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ISSUE NO. 9/ May 8, 2015
Despite Fiery Debates and Filibusters, HBAA Enjoys Victory

Both chambers of the Alabama Legislature were marked by fiery debate and filibustering over several controversial bills this week. With the end of session growing closer, such slowdowns and shutdowns of the legislative process can prove devastating to those legislative measures yet to be considered.

 

On Tuesday, the House adopted a one-bill special order calendar that preceded its already proposed special order, of which the HBAA-backed HOA legislation was number one. The one-bill calendar revolved around the Birmingham-Jefferson County Waterworks Board legislation that shifted some representation to other counties served by the board. This controversial bill led to a multi-hour stall that ultimately culminated in a cloture motion* to end debate. 

 

On Thursday, the House took up prison reform, which resulted in a day-long debate led by Rep. John Rogers (D-Birmingham). Still upset with passage of the waterworks bill, Rogers threatened to have every amendment to the prison reform bill read aloud. Though he didn't follow through on those threats, he did follow through on one. House rules state that if any member requests a bill be read at length, he or she must remain at the podium as the bill is read. Perched on a small wooden stool provided by Speaker Hubbard, Rep. Rogers sat for hours as the 146 page prison reform bill was read word by word.   

 

Even the Senate faced heated debate that turned to filibuster. Alleged interference of the Business Council of Alabama with two bills in the Senate led to an agreement being violated between Senators. This led

Senator Paul Bussman (R-Cullman) to take to the microphone and declare that he was done with outside interference and political dishonesty. His debate on Thursday is expected to continue through Tuesday and potentially next Thursday.    

 

Despite debates that have stalled both chambers, the HBAA made significant headway with its legislative agenda, with one bill making it to the Governor. Here is the latest:

HVAC Bill Delivered to Governor 

On Tuesday, the Senate passed the HBAA-backed HVAC legislation. Sponsored by Rep. Jack Williams (R-Birmingham), HB 231 now awaits the Governor's signature before it can become law.

 

Senator Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) and Rep. Williams have spent a great deal of time helping to position the bill for passage. The HBAA is extremely proud of the work both of these gentlemen have done on behalf of the home building industry.   

Home Owners Association Legislation Passes House 

House Bill 241, sponsored by Rep. Mac McCutcheon (R-Huntsville), passed the Alabama House of Representatives on Tuesday on a vote of 102-0. The bill now moves to the Senate where its companion bill, Senate Bill 418 sponsored by Senator Cam Ward (R-Alabaster), received a favorable report from the Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development committee on Wednesday.

 

Representative McCutcheon has worked diligently with the HBAA, Realtors, and Bankers to craft a bill that is agreeable to all and addresses the concerns expressed by HOA advocates. The HBAA wishes to express its appreciation for his hard work and patience as this process has moved forward. The HBAA would also like to thank HBAA Past President Todd Slyman who devoted a significant amount of his own time to working with Rep. McCutcheon as an advisor on developer concerns.

 

The HBAA will work closely with the Senate leadership to get the bill assigned to the appropriate committee and positioned for consideration.

Senate Passes HBAA-Backed Plumber Legislation  

The Senate passed the HBAA-backed plumbers legislation on Tuesday.   The bill, now in the House, will go before the House Boards and Commissions committee where its Chairman, Rep. Howard Sanderford (R-Huntsville) has placed it on next Wednesday's calendar. The HBAA would like to thank Senator Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) for all his hard work on moving the bill through the Senate. Senator Allen is a long term supporter of the housing industry and of the HBAA.

*What Is a Cloture Motion?  

A cloture motion is a call to move the previous question, which must be delivered in writing and requires a 3/5 majority of the members present and voting. The effect of the motion is to end debate on the amendment, substitute, or main motion before the House. If approved, the bill's sponsor has a cumulative 10 minutes to end their discussion at which time the question is called (vote taken).

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