ACJRC LEADERS HAVE PRODUCTIVE MEETING WITH SENATOR ORR ON FALSE CLAIMS BILL
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This week, Alabama Civil Justice Reform Committee (ACJRC) Chairman Tom Dart, General Counsel Matt McDonald, and Executive Director Larry Vinson met with Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) at his request to have further discussions about SB 183, his bill creating an Alabama False Claims Act.
Senator Orr said his only objective in introducing the bill was to explore the creation of a legal avenue through which the State of Alabama could have an opportunity to recapture illegal Medicaid payments and perhaps a 10% bonus from the federal government. Orr reported that it is his understanding that federal law requires the existence of a state false claims act with specific provisions before the state can qualify for the bonus money.
As Chairman of the Senate General Fund Committee, Senator Orr said he is exploring any avenue he can to bolster funding for the perennially underfunded budget that pays for virtually all state services except education.
Senator Orr said he understood ACJRC's concerns about the far-reaching impact of his bill on Alabama's legal climate and restated his strong support of the association's efforts to pass tort reform legislation. He mentioned that as the General Counsel of a small business, he knows firsthand about the impact of lawsuit abuse.
Senator Orr understands the bill in its current form will potentially cause significant problems for Alabama's businesses and those problems likely outweigh any perceived benefit. He agreed not to move the bill out of committee before exploring with federal officials whether it can be modified in a manner to remove objectionable provisions and will keep ACJRC informed of any progress.
The Home Builders Association of Alabama has been a member of the ACJRC since its inception. Other members include Alabama Automobile Dealers Association, National Federation of Independent Business, Alabama Bankers Association, Alabama Retail Association, Alabama Farmers Federation, among others. Russell Davis, HBAA Executive Vice-President, currently serves on the ACJRC Executive Committee.
The HBAA would like to thank Senator Orr for his understanding and recognition of the potential problems with this legislation.
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LEGISLATION TAKES SHAPE TO STREAMLINE AND SIMPLIFY ALABAMA'S BUSINESS LICENSE LAW
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The Business Association Tax Coalition has been approached by Speaker Hubbard's office to provide input on proposed legislation that would streamline and simplify Alabama's business license system. Among the changes are:
- Creation of an online portal through the Department of Revenue where businesses can go to one place to apply for, purchase, and renew all applicable state and local business licenses
- Creation of a Business License Interim Task Force to develop recommendations for streamlining municipal business licenses and inclusion in the online filing system
- Businesses with a net worth less than $150,000 would be exempted from the business privilege tax
The HBAA and its industry partners will work to provide feedback that will further enhance the bill to make compliance with Alabama's business license laws easier to achieve.
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HBAA LEADS EFFORT TO PUSH FOR WORKER'S COMP REFORM
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The Alabama Council of Association Self Insured Funds, chaired by the Home Builders Association of Alabama, will meet Tuesday with President Pro Tem Del Marsh and representatives of the medical, hospital, and trial bar associations to begin negotiations on what could be sweeping workers comp reform for Alabama employers. Marsh has indicated a willingness to push this issue on behalf of the business community during the 2013 Legislative Session.
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TAX PAYER BILL OF RIGHTS ACT REVISIONS MAKE PROGRESS
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Revisions to Alabama's Tax Payer Bill of Rights moved forward this week with a public hearing on SB 223. Sponsored by Senator Bryan Taylor (R-Prattville), the bill seeks to amend Alabama law to conform to the Federal Taxpayers' Bill of Rights in several respects and to establish the Alabama Tax Appeals Commission. This bill is just one part of a comprehensive package of measures that has been developed and endorsed by the Business Association Tax Coalition for the past several years. |
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PLUMBERS BILL RECEIVED FAVORABLE REPORT
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House Bill 265 (R-Jack Williams) received a favorable report from the House Boards and Commissions Committee. The HBAA will work with the sponsor and House rules chairman Mac McCutcheon (R-Huntsville) to get the bill onto the special order calendar at the earliest opportunity. The HBAA would like to thank Representative Williams and Committee chairman Howard Sanderford (R-Huntsville) for their efforts to move the bill forward.
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