The Alabama Legislature will convene on Tuesday, January 14 to kick off the 2014 session. Here's a sneak preview of some of the legislation that the HBAA has already been working on to be introduced this session:

HOUSING INITIATIVE 2.0

• A reboot of the Home Buyers Initiative, this bill is streamlined with more flexibility.
• Allows the Alabama Housing Finance Authority to establish a new program to promote home ownership
• Reallocates Mortgage Guaranty Funds for use in a modified new home owner program
• No programmatic details in legislation, allowing for a more adaptive program
• Free to change program to adapt to changing housing market

LOT TAKE-DOWN LEGISLATION

• Permits developers to "pre-sale" lots
• "Pre-sale" contracts required for financing land development
• Fixes contract enforcement issues caused by Kilgore case ruling

HVAC LEGISLATION

• Directs unused funds to the Alabama Home Builders Foundation for HVAC industry-specific trade education support
• Establishes registration for DET contractors as an affordable alternative to HERS and BPI raters
• Creates filter replacement/duct cleaning category

PLUMBERS LEGISLATION

• Directs unused funds to the Alabama Home Builders Foundation for plumbing industry-specific trade education support
• Establishes a statewide bond which eliminates the need for a separate bond in every local area
• Affirms the Board's right to issue consent agreements
• Creates alternative disciplinary actions rather than relying solely on license revocation

LANDLORD-TENANT

• Increases deposit return timeline from 35 days to 60 days
• Shortens eviction time
• Additional changes being developed by Alabama Realtors Association

The HBAA will also be monitoring between 500 and 600 bills throughout the session that could potentially affect the homebuilding and business communities, and will actively oppose those that have negative affects for the industry. The Legislative Alert, sent weekly during the Legislative Session, will provide updates on the HBAA's legislative progress and keep you informed as to any legislation that may affect your business.

With 2014 being an election year, this session is expected to be short. As sitting candidates are prohibited from fundraising while in session, they will most likely want to get through the session as quickly as possible in order to get back out on the campaign trail.

You'll have the opportunity to talk face to face with legislators from your area at the HBAA's annual Legislative Reception on Wednesday, February 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Convention Center. The reception is held in conjunction with the 2014 HBAA Winter Meeting and Alabama's Better Living Expo (ABLE). All members are encouraged to attend. (Visit www.HBAA.org for more information.)