Capitol Connection
June 5, 2015

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IN THIS ISSUE
General Fund Veto Sets Stage for Special Session
Federation Priority Bills Sent to Governor's Desk
General Fund Veto Sets Stage for Special Session

 

The final full week of the regular legislative session saw the governor sign the Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget, the Senate and House of Representatives approve a bare-bones General Fund (GF) budget and the House override the governor's veto of the GF. However, the Senate adjourned for the regular session before the House acted on the governor's veto, setting the stage for a special session this summer.

 

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the session provided an opportunity to discuss challenging issues and develop new ideas.

 

"The lack of support for tax increases shows voters expect government to live within its means," Parnell said. "Efforts to expand gambling stalled, but innovative ideas to reduce earmarking and increase government accountability gained momentum.

 

"Tough times can help us solve problems and grow stronger," Parnell added. "The special session will challenge lawmakers to think outside the box and work with stakeholders to find answers. We appreciate the legislators who brought new ideas to the table and reached out to the Federation to discuss options."

 

The Federation and other conservative groups are working together to evaluate revenue and reform proposals in preparation for the special session. Among the most promising ideas are plans to unearmark tax dollars and change the way revenues are distributed between the GF and ETF. 

 

On Thursday, the Senate voted 20-13 in favor of the $1.6 billion GF budget, which is about $200 million less than last year. The House later concurred with changes made by the Senate with a 61-39 vote. Gov. Bentley vetoed the budget as promised.

 

"We look forward to working with the Gov. Bentley, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, the budget chairs and other legislators to evaluate plans that will control spending and provide funding for state agencies without creating a financial burden for Alabama taxpayers," Parnell said.

 

Earlier in the week, Gov. Robert Bentley signed the ETF. The almost $6 billion budget is $59 million more than last year and includes an additional $700,000 for the Career Tech Initiative, supported by the Federation.  

Federation Priority Bills Sent to Governor's Desk 
 

The Alabama Legislature sent bills dealing with police jurisdictions, F4 farm tag limits and the queen honeybee to the governor's desk this week.

 

Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan thanked legislators, especially bill sponsors; Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn; and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, for their leadership and service to agriculture.

 

"Passage of these bills is proof of legislators working for their constituents," Pinyan said. "These bills will help farming and farm families, and we hope to see Gov. Bentley sign these bills into law."

 

A bill increasing the number of F4 farm tags a farmer can purchase for trucks over 42,001 pounds passed the Alabama Senate Tuesday, June 2. HB217, sponsored by Rep. Alan Boothe, R-Troy, includes a four-tag limit per person. Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Arab, sponsored the Senate companion.

 

Also passing June 2 was HB377, sponsored by Rep. Ron Johnson, R-Sylacauga. The bill calls for municipal annexations to not exceed police jurisdictions and limits changes by municipalities to once a year based on annexation and de-annaexation. The bill also requires municipalities to inform potentially affected citizens and assume responsibility for annexed roads. Sen. Paul Sanford, R-Huntsville, sponsored the Senate companion.  

 

A bill that would make the queen honeybee the state agricultural insect flew through the Senate Thursday, June 4. Rep. Jim Patterson, R-Meridianville, sponsored HB286.

 

The Country of Origin Labeling Bill, sponsored by Rep. A.J. McCampbell, D-Demopolis, was the first Federation priority bill signed into law. It tightens rules on the labeling of catfish and catfish-like foods served in restaurants in Alabama. Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, sponsored the Senate companion. Gov. Robert Bentley signed the bill Tuesday, May 5.

  

A bill that would have increased penalties for transporting feral hogs failed to reach a vote before the Senate adjourned sine die (without setting a future meeting date) Thursday, June 4.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Montgomery, would have upgraded the crime of transporting and releasing feral hogs to a Class B misdemeanor, from a Class C misdemeanor, with a $2,500 fine. A class C misdemeanor fine may not exceed $500. Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range, sponsored the Senate companion.  

 

 For questions or comments on newsletter content, email:

 Matthew Durdin - State Legislative Programs Director for the Senate

or

 David Cole - State Legislative Programs Director for the House 

 

For distribution questions or media inquiries, email:

A.J. Watson  - Ag Communications Specialist

 
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