HBAA Legislative Alert

The Race is On!
It can be argued that the origin of the phrase "May you live in interesting times" is rooted not in an ancient Chinese curse but in the words of Sir Austen Chamberlain and those of Robert Kennedy.  What can't be argued is that the phrase applies to Alabama now more than ever.  It seems that each week a new political headline not only piques the public interest, it shakes the bedrock of political life in the state.  This week was certainly no different.


The two-year head start for Sen. Luther Strange over potential opponents for the US Senate seat he acquired recently was signed away this week when Governor Kay Ivey announced that a special election for that position would be held later this year.  Despite calls from Washington power brokers like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Ivey moved the primary election date to August 15 with the general election set for December. 


What does this mean?  It means that the race for Senate just got more crowded and the reelection bid of Governor Ivey is in full swing.   Big names are already repositioning for a Senate run instead of an open Governor's race.  In addition to Senator Strange, numerous names have been circulated.  Among them are:
  • Rep. Ed Henry - Announced his intentions this week
  • Suspended Chief Justice Roy Moore - Expected to resign his position to announce run
  • Senator Del Marsh - Likely to announce
  • Others rumored include Congressman Gary Palmer, Congressman Robert Aderholt, Congressman Mo Brooks, State Senator Slade Blackwell, State Senator Tripp Pittman
Some of those names had been considering a run for the Governor's office.  Governor Ivey now looks well positioned for a reelection bid and will be likely buoyed by her efforts to clean up the state in the wake of the Bentley scandal. 
Regardless of who announces a run, who is deemed viable, or who mounts a serious campaign, it has to be said that we in fact live in interesting times.
Licensure Bill Receives Favorable Report
Senator Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) was successful this week in getting a favorable report for SB 268 from the Senate Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development.  The measure was amended after discussions with Senator Phil Williams (R-Gadsden).  The changes adopted by the committee:
  1. Raises the minimum threshold for builder licensing from $1,000 to $5,000
  2. Creates a roofer threshold for licensing for work over $2,500
  3. Allows the board to revoke experience and qualifications in addition to the license of any violation that requires a pay out from the recovery fund
  4. Reinforces the realtor exemption
The HBAA would like to thank Senator Williams for his efforts to negotiate the language and, in the end, improve the bill. 
House to Consider House Companion on Tuesday

The House companion bill is slated for consideration by the House on Tuesday.  Representative Steve McMillan (R-Bay Minette) will move to amend the bill on the House floor to mirror the changes made in the Senate committee.  


Despite the movement to address lingering issues and amend the measure, concerns remain for some House members such as Rep. Ed Henry (R-Hartselle).   Henry expressed concerns based on the ability of small contractors to acquire the bond that will be required by the board. Over the past week, HBAA staff met with a number of bond providers who have assured them that getting a bond is not as difficult as some would think.  Although some bond products do require credit reports, others do not. Ultimately this is an underwriting decision by the bond company, but in most cases, the fee runs around $100. 


The HBAA is hopeful it will be able to alleviate any remaining concerns before the measure goes to the floor.   Contact your Representative TODAY and ask them to support HB 341.
You have been subscribed to the HBAA Legislative Alert because you are a member of the Home Builders Association of Alabama. The Alert is published every Friday following a legislative week. If you have any questions regarding this email please contact Jason Reid at (800) 745-4222.

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