April 10, 2023 Group Watch: Tweet of the Week
@KatieBrittforAL
April 9
From my family to yours, wishing you a very Happy Easter! He is risen, indeed!
Luke 24:6-7
@KatieBrittforAL
April 9
From my family to yours, wishing you a very Happy Easter! He is risen, indeed!
Luke 24:6-7
On Tuesday (5th day of regular session):
On Wednesday (6th day of regular session):
On Thursday (7th day of of regular session):
Governor Ivey launched her plan for Alabama’s continued economic success, The Game Plan, a proposed package of four economic development bills that will strengthen the state’s competitiveness for job-creating projects. The Game Plan includes:
The mayors of the state’s 10 largest cities (Auburn, Birmingham, Decatur, Dothan, Hoover, Huntsville, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa) support the governor’s plan. The Big 10 Mayors also urged the legislature to reauthorize and expand our incentive packages so that communities can continue to successfully compete with neighboring states.
The Alabama House approved legislation that would make it illegal to smoke or vape in a car where a child under the age of 14 is present. The bill will make it a secondary offense under Alabama law, carrying a penalty of up to $100 fine per violation. Legislation to ban smoking in a car with children was first presented by Rep. Rolanda Hollis in 2018 but did not include a prohibition on vaping. This version of the measure specifically outlines the law as a secondary offense, meaning it can not be the main reason for a traffic stop.
Following Thursday’s final passage of House Bill 1, which increases the penalties for fentanyl trafficking, Governor Ivey announced she looks forward to swiftly signing it into law. In a statement put out by her office, Ivey noted she believes that Alabama is setting the example for the nation by passing the bill with total bipartisan support. “The entire nation should take note of what we accomplished today in Alabama with the passage of House Bill 1, the bill to help combat the fentanyl crisis. Every member of the Legislature – Republican and Democrat – came together to pass this critical piece of legislation,” she said. “Combatting this deadly drug will continue to be a top priority for our Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and I will continue to do everything in my power to stop this drug from being a killer in Alabama.”
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt’s office announced a change in his Chief of Staff position. Michael Lowry, who has worked with Aderholt as communications director, will be taking over the position from the retiring Kerry Knott. Knott, who joined Aderholt’s staff in 2019, said he is looking forward to retirement. Lowery said he is looking forward to starting his new role.
Thanks to a budget surplus, multiple bills that would cut taxes for Alabama residents have been filed by legislators this session. Gradually eliminating the sales tax on basic groceries is one that has garnered a lot of attention. It and other proposals, like lowering income tax rates, are currently being discussed and debated. The sticking point for all proposals will be if they are truly sustainable. Read more here.
A healthcare company that runs six hospitals in Alabama announced that patient and other information may have been disclosed during a cyber security incident. The company, whose hospitals in the state include Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham and Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville, said a cybersecurity firm it contracts with to provide secure file transfer software became aware of the incident in late January. The healthcare company’s investigation so far has determined that personal information on patients, a limited number of employees and other individuals may have been disclosed to the unauthorized party.
The Alabama Senate has passed a bill to crack down on street racing and dangerous driving stunts, legislation that comes in response to several incidents that caused death or injuries. The bill by Senator Rodger Smitherman would result in possible jail time for drivers who race or do risky driving maneuvers on public streets or in parking lots. Last year, Smitherman and other lawmakers met with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin about the problems caused by street racing. The City of Birmingham set up speed bumps in downtown Birmingham to slow down street racers and stunt drivers. Smitherman’s bill provides for penalties that would help police keep the dangerous driving practices in check. A similar bill is pending in the House.
The Alabama Legislature returned to work last Tuesday for the 2nd day of the 2023 regular session after wrapping up what is considered a successful special session the week prior.
Much got done, and there was lots of agreement. The bill making penalties for fentanyl possession harsher was unanimously passed by the House, and the entire Senate voted to protect family visitation rights at healthcare facilities in the state. And more good news for Alabama: February’s unemployment rate tied the record low.
And this week, the legislature is taking spring break, so there’ll be no issue of Group Watch next week. Look for the next installment on April 10.
Read more on these topics and other #alpolitics happenings below.
The House and Senate will return from spring break on April 4
at 1 pm and 2 pm respectively.