With possible gas tax hike on the horizon, Senate committee approves ALDOT oversight bill
With a possible gas tax hike on the horizon, some lawmakers are hoping new Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) oversight and transparency measures make the voting for the tax hike easier to stomach. Which is why the Alabama Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday approved a bill that would do just that. “We’re getting some of the accountability and transparency back, and that’s important. I needed that to be able to support (the bill),”Athens-Republican, State Rep. Danny Crawford told The News Courier. The committee passed Pratville-Republican, State Sen. Clyde Chambliss‘ S.B. 2, which requires that the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), ALDOT’s long-range plan of road and bridge projects in Alabama, be constantly available on ALDOT’s website, along with any updates of the STIP plan. “This bill dramatically increases oversight and accountability for the Department of Transportation,” Chambliss said. “Governor Ivey has put forward her Rebuild Alabama plan for modernizing Alabama’s infrastructure, and I support her proposal. At the same time, the Legislature is tasked with making sure tax dollars are being spent in a transparent, efficient, and accountable manner.” Increasing transparency, accountability Gov. Kay Ivey‘s 10-cent gas tax increase proposal is part of her Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan. It would be implemented over a three-year period to fund the state’s infrastructure improvements. Ivey’s plan appropriates 66.67 percent of the funds raised from the gas tax to the ALDOT, leaving many lawmakers looking for more transparency and accountability before a final vote on the tax increase. “At the end of the year, they would have to show where the money was spent and it will be audited,” Crawford told The News Courier. “We don’t want any dollars going to equipment or employee raises. “Accountability is an important piece of Governor Ivey’s Rebuild Alabama plan. We still have work to do but I believe that at the end of the day we will have a piece of legislation that holds ALDOT accountable for the work they do and the money they spend,” explained Anniston-Republican, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh. “This measure of oversight must be approved to show the taxpayers how money is been used to improve roads and bridges in Alabama. I want to thank the Transportation Committee for their work on this important piece of legislation.” S.B. 2 also reorganizes the Alabama Legislative Joint Transportation Committee, which has responsibility for reviewing the long-term plans and budget for the Department of Transportation. Chambliss’ plan specifies the Joint Transportation Committee will meet four times per year at the Statehouse, and mandates that members will be automatically removed if they miss two meetings in a calendar year. Apparent bipartisan support When Chambliss’ proposal was introduced in the Senate last week, Greensboro-Democrat, Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton welcomed the legislation as something both sides of the aisle could support. “Accountability is a bipartisan issue and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that our transportation dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. Infrastructure is important to our future and we must make the most of every dollar,” Singleton said.
Daughter takes over seat of longest serving state senator
For nearly 40 years state Sen. Hank Sanders of Selma was a fixture of the Alabama Statehouse. Sanders, 76, did not seek re-election last year after nine terms in office. When lawmakers convene next month, Senate District 23 will be represented by another member of the Sanders family. His daughter, Sen. Malika Sanders-Fortier, won election to her father’s longtime Senate seat. The long-serving Democrat said he has no regrets about leaving state politics, because he says he is leaving the district in good hands. “Part of the reason I haven’t had a single afterthought is because I know Malika will not just do a good job, I know she’ll do a better job than I ever did. I am so proud of her. She has the intellect. She has the commitment,” Sanders said. Sanders grew up in poverty as one of 13 children, and made his way to Harvard Law School. He was elected to the Alabama Senate in 1983. Sanders-Fortier, 45, was just a child when her father was elected. As a teenager, she served as a page in the Alabama Legislature where her dad served in office. “Since I had no plans to be in politics, it never crossed my mind that I would actually be here in an official capacity,” Sanders-Fortier said. Like her parents, Sanders-Fortier is also an attorney. Since winning election, she said she’s been touched that both Republicans and Democrats have reached out to convey respect for her father. Sanders-Fortier said education, sentencing reform and urging Medicaid expansion will be among her top priorities. Alabama is one of 14 states that have not expanded its Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act. “We say we’re a country where if you do an honest day’s work, there should be some basic benefits that go along with that. Certainly, health care should be one of those benefits. I think ultimately that is something we should all be able to agree on,” Sanders-Fortier said. She said she wants to urge more people to get involved in the political process, and plans to have what she calls deputy senators to share what is going on in their communities. Sanders last year had filed paperwork with the Alabama Democratic Party to run for a 10th term, a move that likely kept primary challengers from emerging for an open legislative seat. As qualifying ended, he announced he had made a last-minute decision not to run, and asked his daughter to do so instead. Sanders’ retirement comes at the same time a number of other longtime African-American legislators are leaving the Alabama Legislature. Some of them were elected not long after 1970 when African-Americans joined the Alabama Legislature for the first time since Reconstruction. State Rep. Alvin Holmes, a member of the House since 1974, lost re-election in Montgomery. State Rep. James Buskey of Mobile retired after 42 years in office. As the old generation gives way to the new, Sanders-Fortier joins a large entering class of freshman in both chambers of the Legislature. “I am just as proud as any father can be. I know I am going to remain proud, because she is going to make us all proud,” Sanders said. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Email Insights: Senate releases 2019-2022 committee assignments
Today the Alabama State Senate sent out the email below announcing that the Committee on Assignments made the following Senate Standing Committee appointments for the 2019-2022 quadrennium: Committee on Rules Jabo Waggoner (Chair)Clay Scofield (Vice Chair)Gerald AllenLinda Coleman-MadisonVivian FiguresJimmy HolleySteve LivingstonJim McClendonTim MelsonArthur OrrGreg ReedRodger Smitherman Committee on Finance & Taxation Education Arthur Orr (Chair)Tim Melson (Vice Chair)Greg AlbrittonGerald AllenDonnie ChesteenPriscilla DunnVivian FiguresGarlan GudgerJim McClendonClay ScofieldDavid SessionsBobby SingletonRodger SmithermanJabo WaggonerTom Whatley Committee on Finance & Taxation General Fund Greg Albritton (Chair)Gerald Allen (Vice Chair)Billy BeasleyTom ButlerClyde ChamblissLinda Coleman-MadisonJimmy HolleySteve LivingstonJim McClendonArthur OrrMalika Sanders-FortierLarry StuttsJabo WaggonerCam Ward Committee on Confirmations Clay Scofield (Chair)Jabo Waggoner (Vice Chair)Gerald AllenWill BarfootDavid BurketteVivian FiguresSam GivhanAndrew JonesGreg ReedDavid SessionsRodger SmithermanLarry StuttsCam WardTom WhatleyJack Williams Committee on Judiciary Cam Ward (Chair)Will Barfoot (Vice Chair)Greg AlbrittonLinda Coleman-MadisonVivian FiguresSam GivhanArthur OrrMalika Sanders-FortierBobby SingletonRodger SmithermanLarry StuttsTom Whatley Committee on Government Affairs Jimmy Holley (Chair)Chris Elliott (Vice Chair)Greg AlbrittonClyde ChamblissLinda Coleman-MadisonSam GivhanGarlan GudgerArthur OrrDan RobertsMalika Sanders-FortierShay Shelnutt Committee on Education Policy Tim Melson (Chair)Donnie Chesteen (Vice Chair)David BurketteTom ButlerPriscilla DunnChris ElliottVivian FiguresJim McClendonRandy PriceShay Shelnutt Committee on Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry Tom Whatley (Chair)David Sessions (Vice Chair)Billy BeasleyChris ElliottGarlan GudgerAndrew JonesSteve LivingstonTim MelsonRandy PriceClay ScofieldBobby SingletonLarry StuttsJack Williams Committee on Banking & Insurance Shay Shelnutt (Chair)Jack Williams (Vice Chair)Will BarfootDavid BurketteDonnie ChesteenChris ElliottAndrew JonesSteve LivingstonRandy PriceDan RobertsClay ScofieldBobby SingletonRodger SmithermanJabo WaggonerTom Whatley Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Steve Livingston (Chair)Garlan Gudger (Vice Chair)Will BarfootTom ButlerClyde ChamblissPriscilla DunnArthur OrrDan RobertsMalika Sanders-FortierClay ScofieldShay ShelnuttCam Ward Committee on Transportation & Energy Gerald Allen (Chair)Dan Roberts (Vice Chair)David BurketteTom ButlerDonnie ChesteenPriscilla DunnChris ElliottSam GivhanAndrew JonesSteve LivingstonRandy PriceGreg ReedDavid Sessions Committee on Healthcare Jim McClendon (Chair)Larry Stutts (Vice Chair)Billy BeasleyTom ButlerDonnie ChesteenLinda Coleman-MadisonTim MelsonGreg ReedDan RobertsCam WardTom WhatleyJack Williams Committee on Children, Youth & Human Services Larry Stutts (Chair)Andrew Jones (Vice Chair)Greg AlbrittonWill BarfootBilly BeasleyClyde ChamblissLinda Coleman-MadisonSam GivhanJimmy HolleyDan RobertsMalika Sanders-FortierShay ShelnuttJack Williams Committee on Tourism Del Marsh (Chair)Randy Price (Vice Chair)Billy BeasleyPriscilla DunnChris ElliottGarlan GudgerAndrew JonesTim MelsonDavid SessionsBobby SingletonRodger Smitherman Committee on Veterans & Military Affairs Tom Butler (Chair)Sam Givhan (Vice Chair)Will BarfootBilly BeasleyDavid BurketteDonnie ChesteenJimmy HolleyMalika Sanders-Fortier Committee on Local Legislation (LL1) Clyde Chambliss (Chair)Del MarshGreg Reed Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) thanked the committee for their work. “I want to thank the Committee on Assignments for their work on these committees, they did a fantastic job of matching Senators with the committee that best takes advantage of their strengths and abilities,” Marsh said. “I look forward to working with these members in the upcoming session. There are some tough issues facing the state and I believe these committees and their members are best equipped to address these issues in a way that benefits the people of Alabama.” Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed (R-Jasper) was excited to see the new committees in action. “Committees are the backbone of the legislative process, a place where bills are refined and improved and ideas are vigorously debated,” Senator Reed said. “Like the entire Senate, the committee chairmen come from all walks of life and include small business owners, doctors, farmers, former teachers, and attorneys from every region of our state. The 4.8 million citizens of Alabama deserve the best leadership possible, and I am confident that these citizen-lawmakers will ably lead the Senate’s fifteen committees during the new legislative term.” Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) praised the way committee assignments were handled. “Because we are in the minority we’re only going to get so many seats on committees. However, I think what has been done was fair based on the percentage of people that we have,” said Senator Singleton. “There were only two committees that we didn’t get seats, the Committee on Assignment and the Local Legislation Committee, but I would have liked to have representation on those as well, and of course we would love some chairmanships.”
Divided Alabama Senate approves ethics exemption
A divided Alabama Senate has voted to exempt economic developers from the state law that governs lobbyists. The 15-14 vote on Wednesday came after contentious debate over whether the bill was an economic development necessity or creates a wide new loophole in state ethics law. The House of Representatives will decide whether to go along with Senate changes. Under the bill, economic developers would not be considered lobbyists and would not register with the state and disclose their activity. Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield has argued site selectors, who help companies decide where to locate, won’t work in Alabama if they must register as lobbyists and disclose projects that could be in the works. Sen. Bobby Singleton, a Democrat from Greensboro, said that creating the exemption “stinks.” Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
State Senate votes against term limits for lawmakers
According to a poll commissioned by the organization and conducted by McLaughlin and Associates 84% of Alabamians want term limits placed on Members of Congress, but only nine state senators voted to bring a term limits bill to the floor for debate on Wednesday. State Sens. Bill Hightower, Trip Pittman, Paul Sanford, Bill Holtzclaw, Greg Reed, Larry Stutts, Phil Williams, Rusty Glover and Arthur Orr voted in favor of bringing SB127 to the floor for debate. But the bill failed a procedural motion, 9-15, to do so. “Today’s decision by Montgomery Insiders to vote against legislative term limits legislation epitomizes why Alabama voters are so frustrated with their state government,” said the bill’s sponsor, Mobile-Republican state Senator, and candidate for Governor, Bill Hightower. “More than four in five Alabama voters believe we need term limits, but career politicians understand this is a threat to their personal ambition and power. This morning the Montgomery Insiders put cronyism and smoke-filled backroom deals above the people they are supposed to represent.” SB127 would have proposed an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama that would provide that no person may be elected to either house of the state Legislature for more than three consecutive four-year terms. Currently, most other constitutional offices in Alabama have term or age limits. Hightower’s term limits legislation is a key component of his gubernatorial platform — the Alabama First Agenda, which is focused on reforming the way Montgomery operates. “We will not stop until we end the old boys network that is stopping real change!,” Hightower continued. “We will never change Montgomery if we continue to elect the same insiders, and that is why I am running for Governor, to shake up the establishment and bring positive change to Alabama. As Governor, we will continue to push for term limits and many other reforms that the career politicians know will end their grip on power,” concluded Hightower. Most all of the senators who voted in favor of bringing SB127 up for debate, are all self-term limited: Sen. Bill Hightower: self term limited after 2 terms Sen. Trip Pittman: self term limited after 3 terms Sen. Paul Sanford: self term limited after 3 terms Sen. Bill Holtzclaw: self term limited after 2 terms Sen. Phil Williams: self term limited after 2 terms Sen. Rusty Glover: self term limited after 3 terms
State Senate unanimously approves $6.6 billion Education Budget
The 2019 education budget unanimously passed the State Senate on Thursday. The body approved SB165, the $6.6 billion Education Trust Fund for Fiscal Year 2019, which starts October 1 on a 29 to 0 vote. It is the largest education budget for Alabama’s schools since the great recession of 2008. “Nothing is more important than ensuring a quality education for every student in Alabama, and this education budget is a statement of strong support for our teachers and schools,” said Decatur-Republican State Senator Arthur Orr, Chairman of the Finance and Taxation Education committee. “This is also a sustainable budget that protects taxpayers. From 2001 to 2011, proration – the midyear slashing of local school budgets because of irresponsible fiscal plans from the Legislature – occurred six times. Proration hasn’t happened once since 2011.” The FY19 education budget includes a $18.5 million increase for First Class, Alabama’s nationally-recognized, volunteer pre-kindergarten program. A University of Alabama at Birmingham study, released in February by the Department of Early Childhood Education, showed that students who participated in First Class outperformed their peers in reading and math assessments. First Class, currently available in 941 classrooms, has been named the nation’s best pre-kindergarten program in the nation for eleven years in a row by the National Institute for Early Education Research. The $18.5 million increase will help fund approximately 120 new Pre-K classrooms. “I want to commend Senator Orr and the Finance and Taxation Education committee for their hard work in passing the Education Trust Fund. This fiscally-responsible budget is another step in the right direction as we were able to include a pay raise for teachers, increased funds for school security, and additional money for classroom supplies,” added Anniston-Republican Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh. The Senate’s education budget is paired with a 2.5% pay raise for K-12 and two-year college education employees, at a cost of $102 million to Alabama taxpayers, along with a $1.1 uptick for K-12 career tech and a $6 million increase for K-12 transportation. “This budget is an investment in the future of Alabama. Conservatives in the legislature are strongly committed to fighting for Alabama’s students and teachers, and improving our schools to ensure that every student in every county in Alabama has access to a quality education,” said Jasper-Republican Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed. “We have set aside additional money for school security, given a much-deserved raise to teachers, and invested more money in our vital career tech programs.” The $6.6 billion FY19 education budget includes funds for a new robotics program for middle and high school students, and at the request of Governor Kay Ivey, allocates $500,000 for mental health counselors to be available for K-12 students in the aftermath of school shootings. The budget boosts spending on textbooks by $11 million, along with a $4 million increase for new technologies in classrooms. Earlier in the week, the Senate approved a proposal that will allow local school boards to use money from the Advancement and Technology Fund to improve school security by hiring new security officers and installing metal detectors at school entrances. The FY19 education budget now goes the House of Representatives for either concurrence with the Senate’s version, or a conference committee between the two chambers before it heads to the Governor’s desk.
Bill to strip Lieutenant Governor of powers delayed in State Senate
Legislation that would propose an amendment to the Alabama Constitution stripping the Lieutenant Governor’s office of any legislative duties was delayed in the State Senate Thursday when it was pulled from the floor before a vote. Sponsored by Lineville-Republican State Senator Gerald Dial, SB88 stipulates the “sole responsibility” of the Lt. Governor’s post would be “to succeed to the Office of Governor upon the Governor’s removal from office, death, or resignation.” Under current legislation, the Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate and is entitled to vote in the event of a tie, much like that of the Vice President of the United States. They are also vested with certain prescribed legislative duties, powers, and responsibilities. Gov. Kay Ivey has been a vocal critic of the bill. In her State of the State address, she explained her time presiding over the Senate as Lt. Governor prepared to assume the office of the Governor when former. Gov. Robert Bentley resigned. “The smooth transition of government, brought me full circle – from the legislative to the executive – and I am better able to lead and govern because of it. I support having a lieutenant governor who presides over the Senate. Our current order of succession serves the state well. I know this firsthand, having experienced it. I strongly support our current order of succession,” Ivey said in her speech earlier this month. Nevertheless, Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh said the bill was a priority to consider, but failed to say whether or not it would make it back to the floor before the Senate is scheduled to end in two weeks. The position for Lt. Governor currently vacant, and has been since Ivey assumed office in April 2017. Republicans Will Ainsworth, Twinkle Cavanaugh and Rusty Glover, along with Democrat Will Boyd are running to fill it the position this year.
Alabama fantasy sports bill fails in Senate ahead of vote
The daily fantasy sports (DFS) industry apparently will not be getting the green-light to operate in Alabama any time soon. Despite unanimously passing the Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee earlier this month, SB325 —which would establish the Fantasy Contests Act and provide for the registration of certain fantasy sports operators conducting fantasy sports contests within the state — was decisively shut down on the floor during Tuesday’s session before even given a chance to take a vote on the matter. History of Fantasy Sports in Alabama In April 2016, former state Attorney General Luther Strange sent cease-and-desist letters to two Daily Fantasy Sports companies — DraftKings and FanDuel — after determining that paid daily fantasy sports contests constitute illegal gambling. In DFS, participants pay to create a roster of players, then pit their roster against those of other participants. Whomever’s roster performs the best that day within a certain pool wins prize money through the site. According to Alabama code section 13A-20-12, a person participates in gambling if he or she “stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that he or someone else will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.” Gambling in Alabama is illegal, with a few exceptions including buying securities and commodities, insurance, and some grandfathered activities. DFS sites often contend they are games of skill, not of chance, and thus aren’t covered under most states’ gambling laws, nevertheless the companies complied with Strange’s request. Sanford contends 400,000 Alabamans played fantasy sports before it was banned from the Yellowhammer State. Previous legislative attempts to legalize fantasy sports For three years now state lawmakers have endeavored to legalize fantasy sports. Last year the House passed its version of a bill doing just that, but the Senate adjourned for the session without ever taking it up. Since the bill’s sponsor, Huntsville-Republican state Sen. Paul Sanford, is retiring it is unknown whether or not the legislation will be introduced again in the future.
Senate Passes ’30 days to pay’ bill to reform payday lending
On Thursday, the Alabama Senate passed a bill that seeks to issue reforms to Alabama’s payday loan industry. The bill passed with bipartisan support on a vote of 20-4, and now moves to the House. Under current law, lenders are allowed to set the terms of their loans from 10 to 31 days, and can charge up to a 17.5 percent fee for the loan; giving a loan with payment due in 14 days an annualized interest rate of 456 percent. SB138 seeks to drop this rate to 200 percent by requiring payday lenders to give borrowers 30 days to repay their loans. Decatur-Republican Sen. Arthur Orr, the bill’s sponsor, believes it is a simple, but necessary change, and will make repayment easier for Alabamians who pay their loans monthly, alongside their household bills. “This simple reform enjoys bipartisan, overwhelming, statewide support, we are grateful for the responsive leadership that carried this bill through the Senate. Now, we look toward the House seeking the same level of commitment to the well-being of Alabama’s borrowers. Predatory lending reform is a priority for many Alabama voters who are tired of seeing this can kicked down the road year after year, and this bill is an opportunity for legislators to finally deliver on the change that their constituents have requested for so long.” Dana Sweeney with the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, told Alabama News. Madison-Republican Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, Rainbow City-Republican Sen. Phil Williams, and Birmingham-Democrat Sen. Rodger Smitherman are co-sponsors of the bill.
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.
State Senate enhances protections for consumers with data breach notification law
Alabama is one of only two states nationwide that doesn’t require companies to report the theft of electronic consumer information. Thursday morning, the State Senate took action to change that. In an effort to protect Alabama consumers, lawmakers unanimously voted, 24-0, in favor of SB318, the Alabama Data Breach Notification Act, which will require private companies and state agencies to report data breaches to affected consumers. “Equifax reported this week that 2.4 million Americans were affected by a breach last year of the company’s data,” said the bill’s sponsor by Decatur-Republican state Senator Arthur Orr. “Virtually all of our vital personal information – including Social Security numbers, military IDs, drivers’ licenses, bank account numbers, and medical data – is now online. With this bill, consumers will know if their information has been compromised and what steps a company is taking to recover and protect consumers’ data.” If hackers steal sensitive personal information from a private company or a state agency, the Data Breach Notification Act requires the company or agency to notify the affected consumers within forty-five days of the breach’s discovery. Should a breach affect more than: 1,000 people: the company or agency must notify the state Attorney General’s office 500,000 people: the company or agency must post notices online, and in the newspapers, TV, and radio stations where the affected consumers live. “I appreciate Attorney General Steve Marshall for partnering with me on this legislation. It is imperative we do everything we can to protect the privacy of Alabamians’ medical and financial information,” Orr added. If a company or state agency fails to notify consumers of a data breach, the Attorney General’s office can assess fines of $5,000 per day and file a lawsuit on behalf of the affected individuals. “I want to thank Senator Orr for partnering with my office to ensure that Alabama’s consumers share in the same protections afforded to the citizens of 48 other states when it comes to their personal information,” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said. “This is a strong piece of pro-consumer legislation and we applaud the Senate’s action today.” Orr’s proposal now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senate committee narrowly approves Alabama lottery bill
A Senate committee narrowly approved a state lottery bill on Wednesday. The Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee okayed SB326, sponsored by Huntsville-Republican state Sen. Paul Sanford, by a 3-2 vote. The legislation proposes a constitutional amendment, which the voters would have to approve, that would allow Alabama to join multi-state lottery games only such as Powerball and Mega Millions. The legislative fiscal office estimates the lottery would generate $45 million annually. Alabama is one of only six states — Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, and Utah — without a state lottery.
