April 22, 2019 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House
Last week, which began with “tax day,” the Alabama Legislature was also doing tax work; both chambers passed tax-related bills. Other bills moving through include several affecting schools. Here’s a detailed look at last week.
- Tuesday, Day 10 of Regular Session: The House Local Legislation Committee approved several bills of local application only. The House passed general bills to eliminate the prohibition against entering into installment payment agreements with certain taxpayers; to update the simplified sellers use tax to include provisions for amnesty and class action; and to require the pledge of allegiance be conducted at the beginning of each school day. The Senate Children Youth and Human Services Committee approved a House-passed bill to expand and clarify requirements for membership of child advocacy centers in the Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers. The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approved bills to provide a sale and use tax exemption for American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities; to limit the provision of business licenses and sales taxes to property within the corporate limits; and to update the simplified sellers use tax to include provisions for amnesty and class action. The Senate Education Policy Committee approved bills to provide for the qualifications of school resource officers and to require the pledge of allegiance be conducted at the beginning of each school day. The Senate gave final passage to a number of House-passed sunset bills to continue the operation of varied boards, agencies and commissions for another three years. They also passed general bills to provide direct retirement benefits be paid to a special needs trust by the Retirement Systems of Alabama for a dependent child; to revise the content and course materials for sex education in public K-12 schools; and to authorize land acquisitions of right-of-way and waiver valuations under certain conditions.
- Wednesday, a committee day: The House Judiciary Committee approved bills to provide civil immunity to persons providing transportation to healthcare providers without compensation; to authorize a probate court to issue a renewal of an involuntary commitment order for treatment after a hearing; and to revise the Alabama Business Corporation Law to reflect national standards set by the Model Business Corporation Act. The House Ways and Means Education Committee approved a bill creating the Tier III retirement plan within the Retirement System of Alabama. The House Ways and Means General Fun Committee approved a bill that further provides tax procedures in the Financial Institution Excise Tax Reform Act. The House Financial Services Committeeapproved a bill to require the Department of Revenue to enter into agreements with financial institutions to develop a data match program. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill to provide for the issuance of summons and complaints in lieu of custodial arrest by municipal corporations. The Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee approved a bill revising the Alabama Business Corporation Law to reflect national standards set by the Model Business Corporation Act.
- Thursday, Day 11 of Regular Session: The House passed a number of bills of local application only and a general bill to authorize the use of student interns to assist in elections. The Senate passed several bills of local application only and general bills to provide for the qualifications school resource officers and to require the pledge of allegiance be conducted at the beginning of each school day in public K-12 schools.
