May 3 Capitol Connection for the Alabama Farmers Federation

IN THIS ISSUE

Remaining AFF Priorities

County Connection

Bills In Brief

May 3, 2013

Remaining AFF Priorities

A number of Alabama Farmers Federation supported bills became law in the 2013 legislative session, including irrigation tax credit revisions and rural bridge and road funding. However, other Federation priorities await final votes. Only three legislative days remain for passage of bills.

Career Tech Equipment Funds, HB102, sponsored by Rep. Mac Buttram, R-Cullman, would provide $50 million through bond sales to purchase equipment for new and established career tech programs. Alabama State School Board of Education Career Tech Director Dr. Philip Cleveland said updates are needed so high school students can learn on the same tools used in technical schools and industry. The bill passed the Alabama House of Representatives in February and awaits a Senate vote. AFF members are encouraged to ask their senators to support HB102. Click here to send an email through the Federation's Legislative Action Center.

Green Building Standards, SB326, sponsored by Sen. Marc Keahey, D-Grove Hill, would prohibit construction of public buildings with certification standards that discourage using Alabama lumber. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on SB326 Tuesday. The House companion, HB457, is sponsored by Rep. Mike Jones, R-Andalusia. AFF supports. Members are encouraged to ask representatives to support SB326.

County Connection

Talladega and Clay County Farm PAC advisory trustees visited their legislative delegation Thursday at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery. From left are Sen. Jerry Fielding, R-Sylacauga; Talladega County trustee Claude Friday; Clay County trustee Larry Upchurch
and Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville.

Bills In Brief

General Fund Budget, SB143, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, is in conference committee. The committee's decision must be approved by the House and Senate.

Education Trust Fund Budget, HB166, sponsored by Rep. Jay Love, R-Montgomery, awaits a Senate vote. AFF monitoring funding for agricultural and rural programs in general fund and education trust fund budgets.

Farmers Market Authority (FMA) Consolidation, SB247, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, is on the House of Representative's Tuesday agenda. The bill would consolidate the state FMA into the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. The House companion, HB342, sponsored by Rep. Chad Fincher, R-Semmes, is assigned to the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. AFF supports.

Insurance Fraud, HB142, sponsored by Rep. Mike Hill, would clarify portions of the insurance fraud law. The bill is assigned to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. AFF supports.

Public Assistance Benefits Enforcements, SB7, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, passed the House State Government Committee Wednesday. The bill prohibits using public assistance benefits to buy alcohol, tobacco products or lottery tickets and establishes penalties for violations. AFF supports.

Nurse Practitioners and Midwives, SB229, sponsored by Sen. Greg Reed, R-Jasper, is on Tuesday's agenda in the House. The bill would increase medical services in rural areas by allowing certified registered nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives to prescribe certain medicines. The House companion, HB307, is sponsored by Rep. Ron Johnson, R-Sylacauga. AFF supports.

Weights and Measures, HB357, sponsored by Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan, passed the Senate 27-1 on Thursday. The bill would require business owners to hire independent service agents registered with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) to inspect business scales. Currently, ADAI inspectors perform the tests. Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, is sponsoring the Senate companion, SB261. AFF neutral.

Gun Rights, HB8, sponsored by Rep. Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, passed the House 76-22 on Tuesday and is assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill ensures gun rights could not be infringed by international treaty or law. SB120, the Senate companion, is sponsored by Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville. AFF supports.

Medicaid Overhaul, SB340, sponsored by Sen. Greg Reed, R-Jasper, passed the House Health Committee Tuesday. The bill would establish Regional Care Organizations (RCOs) responsible for paying providers with state and federal Medicaid funds. The House companion, HB454, sponsored by Rep. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, is not yet assigned to a Senate committee. AFF monitoring.

Windmills and Turbines, HB678, sponsored by Rep. Randy Davis, R-Daphne, would require the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to issue permits for installation and operation of windmills and turbines. The bill passed the House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee Thursday. AFF monitoring.

Members of the House Insurance and House Agriculture and Forestry committees visited the Alabama Farmers Federation Wednesday, May 1. Above, Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, left, speaks with House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Chairman Rep. Chad Fincher, R-Semmes.

The Senate reconvenes at 12 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, for the 28th day of the Legislature's 30-day regular session.
The House reconvenes at 1 p.m.

For questions or comments regarding newsletter content, e-mail:

Brian Hardin - Director of Governmental Affairs

David Cole - Director of Agricultural Legislation

For distribution questions or media inquiries, e-mail:

Mary Johnson - Director of News Services