Work on revising Alabama's immigration law continues. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange weighed in on the issue stating that the legislature should wait on the United States Supreme Court to rule in regard to the current legal challenges. The bill sponsors are now working to exclude the portions being considered by the Court, but intend to proceed with those portions that affect business. Clearing up the vague portions of the law has been a priority for the business community. Among the revisions to remain in the bill are HBAA proposed changes that would clarify that a contractor is not responsible for the employees of any subcontractor and eliminating the need for the affidavit from the subcontractors.

The issue remains contentious. Protesters continue to occupy the Senate lobby and hallways during session. The opponents to the law want the law totally repealed. Six protesters held a "sit-in" in the doorway to the Senate Chambers. All six were detained after refusing to clear the doorway. They were released later in the day.

The US Department of Justice sent a letter to State Superintendent of Education Tommy Brice on May 1 stating that Alabama's law may violate the 1969 Equal Rights Act as it relates to treatment of any child by schools that receive federal money. This letter, though not surprising given that the DOJ opposes the entire law, has been embraced by opponents of the law and disregarded by proponents.

HB 191 sponsored by Rep. Mike Hill (R-Columbiana) passed the House Thursday on a ten minute calendar. The bill amends the Alabama Improvement District Act to allow developers to take advantage of alternative financing opportunities which have become and will continue to be an important source of funding for future land development activities.

The bill now moves to the Senate where it has been assigned to the Finance and Taxation General Fund (F&TG) Committee chaired by Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur). The HBAA will work with Senator Orr to get the bill assigned to the committee calendar. All bills that come to the Senate in the few remaining days of session are being assigned to either FT&G or F&TE (Finance and Taxation Education).

Ten Minute Calendar: This is a calendar of bills that is usually comprised of non-controversial legislation and the debate time is limited to 10 minutes per bill. If debate on the bill exceeds the 10 minute limit, the bill is carried over for consideration on a future special order calendar.