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HBAA OPPOSES HB 632,
REQUESTS PUBLIC HEARING
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| The HBAA has requested a public hearing on HB 632 sponsored by Representative Mark Tuggle (R-Alexander City). As drafted, the bill would increase the threshold for licensure as a home builder from $10,000 to $30,000.
The bill has been assigned to the House Commerce and Small Business Committee which is chaired by Rep. Jack Williams (R-Vestavia Hills). The HBAA will be working with committee members to encourage them to give the bill an unfavorable report if the bill comes before the committee.
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IMMIGRATION LAW REVISIONS TO BE CONSIDERED
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After last year's passage of what many have called the nation's toughest immigration law, the Alabama Legislature is poised to make some revisions that will make it easier to comply with, but not weaken it. HB 658 by Rep. Mickey Hammon (R-Decatur) seeks to clarify portions of the law that, according to many, were vague and laden with unintended consequences. Of significant interest to HBAA members is the removal of the requirement that contractors/subcontractors working on state-funded projects provide an affidavit that they do not hire illegal immigrants. Additionally, the law clarifies that a contractor is not responsible for the verification of a subcontractor's employees. The HBAA will be working with other business groups to support the proposed changes to the law that make it more workable for the Alabama business community. |
SINGLE POINT FILING BILLS RECEIVE FAVORABLE REPORTS
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Legislation that allows a taxpayer to file state, county and local sales taxes through a single point of filing with the Department of Revenue passed out of both House and Senate committees this week. The legislation, which is actively being promoted by the HBAA and a variety of business organizations, was amended in committee to include rental taxes as well. The cities and counties have expressed their opposition to the rental amendment and will likely now oppose the bill in its entirety.
This tax-filing simplification legislation provides associate and builder members that operate in multiple jurisdictions significant relief from the burdensome process of submitting local taxes by establishing a one-stop-shop approach within the Alabama Department of Revenue. The HBAA will continue to work with its business industry partners to pursue passage of this much needed legislation.
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HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES 2013 GENERAL FUND BUDGET
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The House General Fund budget committee approved a budget proposal this week that is just under $1.4 billion. The overall budget cuts roughly $341 million below the 2012 budget. The largest single hit comes from Medicaid that, if approved, would be slashed by some $175 million. Other agencies would see deep budget cuts and the threat of furloughs. The budget now moves to the House floor for consideration. HBAA BACKED LODGING TAX BILLS STALLED: In a related note, the HBAA-backed lodging tax bills have stalled in the finance committees of both the House and Senate. The committee chairmen have indicated that they have little interest in entertaining any legislation that would negatively impact the General Fund budget. By law, the state receives a tax of 4% on all lodgings within the state. The HBAA will continue to work with both committees to have the bill placed on their calendars if an opportunity should arise. |
