State Capital
HBAA Legislative Alert
March 22, 2013
FIGHT OVER QUORUM AND FLEXIBILITY BURNS ANOTHER WEEK OF SESSION 

Both the House and Senate were once again mired in what has become a multi-week slowdown as a result of bruised feelings over the School Flexibility Act. The Senate slowdown took a different turn when the Lt. Gov. was accused of violating the Alabama Constitution by gaveling the body into session on Tuesday without the required 18 members present on the floor. Lt. Governor Kay Ivey responded to accusations by stating that she counted 18 senators but the official record reflected that one of the senators she counted was not yet officially certified or sworn in. Senator Elect Bill Hightower (R-Mobile) was present that morning, but will not officially be seated until sometime next week.

 

With a raucous debate underway by the minority party, Senate Pro Tem Marsh moved quickly to adjourn. The Constitution states that if quorum isn't present, then the body is adjourned until 10:00 am the following day. In light of this constitutional requirement, the Senate and House both agreed to meet on Wednesday and then recess for spring break.

 

With the session now half way complete, it is hoped that there will be easing of the slowdown upon the legislature's return on April 2.

HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD SUNSET CAUGHT UP IN SLOWDOWN DEBATE

The Senate debate this week was primarily focused at times on the Home Builders Licensure Board sunset bill. As is often the case, even non-controversial bills such as sunset measures can be the center of attention. Being in the right place at the wrong time is what led to the HBLB debate this week. Despite the extended discussion, the measure is expected to pass, along with other sunset bills, when the body returns from spring break.

HOME BUILDERS, APARTMENT ASSOCIATION, AND REALTORS TO MEET TO DISCUSS HB 257

The Home Builders Association of Alabama, Alabama Apartment Association, and the Alabama Realtors Association are scheduled to meet next week to discuss HB 257 and how they can work together to move the legislation forward. Sponsored by Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), HB 257 seeks to restrict local governments from charging a business license fee on every residential rental unit. After a meeting last week with representatives from Spanish Fort and Dauphin Island, both sides agreed to work on amendments to clarify that the measure doesn't apply to Community Development Districts or local governments that already charge a business license fee on rental units.

Senate
Adjourned: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 3:31 p.m.
Convenes: Tuesday,
April 2, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. 

House 
Adjourned: 
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 7:25 p.m. 
Convenes: 
Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.
















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