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Constitutional Revision Legislation Passes House
The legislature took a major step toward revising Alabama's Constitution on Thursday, without the need for a costly constitutional convention. The House passed HB 357 and HB 358, both sponsored by Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, which delineate necessary revisions to the corporations and banking sections, respectively, of the constitution.
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Rep. Paul DeMarco |
The bills were also reviewed and supported by the 16-member Constitutional Revision Commission, chaired by former governor Albert Brewer with DeMarco as vice chair. The commission was established last year by a joint resolution and is tasked with suggesting article-by-article constitutional changes.
Assistant Director of Governmental and Agricultural Programs Brian Hardin said the Alabama Farmers Federation supports the article-by-article process for constitutional revisions in part because it is cost-effective and provides accountability.
"Conventions require a large commitment of time and money," Hardin said. "Delegates to a Constitutional Convention do not have the same accountability to the people of Alabama as do their elected representatives."
Because the finished product must be approved by a majority vote of the people, any one controversial change could result in the entire document failing, putting the state back at square one and wasting taxpayers' money, Hardin said.
"Using the article-by-article method, citizens of Alabama still vote on each legislative recommendation," he said. "This process is more efficient and encourages progress by providing easier passage of non-controversial amendments."
The bills will be before the Senate Constitution and Elections Committee on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in Room 325 of the State House. As the Constitutional Revision Commission moves on to other sections of the constitution, the Federation will closely monitor its work, especially in regard to home rule powers for counties. |
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Department Of Ag And Industries Introduces Bills In House
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries looks to increase revenue and lessen burdensome regulations with three bills introduced in the House on Thursday. The department, as with many other state departments, has suffered from budget cuts the past few years and is looking for new ways to fund its mandated duties. All three bills are sponsored by Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, and will be heard by the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on Wednesday at 1:30 in Room 617 of the State House.
HB 542 would repeal the certification and bond requirements for people employed as certified weighers. The requirement was instated in 1927 and the department believes its repeal would lessen the burden on businesses and individuals who operate within the state.
The distribution of fees collected for petroleum product permits, inspections and penalties would change under HB 543. Currently, either 5 percent of those fees, or $175,000, whichever is greater, goes to the Agriculture Fund for the operation of the Department of Agriculture and Industries. HB 543 proposes 10 percent of the total petroleum-related fees collected go to the Agriculture Fund, with the remainder of the fees distributed to counties, municipalities and the Department of Transportation for the construction and improvement of roads and bridges. The bill would not increase fees paid to the state; it only proposes a reallocation of the funds.
The department is authorized to establish procedures for seed testing and sampling. HB 544 would introduce a new fee related to seed inspection and impose record keeping requirements for anyone who sells or distributes seeds. Punishment for violating the bill would include suspension of permits. All funds collected would also go into the Agriculture Fund. The Federation supports a seed tonnage fee with funds going to update the Alabama State Seed Lab.
The Alabama Farmers Federation will continue to monitor the advancement of all three bills.
On Thursday, Agriculture Commissioner John McMillian announced a 7.5 percent pay cut for current employees in anticipation of 10 percent proration for the department. |
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Senate Confirms Sanford To Auburn Board Of Trustees
Autauga County Farmers Federation Board Member and cotton farmer Jimmy Sanford became the first confirmed appointment of nine nominations to the Auburn University Board of Trustees with the Senate's unanimous approval on Thursday.
Sanford said he is humbled by the honor and believes his farming background will bring a unique perspective of independence and entrepreneurship to the board.
 | | Jimmy Sanford |
"The fact that the Senate chose a farmer as its first approved nomination is a credit to agriculture and what it means to this state," Sanford said. "When the land grant mission was established 150 years ago, the country was experiencing turbulent times, much like today. When faced with difficult times, the people often turn back to their roots. I'm sensing that occurrence now, a return to greater respect for agriculture and farming."
Sanford said he hopes to be a trustee of the tangible aspects of Auburn and the invisible assets of the Auburn spirit and family.
"The honor for this nomination goes to my family, business partners and friends," he said. "I would not be able to do this without their support."
Sanford believes the connection between the Alabama Farmers Federation and Auburn University is very valuable, and he hopes the mutual allegiance and support will continue.
Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry Newby said he is confident Sanford will serve Auburn well.
"The Alabama Farmers Federation is excited for Jimmy in his appointment as a trustee," Newby said. "Auburn University will benefit greatly from his service. I know personally of Jimmy's contributions to Alabama agriculture and the nation's cotton industry, as well as his love for his alma mater. We congratulate Jimmy on his confirmation."
The chairperson of Home Place Farms Inc., Sanford currently serves as chairman of the Alabama Cotton Commission and is a former president of the National Cotton Council. Sanford is also a member of the Board of Directors for Alabama Power. He has previously served in leadership roles with the Alabama Agribusiness Council, Business Council of Alabama, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.
Sanford is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in economics.
The Auburn trustees' selection committee received about 170 applications for the nine vacancies and interviewed 35 candidates.
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Timber Harvest Notification Legislation Introduced
Under proposed legislation, county commissions may adopt a uniform notice requirem ent for timber owners to provide notification before using county roads for their operations.
SB 409, sponsored by Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, and the House companion, HB 538, sponsored by Rep. Mark Tuggle, R-Alexander City, requires a two-day notification when using an existing access point for timber harvesting and a five-day notification if a new access point is required. Timber harvesters must provide information including a map of the area indentifying the tract and access points and a detailed route of county roads expected to be used. The Alabama FarmersFederation supports both bills.
The purpose of the legislation is to provide a statewide uniform procedure for timber harvest notification. Currently, 14 counties have enacted various ordinances or road permits. The legislation would not require counties to adopt the regulations but would provide the option, removing the possibility of counties adopting overly burdensome and varying degrees of regulations.
SB 409 will be heard by the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, which is chaired by Whatley, Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in Room 727 of the State House. HB 358 is will be heard by the House Commerce and Small Business Committee on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in Room 123 of the State House. |
| Extended Deer Hunting Season Debate Continues
The debate on extending deer hunting season continued this week with a public hearing in the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Wednesday. Sponsored by Rep. Harry Shiver, R-Bay Minette, HB 440 would add two weeks onto the end of the season.
Opponents of the bill from Hunters United Now and Tomorrow (H.U.N.T.) Alabama and the Alabama Wildlife Federation said the task of establishing dates for hunting seasons is not the job of the legislature but comes under the jurisdiction of the Alabama Department of Conservation Advisory Board.
Those speaking for the bill said there was no time to wait for a decision from the advisory board because the economic boost is needed now. Rep. Shiver said he attempted to contact a member of the board but received no response. The Federation does not have a policy regarding the two-week extension.
The bill was carried over in committee. Similar legislation, HB 489, sponsored by Rep. Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, proposes a two-week extension to deer hunting season but would only apply to bow and primitive weapon hunting. The Federation is monitoring HB 489. Federation policy supports the Conservation Advisory Board so long as its decisions and recommendations do not conflict with Federation policy.
A committee vote is expected next week on the Senate companion, SB 359, sponsored by Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn.
The Federation continues to support deer supplemental feeding bills SB 346, sponsored by Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, and House companion HB 419, sponsored by Rep. Wes Long, R-Guntersville. |
| House Tackles Two Storm Preparedness Bills
In light of catastrophic storms over the past year in Alabama, the House is considering two bills aimed at helping citizens better prepare by setting up individual catastrophic savings accounts and providing a sales-tax holiday on storm preparation materials.
HB 456, sponsored by Rep. Randy Davis, R-Daphne, would give homeowners the opportunity to deposit funds into a catastrophe savings account to cover insurance deductibles and other uninsured risks. Each person may establish only one account, and contributions would be tax-deductible. The maximum amount allowed in the account differs according to insurance coverage and deductibles.
HB 456 is currently assigned to the House Insurance Committee. A similar Senate bill, SB 227, sponsored by Sen. Ben Brooks, R-Mobile, passed the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee last month. The Alabama Farmers Federation supports both pieces of legislation.
Consumers would receive a sales tax break on storm preparation supplies under HB 436, sponsored by Rep. Bill Poole, R-Northport. The tax-break would cover items such as batteries, weather radios, plywood and generators. The bill passed the House Ways and Means Education Committee on Wednesday. The Federation does not have a position on this bill. |
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Republican Leadership Introduces Charter School Bill
Gov. Robert Bentley and the Republican leadership of the legislature made good on promises to introduce charter school legislation with the Education Options Act of 2012. The 60-page act, HB 541, sponsored by Rep. Phil Williams, R-Huntsville, was introduced in the House on Wednesday afternoon and assigned to the House Ways and Means Education Committee.
In a press conference earlier the same day, Bentley said the bill provides options for parents, students and educators. The legislation allows non-profit, non-religious organizations to establish charter schools as part of the state's public education system. The bill also provides existing schools flexibility from certain state laws, as long as related academic goals are met.
House Speaker Mike Hubbard, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh and Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tommy Bice all expressed support for the bill.
"Alabama needs to allow local school boards to cut the bureaucratic red tape and let teachers give their students the quality education they need to pursue a fulfilling career," Hubbard said.
The Alabama Farmers Federation does not have a position on charter schools.
The Senate companion, sponsored by Sen. Dick Brewbaker, R-Montgomery, has not yet been introduced. |
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Bills In Brief
Irrigation Incentives, HB 328, sponsored by Rep. Chad Fincher, R-Semmes, was selected in the House Rules Committee by Rep. Barbara Boyd, D-Anniston, as an item for the House agenda last Thursday. However, the House adjourned before reaching HB 328 on the agenda, due to extensive debate on other bills. The Federation's legislative team is working to get the bill back on the House calendar for next week. The bill would provide a 20 percent tax incentive for farmers investing in irrigation equipment and reservoirs. The Senate companion, SB 153, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, remains in the House Ways and Means Education Committe. AFF supports.
Agritourism Liability, HB 459, sponsored by Rep. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, will come before the House Judiciary Committee at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Room 123 of the State House. The legislation would protect farmers from liability if participants were injured due to an inherent risk of an agritourism activity. The Senate companion, SB 306, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale, is awaiting action in the Senate Judiciary Committee. AFF supports.
Farm Wine, SB 409, sponsored by Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, was brought before the Senate Job Creation and Economic Development Committee in a public hearing on Thursday. No action was taken on the bill. The legislation would allow farm wineries to sell, license and distribute table wine. A public hearing has been called on the House companion, HB 372, sponsored by Rep. Becky Nordgren, R-Gadsden, and is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wedneday in the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee in Room 418 of the State House. AFF monitoring.
Off-Road Motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs, HB 495, sponsored by Rep. K.L. Brown, R-Jacksonville, would amend the current Tractor, Lawn and Garden and Light Industrial Equipment Franchise Act to include off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles. The act regulates franchise agreements with farm equipment dealer businesses. The bill is assigned to the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee. AFF monitoring.
Telephone Service, HB 196, sponsored by Rep. Mike Hill, R-Columbiana, would define basic telephone service consistent with regulations of the Federal Communications Commission to include additional forms of telephone service such as cell phone service. This would remove the requirement for telephone service companies to provide basic landline telephone service. The bill will be heard by the Senate Commerce, Transportation and Utilities Committee on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. in Room 610 of the State House. The companion bill, SB 169, sponsored by Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, remains in the Senate Commerce, Transportation and Utilities Committee. AFF monitoring. |
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