Expectations are that HB 102 by Rep. Mike Hill will be on the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee calendar next week. Also known as the Housing Initiative, HB 102 is at the top of the HBAA's 2014 Legislative Agenda. The committee approved the bill's companion, SB 195 by Senator Cam Ward, on January 22. If approved by the Committee, the HBAA will move quickly to get the bill on the Senate Special Order Calendar in the coming weeks.

HB 46/SB 227 "Pre-Sale Agreements"

Sponsor: Rep. Chris England/Senator Gerald Allen

Description: This bill is designed to clarify that pre-sale agreements for the purchase of lots in subdivisions are enforceable.

Status: A negotiated substitute for HB 46 received a favorable report this week from the House County and Municipal Government Committee.

HB 143/SB 150 "Plumbers Law Revisions"

Sponsors: Rep. Jack Williams/Senator Gerald Allen

Description: Identical to the legislation introduced in the 2013 legislative session, this legislation makes several changes to the plumbers law including creating alternative disciplinary action for violations and allowing the transfer of surplus agency funds to be used by the Alabama Home Builders Foundation to support plumbing programs at trade schools and apprentice training programs in Alabama.

Status: SB 150 was given a favorable report by the Senate Business and Labor Committee on Wednesday. The HBAA offered an amendment to the bill to clarify that funds received by the Foundation would be expressly limited to State and Federally-approved programs. The HBAA will work with Senator Jabo Waggoner to have the bill added to an upcoming Special Order Calendar at the earliest opportunity.

HB 99/SB 207 "Prohibition of Business License Tax on Individual Apartments"

Sponsors: Rep. Jim Patterson/Senator Vivian Figures

Description: This legislation is similar to the legislation supported by the HBAA last session that would have restricted a municipality from charging an individual business license on each apartment in an apartment complex. The main difference in the 2014 version of the bill is that it is not a constitutional amendment, unlike the 2013 version.

Status: SB 207 was given a favorable report by the House Commerce and Small Business Committee this week. The bill is expected to come before the full House as early as Tuesday. The HBAA will continue to work with the Alabama Realtors to move this important legislation.

Register today to attend what is widely regarded as Montgomery's biggest and best reception of the Legislative Season. The HBAA Legislative Reception will be held on February 19 at 5:30 pm at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in conjunction with the Alabama's Better Living Expo and the HBAA's Winter Meeting. Register at www.ableexpoal.com or call 800-745-4222.