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The Alabama Legislature completed the fifth week of the 2016 Legislative Session on Thursday. Unlike last week's lightning pace, the Legislature showed some signs of slowing this week.
The Senate bogged down early in the week on Senator Gerald Allen's (R-Tuscaloosa) monument legislation which restricts local governments' ability to relocate or remove monuments in their jurisdiction. Unable to move the bill on Tuesday, the Senate adjourned and took up the measure on Thursday. Within minutes of bringing the bill back to the floor, Senate Republicans brought forward a cloture petition effectively ending the debate on the bill. Cloture petitions, although useful in ending filibusters, come at a price. The opposition tends to get somewhat less willing to compromise, leading to a slowing down of the process.
The House moved one step closer to passing the Education Budget this week when the House Ways and Means Education committee held a public hearing. With over $300 million more than last year's revenues, the House committee approved a 4% pay raise for education employees earning $75,000 or less and a 2% raise for those making in excess of $75,000. The budget is expected to be considered by the full House on Tuesday. The House Committee on Ways and Means General Fund will hold a public hearing on the General Fund Budget that passed the Senate a few weeks ago. In sharp contrast to the Education Budget that is flush with revenue, the General Fund is once again in negative territory leading the Senate to pass a lean budget with level funding.
Here is a quick look at other bills that the HBAA is monitoring:
Gas Tax Legislation
Senator Gerald Dial's (R-Lineville) legislation to allocate a new gas tax was approved by a vote of 25-4 in the Senate on Thursday. The bill is a precursor to an expected effort to increase the state's gas tax for the first time since 1992. Legislation proposing the tax itself is expected to be introduced by Representative Mac McCutcheon (R-Huntsville) in the coming weeks.
Small Business Jobs Act
The Senate Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development reported HB36, the Small Business Jobs Act sponsored by Representative Kyle South (R-Fayette), on Tuesday. The bill would provide a $1,500 tax credit for businesses with fewer than 75 employees that hire a new worker at a salary of at least $40,000. The bill is part of the House Republican Caucus' "Right for Alabama" agenda.
Apprenticeships Tax Credit
The House Committee on Ways and Means Education approved the apprenticeship tax credit bill, sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), on Wednesday. The bill, SB90, would provide a $1,000 tax credit to employers for each apprentice hired. The legislation is now one step from final approval and can be taken up by the House at any time.
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