Alabama Farm Center Legislation Passes House Commitee

Hallmark Farms in Jefferson County is the proposed site for the Alabama Farm Center. Pictured is the eye-catching red and white barn located on the property off of I-65. Photo by Marlee Jackson.

The Alabama House of Representatives addressed Senate-passed Farm Center legislation and a companion bill this week.

SB 219 by Sen. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville, would give the state Farm Center the same power and abilities already granted to county ag authorities under current law. The bill creates the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation to operate the Farm Center. SB 219 was reported favorably out of the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee Wednesday. 

A companion bill, HB 417 by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, (pictured) was carried over by the House Tuesday. 

During floor discussion regarding HB 417, Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, spoke in favor of the Farm Center. 

“I’ve been to the site and have seen what they’re planning to put there.” Moore said. “I believe it will be an asset to the state.”

Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said SB 219 was well received by the House committee.

“Seeing the support for the Farm Center in the House Economic and Development Tourism Committee reaffirms the need to have a statewide location to promote agriculture programs and education,” Hardin said. “We appreciate the committee for their positive engagement with the legislation, and especially Rep. Crawford who is carrying the bill in the House.” 

Hardin also thanked Committee Chair Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, for making SB 219 a priority. 

Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, moved to adopt a committee substitute that would change the appointment process for Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation board members with a second from Rep. Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham.

During committee discussion, Rep. Treadaway said this project is a real shot in the arm for Alabama, while Rep. Hollis expressed appreciation for addressing concerns from House Democrats. 

A motion to approve the bill was offered by Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, with a second from Rep. Chad Robertson, R-Heflin. SB 219 was approved unanimously.

Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate offered his support for the legislation following its favorable committee report. 

“One of the best investments we can make is in the lives of young people who are the future leaders of this state. The Alabama Farm Center would provide a venue for youth livestock exhibits and many other character-building programs offered by 4-H and FFA,” said Pate. “A new agricultural event center would not only provide a venue for a variety of agricultural events but could also serve as a livestock shelter during extreme weather events. With state-of-the-art facilities, the economic development impact would be immeasurable, allowing Alabama to recruit and host agricultural events bringing in people from across the country.”

SB 219 was selected for the proposed House Special Order Calendar for Tuesday by House Rules Committee member Shane Stringer, R-Citronelle.

Legislature Awaits Word from Gambling Conference Committee

A conference committee convened to address Senate- and House-passed gambling legislation did not hold a public meeting this week, leaving the legislation in a state of uncertainty. 

HB 151 and 152 by Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Phenix City, would expand gambling in Alabama by providing for a state-run lottery, the establishment of a gaming enforcement division and amnesty for existing gambling establishments operating under local constitutional amendments. The Senate version of the bill, which passed March 7, would still authorize all forms of gambling, subject to a compact with the PCI, including at sites beyond the current tribal locations. House versions, which passed Feb. 15, included sports betting and up to 10 Las Vegas-style casinos. HB 151, a constitutional amendment, would require a three-fifths vote by both chambers to appear on a ballot.

Alabama Farmers Federation policy opposes all forms of gambling.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall recently expressed concerns with both versions of the legislation on Talk 99.5. 

“I would’ve voted against both [House and Senate versions of the bill],” Marshall said. “I think the fact that you can raise penalties for misdemeanors to felonies is long since overdue. That’s one of the reasons why you’ve seen individuals take steps to open illegal operations because they don’t feel like there are consequences. Do I believe that we need a statewide Gambling Commission and a separate branch of law enforcement to do it? No.”

While compromise on gambling seemed unlikely earlier in the session, lawmakers this week indicated momentum toward a conference report as early as next week.

The Federation’s Brian Hardin encouraged members to reach out to their legislators and ask them to vote ‘no’ on any gambling legislation. 

“The fate of gambling this legislative session will likely come down to a handful of Senate and House members during the final days of the session. It’s vital lawmakers who recognize the dangers of gambling remain steadfast as pressure mounts,” Hardin said.

More information about the Senate- and House-passed versions of the bill can be found in the documents below compiled by Alabama Policy Institute. 

Livestock Fencing Tax Exemption Passes House, Goes to Governor 

Legislation to exempt agricultural livestock fencing materials from state sales tax received final passage from the Alabama House of Representatives Tuesday. 

SB 73 by Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, (pictured) would exempt the sale of fencing materials used in agricultural livestock operations from state sales tax. The legislation exempts up to $25,000 in materials per year and would end in 2029, if not reauthorized.

SB 73 passed the House 98-1 with four not voting. The bill has been sent to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature. 

A companion bill, HB 124, was carried by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, in the House. 

SB 73 was championed by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and supported by the Alabama Farmers Federation. 

Groundwork Laid for Alfa Health Plan Legislation

Photo by: Brian Lyman, Alabama Reflector

The Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs team continue the push for Alfa Health Plans with time running out in the current legislative session. 

“We’re still working to provide our members with an affordable healthcare option despite having few days left to pass the legislation,” said Federation External Affairs Director Brian Hardin. “We’re laying the foundation and educating legislators as well as our members to potentially pass the legislation next year.”

SB 232 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would allow the Federation to provide Alfa Health Plans as a member benefit. More information about the plans can be found at the Closing the Gap Fact Sheet and The Land Show links below. 

“Sen. Orr has worked tirelessly to make Alfa Health Plans a reality because he recognizes the increasing and unsustainable healthcare costs and wants to provide relief to our farmers, small business owners and other members,” Hardin said. “We’re grateful for Sen. Orr’s dedication and look forward to working closely with him and other legislators over the next year to make this a viable option for our members.”

Federation members are encouraged to learn more about Alfa Health Plans and share with their legislators about the need for affordable health care options.

Bills in Brief

K-12 Education Funding: SJR 61 by Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Chair Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would prompt the Alabama Legislature to conduct a study on funding sources for K-12 grade schools in the state. The Foundation Program allocates funds to school districts based on anticipated resource costs, such as salaries and classroom support, but it offers limited additional funding for students with disabilities or other specific needs. The resolution highlights the complexity of the program, its lack of flexibility to adapt to changing student and district needs, and the absence of a clear connection between state funding priorities and local spending outcomes. The resolution proposes that the Alabama Legislature conduct a study to explore the transition to a modern, weighted, student-based funding model, which is used by the majority of states. A companion resolution, HJR 215, was introduced in the House by Ways and Means Education Committee Chair Danny Garrett, R-Trussville. Hear more on this issue from Rep. Garrett at the link below. 

Highway Truck Weights: SB 266 by Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, would amend Alabama code regulating weight restrictions for vehicles on state highways. The bill would clarify language throughout the current law, specifically by stating a 10% tolerance weight applies not only to portable scales, but all. SB 266 preserves an exemption for vehicles used for agricultural purposes. The bill passed the House unanimously Thursday and will go back to the Senate for concurrence before going to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature. The Federation supports this legislation.

Lab-Grown Meat Prohibition: SB 23 by Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, would prohibit the manufacture and sale of cultivated or cultured meat products. SB 23 passed the House Thursday on a vote on 85-14 and will be sent back to the Senate for concurrence before going to Gov. Ivey. The bill defines a cultivated meat product as one that is produced from cultured animal cells. “Lab-grown meat” or “cultured meat” is a developing product which is still being heavily researched. The process involves taking live cells from animals and then culturing those cells in a controlled environment to produce a food product. Federation policy opposes the labeling of any of these products as meat.

Alabama Fire College Commission: SB 88 by Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, would increase the members of the Alabama Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission from seven to nine. The bill would add one paid and one volunteer firefighter to the commission. The appointments would be made by the presiding officer of the Senate and would be approved by the full Senate. SB 88 was reported out of the House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Wednesday. 

Bovine Liability Act: SB 164 by Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, would provide limitations of liability for certain actions taken by bovines and their owners. The bill was reported out of the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday.

Carbon Sequestration: SB 230 by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, officially recognizes an ownership interest in "pore space," defined as small pockets of space located deep in the ground. The bill attaches that ownership interest to the surface owner of the property. This legislation creates the right for the surface owner to sell that pore space and creates a new economic use of land (pore space) that was otherwise being unused. The bill also allows for carbon dioxide storage in underground pore space. The legislation provides for forced pooling of storage sites so long as at least 66% of the owners agree to have CO2 stored under their property. After 10 years and a set of inspections, title to the CO2 under the land would transfer to the State of Alabama. SB 230 was re-referred to the House State Government Committee Thursday. A companion bill, HB 327, awaits action in the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. 

The Legislature will reconvene on Tuesday, April 30, for day 26 of a possible 30 days. 

The House will convene at 1 p.m. and Senate will convene at 4 p.m.

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