State Capital
HBAA Legislative Alert
April 12, 2013
WORKERS COMPENSATION REFORM TAKES SHAPE 

Work continues on what could be sweeping reform to Alabama's Workers Compensation laws. As the appointed leader of the business coalition involved in the effort, the HBAA has been engaged in mediated negotiations this week with groups representing the physicians and hospitals. By Tuesday of next week, the HBAA should know whether all the effort to create meaningful reform has paid off. The business community position is that unless the changes are significant and far reaching in a way that protects business and lowers costs it will not proceed with the legislation. Should the outcome be positive, the HBAA and its business partners will seek to rally their memberships next week to get legislators to vote in support of the measure.

HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD SUNSET TO BE LAST SUNSET BILL CONSIDERED BY SENATE

Before Spring Break, the Home Builders Licensure Board Sunset Bill was up for consideration by the full Senate. Unfortunately, the bill was at the right place at the wrong time when the Lt. Governor mistakenly called the Senate to order without a quorum. This set off an extended debate with the HBLB sunset bill in the cross hairs. With no end in sight, the measure was "carried-over," sending the bill to the bottom of the pile for consideration later in session.

 

The Senate has agreed to handle two sunset bills each day for the remainder of the session. This places the HBLB in a precarious position. The HBAA met with Senator Bussman (R-Cullman) on Thursday and he provided reassurance that the bill will get considered before the end of session.

HVAC LEGISLATION INTRODUCED

Legislation to revise and update the Heating Air Conditioning and Refrigeration law was introduced this week. House Bill 585 and SB 427, companion bills sponsored respectively by Rep. Jack Williams (R-Vestavia Hills) and Senator Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa), have four main focuses:

  1. Implement portions of the energy code related to duct testing
  2. Establish a registration process for filter installers that are not board certified HVAC contractors
  3. Promote HVAC education by sending excess funds to the Alabama Home Builders Foundation
  4. Update the HVACR Board's general administrative structure

Although it is late in the session to introduce legislation, the HBAA is working closely with the HVACR Board to fast track the measure. Both bills have been requested to be placed on the committee agendas in each chamber for next week.

RANDALL SHEDD BECOMES NEWEST MEMBER OF ALABAMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

On Thursday, Randall Shedd, (R-Fairview) became the newest member of the Alabama House of Representatives after taking the oath of office administered by Speaker Hubbard. Shedd received endorsement by the Alabama Builders Political Action Committee during his campaign to fill the seat left vacant by Jeremy Oden after he was appointed to a seat on the Alabama Public Service Commission. The HBAA congratulates Rep. Shedd and looks forward to working with him in his new position.

Senate
Adjourned: Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 2:52 pm
Convenes: Tuesday,
April 16, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. 

House 
Adjourned: 
Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 1:00 pm 
Convenes: 
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.
















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