs: 05/09/2017 Alabama State Board of Pharmacy Chris Phung: 01/01/2018 Alabama Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers David Scott Dishman: 01/05/2018 Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling Dr. Lotofia Parker: 01/01/2018 Anna Barksdale: 01/01/2018 Dr. Jennifer Brown: 01/01/2018 Board of Examiners in Marriage & Family Therapy Dr.Mark Westfall: 11/15/2017 Angela Nelms-Griffin: 11/15/2017 Dr. Lucianna Silva: 11/15/2017 Alabama Board of Home Medical Equipment Dr. Randall Murphy:12/21/2017 Lisa Wells:12/21/2017 Kent Crenshaw:12/21/2017 Donald Jones: 12/21/2017 Robert Beard:12/21/2017 Bruce Ovitt:12/21/2017 Jason Jones: 12/21/2017 Andrew Alvarez:12/21/2017 Alabama Board of Funeral Services Lance Brooks: 01/01/2018
Tod Yarbrough: Put Alabama businesses, consumers first with bi-partisan Cole-Bishop amendment
For 30 years, I smoked cigarettes. But, I was finally able to quit when I switched to vaping. Since then, I have been 100% tobacco-free and it has changed my life. Vaping also made me a small business owner. In 2013, my wife and I opened Vape On! LLC to help people, like myself, make the choice to quit smoking. I have had the opportunity to witness countless success stories of people who walk through our door and never pick up another cigarette again because of vaping. But I keep seeing story after story of how teens are vaping, which worries me as a parent and an owner of a vape shop. We have strict underage policies, and card all of our customers that look to be under 27 years old to make sure they’re over 19 years old. Vaping has had an incredible impact on many of my customers’ lives, but we need to make sure these devices are only going to adults. Now, there is legislation to fill the loopholes in how we currently advertise and sell e-cigarettes, vape pens, and e-liquids, called the Cole-Bishop Amendment. This legislation will restrict advertising to magazines and newspapers that only adults read, put labels on vapor devices that say “Keep Out Of Reach Of Children” and “Underage Sale Prohibited,” prohibit vending machines, and require face-to-face sales which would ban kiosks and other self-service displays that are often easily accessible to minors. The proposed legislation will also help create greater transparency and clarity across the industry, through instructing the FDA to create product standards for all components of a vapor device, including clear standards for vapor product batteries. To me, this is plain and simple. We need common-sense regulations that will protect consumers and children, while also helping the vaping industry make better, safer products. As a parent and a vape shop owner who employs Alabamians helping Alabamians, I hope Senator Richard Shelby and Senator Doug Jones will support the bi-partisan Cole-Bishop Amendment that promotes smart and responsible regulation that will allow Alabama businesses to grow and will protect Alabama consumers. ••• Tod Yarbrough owns Vape On! LLC in Madison, Ala. Their mission is to help people who smoke to quit, today and forever through the use of electronic cigarettes. He and his wife Tammy reside in Madison.
Legislation seeks to name Dec. 1 as Rosa Parks Day
Alabama might set aside a day honor civil rights icon Rosa Parks. A proposal in the Alabama Legislature would name Dec. 1 as Rosa Parks Day. However, it would not be a full-fledged state holiday where state offices close. Supporters of the idea held a Tuesday rally at the Alabama Statehouse. Parks was arrested Dec. 1, 1955 in Montgomery for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man. Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Rep. Laura Hall, the bill’s sponsor, said Parks changed the world with the stance she took in Alabama. Asked why not make the day a full state holiday, Hall said she wanted to avoid debate over the cost. Alabama has three state holidays honoring Confederate figures. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Women of Influence: State Board of Education member Mary Scott Hunter
“Be prepared and know that you want to serve, don’t overthink it. Go for it. You will be glad you did.” Mary Scott Hunter has been an incredible influence in the state of Alabama, raised on the Alabama Gulf Coast, she attended Fairhope High School, obtained her bachelors degree from the University of Alabama, and proceeded to the university’s school of law. She received her Master’s in Business Administration in 2017 from the university as well. After graduating from law school in 1998, she was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United Sates Air Force, where she served as an Air Force Judge Advocate General for ten years. After her active duty service, Hunter served in the Reserves, and the Alabama Air National Guard, rising to the rank of Major. She was deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait in 2001, and experienced two overseas tours in Korea and Germany. She has been awarded several military honors; the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, and a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. Hunter strongly believes that a good education can make a real difference in the lives of those who seek it, and currently serves on many education centered boards throughout the state. Including: the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, Board of Directors of the Alabama Association of School Boards, National Association of School Boards, US Space and Rocket Center Education Committee, Association for Corporate Counsel – Alabama Chapter Board of Directors, and has previously served The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Alabama and Athens State University Board of Trustees. “The women I’ve served with on the Alabama State Board of Education have all had a positive influence on me. Of course, we’ve had disagreements over the years, sometimes strenuous disagreements! I’ve served with Stephanie Bell, Bettie Peters, Yvette Richardson, Ella Bell and Gov. Kay Ivey, Tracy Roberts, Cynthia McCarty, and Jackie Zeigler as well. Each of them is very strong in their own way and have specific areas of focus and expertise. I’ve learned so much from them,” said Hunter. In 2016 Hunter was named among Alabama Media Group’s “Women Who Shape the State” as a woman who has helped change Alabama for the better. She has also been awarded for her leadership, her community service activities, and her economic development efforts. Hunter is also a small business owner. She and her husband Jon own a small technology company, Torel Technology, LLC, and she joined the Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation in 2012. There she leads the company’s business interests in Compliance, Ethics, and Risk. Hunter is a hard-working, self-made woman. She has influenced many aspects of education throughout the state, and has served our country well through the armed services. In spite of her busy schedule, Hunter made time to answer some of Alabama Today’s questions on her life, work, and influences: How have other women influenced your success? Southern women are called “Steel Magnolias,” and it’s such a great description. I’ve been influenced by many, my mother, my Aunt Sally and Aunt Sandy, Sunday school teachers, school teachers, my mother’s friends. These women taught me more lessons than I can count, but one that I carry forward into my talks with young professional women is to carry yourself with class and confidence. Stand up straight with shoulders back. Dress appropriately. Use proper grammar and diction. Be punctual because it is respectful of others. These are some of the things that go into carrying yourself with class and confidence, and it works in every situation. I must also say a word about my mother, Deborah Hunter. Like many Southern women born in the late 40s, career options were limited. Mom had two careers, one in retail and one as a realtor. When she worked at Gayfers Department Store, I thought it was the most glamorous job, and she was the most beautiful of all mothers. Later, as a realtor, I saw how she translated her love of hearth and home into sales and taking good care of her customers. Lots of lessons there, one particular lesson I learned from her when I was 15. She was kidnapped, and she evaded her kidnapper by jumping out of a moving car, running across four lanes of traffic and flagging down on oncoming car. After a poor response from law enforcement, she went to work to get a new sheriff elected in our county which she was successful doing. There’s a lot of steel in that Magnolia! What shaped your desire to serve our country through the armed forces? I joined the Air Force after law school. It was a calling. Like any calling, you get the idea in your head, and you just can’t put it down. I’ve always been most fulfilled when I’m fighting for a cause. The Air Force was the right choice. As an Air Force JAG [Judge Advocate General] I could jump right into the courtroom and try cases immediately. Most of my lawyer friends who went to firms were still carrying the files for older lawyers. To this day, I can prosecute a bar fight or DUI in my sleep! What advice would you give young women considering careers in the military or politics? Look, these opportunities are generally open to people who have something to offer and a desire to serve. But remember it’s both – it’s what you offer and your desire to serve others. The desire to serve is straightforward, you either have it or you don’t. Regarding what you offer, I would tell young women or really anyone to prepare yourself. Be intentional about preparation. Get a solid education. A diploma is a powerful thing for the doors it opens and for the knowledge it represents. Be as healthy as you can because it slows you down when you aren’t well. If you have children, set up support systems and backup plans so you aren’t scrambling
With Democratic support, Senate eyes rollback of banking law
Ten years after a financial crisis rocked the nation’s economy, the Senate is poised to pass legislation that would roll back some of the safeguards Congress put into place to prevent a relapse. The move to alter some key aspects of the Dodd-Frank law has overwhelming Republican support and enough Democratic backing that it’s expected to gain the 60 votes necessary to clear the Senate. Several Democratic lawmakers facing tough re-election races this year have broken ranks with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. The legislation would increase the threshold at which banks are considered too big to fail. Such banks are subject to stricter capital and planning requirements, and lawmakers are intent on providing them relief in hopes that it will boost lending and the economy. Banks have long complained about the cost of complying with the many requirements of Dodd-Frank. Under the Senate bill, some of the nation’s biggest banks would no longer have to undergo an annual stress test conducted by the Federal Reserve. The test assesses whether a bank has enough capital to survive an economic shock and continue lending. Dozens of banks would also be exempted from making plans called “living wills” that spell out how the bank will sell off assets or be liquidated in a way that won’t create chaos in the financial system. The House version of the bill is a “recalibration” of Dodd-Frank to help community banks and credit unions increase their capitalization, the Financial Services Committee chairman said Tuesday. “A community bank that’s 0.002 percent the size of J.P. Morgan shouldn’t be laboring under a similar set of regulatory burdens,” Texas Republican Rep. Jeb Hensarling said. The Senate legislation increases from $50 billion to $250 billion the threshold at which banks are considered critical to the system. The change would ease regulations on more than two dozen financial companies, including BB&T Corp., Sun Trust Banks Inc. and American Express. Opponents of the bill argue that the same banks getting regulatory relief through the Senate bill also got about $50 billion in taxpayer-funded bailouts during the financial crisis. They note Countrywide Financial, which was at the center of the mortgage crisis, was smaller than some of the banks targeted for relief now. “There is no reason at all to roll back the rules on these big banks so they can pad their pockets even more – and cut them loose to take on wild risks again,” wrote Warren, who before joining the Senate led a congressional oversight panel for the bailout programs. The Senate bill emerged from lengthy negotiations between Sen. Mike Crapo, the Republican chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Democratic members on the committee. The ranking Democrat, Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, said the changes go too far and he walked away. But many Democrats stayed on board, and the bill has 13 Republican and 13 Democratic or independent co-sponsors, a rare level of bipartisanship for substantive legislation in the current Congress. By contrast, the House effort to roll back Dodd-Frank didn’t generate a single Democratic vote in support. Commercial banks are major players on Capitol Hill, spending $66 million on lobbying Congress last year and $44 million on federal election campaigns in the previous election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks campaign spending. About two-thirds of the money went to Republican campaigns and about a third to Democratic campaigns. This cycle, commercial banks have targeted their campaign donations to major players on committees with jurisdiction over banking issues, including the incumbent senators in competitive races: Among the top 10 recipients of commercial bank donations are Democratic Sens. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Jon Tester of Montana and Republican Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada. All four are co-sponsors of Crapo’s bill. Crapo said the Federal Reserve will have the authority to tailor tougher capital and liquidity requirements for individual banks when it believes it’s necessary. For the others, compliance costs should drop. “It’s going to free up a phenomenal amount of capital in this country that right now for no good reason, no safety or soundness reason, is being held back,” Crapo said. The Federal Reserve conducts annual stress tests of banks with $50 billion or more in assets. Under the Senate bill, banks with under $100 billion in assets won’t have to undergo the Fed’s yearly test. Banks with between $100 billion and $250 billion in assets will be exempted from the yearly stress test after 18 months. The Federal Reserve will have authority to accelerate the exemption or extend it. Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell seemingly endorsed that approach when he appeared before the Senate’s banking committee last week. “I think it gives us the tools that we need to continue to protect financial stability,” Powell said of the bill. The largest dozen or so banks in the country will still have to undergo the yearly test. The bill also exempts banks with less than $10 billion in assets from what is referred to as the Volcker Rule, which limits banks from using their own capital to trade the markets. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
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.
