HBAA Legislative Alert May 15, 2015

HBAA
Legislative Alert

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ISSUE NO. 10/ May 15, 2015

House Postpones Consideration
of Revenue Bills

The Alabama House of Representatives held off consideration of a number of revenue generating bills this week so that the leadership could continue work on the legislation. Among the bills is SB 76 which the HBAA, working in conjunction with the Governor's office, was able to get amended to specifically exempt several housing related boards and agencies. As you may recall, SB 76 is designed to transfer all real property and leases to the finance department in an effort to consolidate the management of state facilities. The exemption from the bill that the HBAA was able to negotiate includes the Home Builders Licensure Board, Alabama Housing Finance Authority, General Contractors Licensure Board, Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board, and the Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors Board. The House is expected to begin work on the budgets next week along with the revenue bills.

As both chambers continue to grapple with how best to handle the projected General Fund Budget shortfall, more and more creative revenue enhancement bills surface. The House plan is to raise roughly $150 million in new revenue, far short of the projected $280 million shortfall for 2016. Regardless of what the Senate solution may look like, all general revenue bills are required by the Alabama Constitution to start in the House of Representatives. With only eight legislative days remaining, the task for the legislature is daunting.

Rumors of special sessions are quickly beginning to look unavoidable. With tax increases, fee increases, cuts to state services, and expansion of gaming on the table, the summer of '15 looks to be long and heated.

HOA Legislation One Step Away From Passage

Having received a favorable report from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, the HBAA-backed HOA legislation is now one step from final passage. Senator Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) moved for unanimous consent to have HB 241 brought before the committee on Wednesday. This was required due to the fact that the bill had not been officially added to the agenda prior to the meeting. By doing so, the committee members have given the bill a better chance to get on the Senate calendar at some point during the remaining eight days of session.

The HBAA would like to thank Senator Ward for his efforts to keep the momentum going on this legislation. As the Senate sponsor of the bill's companion legislation, he has been a strong advocate. The HBAA would also like to thank Senator Roger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) for his seconding the motion to give the bill a favorable report. Senator Smitherman has been a long-time friend of the housing industry and understands firsthand the important role this bill will play in the development of future communities in Alabama.

The HBAA will continue to work closely with Senator Ward and

Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh to get the bill assigned to the Senate calendar at the earliest opportunity.

Senate Version of Plumbers Legislation Receives Favorable Report from
House Committee

Continuing its progress, SB 307 received a favorable report on Wednesday from the House Boards and Commissions committee. The bill, sponsored by Senator Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa), is now positioned for consideration by the full House. Rep. Jack Williams (R-Birmingham), sponsor of the House companion bill, handled the bill in the House committee and will do so on the floor as well.

The HBAA is grateful for all the hard work Senator Allen and Rep. Williams have put into getting the plumbers legislation in a position to pass this year. Both have done an exemplary job in navigating the perils of the legislative process and have avoided the bill being caught up in unrelated legislative debate.

HVAC Legislation Becomes Law

Governor Robert Bentley signed into law HBAA-backed HVAC legislation on Thursday. Officially cited as Act# 2015-169, the law goes into effect August 1, 2015. The HBAA will work closely with the staff of the Alabama Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors Board to implement the changes over the next few months.

The HBAA would like to thank Governor Bentley for signing this important legislation that updates the HVAC law in Alabama. Special thanks goes out to Rep. Jack Williams and Senator Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) for sponsoring the legislation and shepherding the bill through the legislature.

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