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CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED ON IMMIGRATION BILL
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| A conference committee was appointed this week to try to merge the two versions of HB 56 (Hammon, Decatur) that were passed in the House and Senate. The HBAA continues to work with other business associations to lessen the negative aspects of the legislation. Now that the bill is in conference, appointees to the committee will work behind the scenes to hash out the differences. Business groups have been assured that they will see the final version of the bill before it is adopted. |
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SENATE PASSES TAX DEDUCTION BILL FOR WIND MITIGATION
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The substitute to SB 395 (Brooks, Mobile) was unanimously approved by the Senate on Tuesday. The bill now awaits action in the House Insurance Committee. If enacted, the bill will establish a state income tax deduction for any taxpayer that incorporates certain wind resistant features into his home.
Senator Ben Brooks, along with Senator Gerald Allen of Tuscaloosa, developed the substitute in response to the recent storms that ravaged many areas in north Alabama. The substitute doubles the original deduction to $3,000 with the hope that the increase will motivate more home owners to incorporate these features into their dwellings. The measure will also serve as an economic tool by increasing sales tax revenue to the state and putting builders, remodelers, and their subs to work making the upgrades.
The HBAA would like to thank Senators Brooks and Allen for their leadership on this issue. The HBAA will be working closely with both Senators to get the bill out of the House committee and on the floor for consideration as soon as possible.
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HBAA TO FOCUS ON RECOVERY AND WIND MITIGATION AT SUMMER BOARD
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The recent storms have put disaster recovery and prevention into the minds of builders and consumers statewide. Whether it is damage caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, or other natural disasters, the day after the storms begins a process that can be intimidating and in many cases, infuriating.
The questions seem endless:
How do I, as a builder representing a home owner, work with adjusters representing the insurance companies?
What types of exposure do I have during debris removal or other post-storm activities?
How can I market above-code features to consumers wanting to create safe rooms and protect property?
How do I work with FEMA, EMA, and all the other acronyms?
How do the lead, asbestos, and other hazardous substance laws work in emergency situations?
The HBAA is devoting Friday, July 22, during the 2011 Summer Board Meeting to answer these and any additional questions regarding working to rebuild after a storm. Register today so that you won't miss this opportunity to arm yourself with the "how-to" of disaster recovery activities!
Register ONLINE at www.hbaa.org
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TWO TORT BILLS HEADED TO
GOVERNOR'S DESK
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The Alabama Legislature gave final passage to two of the four ACJRC bills on Thursday afternoon. The House wasted little time in approving bills to reduce the interest on post-judgment awards and closing a loophole in Alabama's venue law. The two bills passed on votes of 70 - 26 and 71 -26. The House is scheduled to consider the Product Liability bill and the Expert Witness bill on Tuesday. Three more tort bills remain in the Civil Justice Reform Committee's package of bills. Those bills are expected to be considered next week.
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