Pandemic Prompts Legislation On Liability, Broadband, Taxes |
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As the Alabama Legislature convenes for the 2021 Regular Session Tuesday, lawmakers will consider legislation prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A top priority will be protection for businesses, healthcare providers and others against unwarranted lawsuits associated with coronavirus. Although Gov. Kay Ivey’s emergency “Safe Harbor” order provides civil immunity related to COVID-19, legislators will seek to codify those protections.
The Legislature also will consider legislation to reinforce Gov. Ivey’s executive order excluding assistance provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) from state income tax. Congress previously excluded CARES Act benefits from federal income taxes.
The COVID-19 pandemic also further highlighted the need for broadband access in rural Alabama. The Alabama Farmers Federation will support additional legislative efforts this session to expand high-speed internet into rural areas of the state.
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Economic Development Laws Up For Renewal |
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A priority for the Legislature this session will be renewal of the Growing Alabama Credit and Alabama Jobs Act.
These credits allow local economic development organizations to leverage state funds to attract businesses to the state. Both were expected to be renewed in the 2020 legislative session, which was cut short due to COVID-19.
State officials have pledged to renew the credits this session.
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Gambling, Medical Marijuana Back On The Table |
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Gambling and medical marijuana are once again expected to be hot debate topics when lawmakers meet.
An 876-page report issued in December by Gov. Kay Ivey’s study group on gambling policy examined the costs and potential revenue of legalized gambling. While the possibility of $500-$700 million in revenue garnered headlines, the report also acknowledged immense social costs including crime, unemployment, bankruptcy, illness, suicide, domestic violence, child abuse, theft, undue political influence and increased dependence on social services.
Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, also will reintroduce legislation to legalize the production, distribution and use of medical marijuana. Last session, the Senate approved the “Compassion Act,” which would allow qualifying patients to purchase certain medical marijuana products from state-licensed dispensaries. Cannabis intended for smoking or vaping would be prohibited under the previous proposal. Although the measure passed the Senate with a 22-11 vote, there are still considerable challenges in the House of Representatives.
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Federation Champions Legislation For Truck Tags, Grain Bins |
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Alabama Farmers Federation will work to expand the weight limit for forest product license plates to match provisions of surrounding states. Currently, trucks hauling forest products weighing over 42,000 are required to purchase a commercial registration.
The organization also will work to lift the limit on the number of F-4 farm tags a producer may purchase and clarify that grain bins should be exempt from ad valorem tax under existing state exemptions.
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General Fund, Education Budgets Appear Stable For FY 2021-22 |
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Lawmakers met this week in Montgomery for budget hearings where state agencies submit funding requests for the coming fiscal year. Despite negative economic impacts from COVID-19, state revenues are forecast to be strong thanks to federal relief and conservative management in recent years, including the establishment of rainy day and rolling reserve accounts.
Alabama Farmers Federation priorities include retaining funding in the Education Trust Fund and General Fund budgets for agricultural education, career and technical education, the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) program, Sweet Grown Alabama agricultural brand, rural broadband, conservation programs and matching funds for on-farm irrigation. The Federation also will work to secure funding for the Alabama Rural Economic Center, a 500-acre, multi-use complex under way in Chilton County.
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Your Voice Is More Important Than Ever
With COVID-19 precautions limiting access to the State House for the public and Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs team, it's vital members develop and maintain strong relationships with legislators in the district. Contact the External Affairs team (below) if you have questions or need assistance contacting your senator or representative.
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Capitol Connection | Alabama Farmers Federation | (334) 288-3900 | Alfafarmers.org
Questions?
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