Volume 32, No. 1
Feb. 13, 2024
Legislative Update - Week 1
Legislative Session Preview
Last Tuesday, the Alabama Legislature officially kicked off the 2024 Regular Session. By law, the length of a session is limited to 30 legislative days within a period of 105 calendar days. After just one week, nearly 250 have already been introduced and this is shaping up to be one of the busiest legislative sessions in history. Gambling will dominate discussions in these first few weeks, as leaders are hoping to give Alabamians the opportunity to vote on creating a lottery and allowing casinos in the November election. But issues relating to school choice, election integrity, and workforce development will also be hotly debated.
Alabama AGC Advocacy Priorities
One of the prime functions of Alabama AGC is to act as a voice of the construction industry at the state legislature. Over the course of this session, we will keep our members informed of relevant legislation and seek feedback on how it might impact your business. With your input and engagement, Alabama AGC is able to effectively advocate for the construction industry in Montgomery. Below are a few things we are working on this year.

First, the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors must be "reauthorized" via legislation. All state boards are required to go through this process every few years. In addition to advocating for a three-year extension, we are also looking at increasing the threshold amount needed for licensure from $50k to $100k (to mirror Title 39) and adding an exemption from licensure for staffing agencies/labor brokers.

Second, there are ongoing discussions about amending Title 39 to allow for alternative project delivery on certain public works projects. This initiative is being led by owners and public entities and there is not a consensus among these groups as to what will be authorized or what projects will be impacted. They are seeking input from the construction industry, including AGC, as they consider its use. While your AGC Board of Directors supports the use of alternative project delivery for certain public works projects, this legislation must ensure that the process is fair and transparent for all parties. We recognize this will affect many of our members and we encourage your feedback on this issue.

Finally, we have been hearing about issues with the Dept. of Revenue’s sales tax exemption process for both general and subcontractors. If you recall, we passed a bill last year expanding this process to projects for nonprofits. However, the current issues stem from ambiguities about the types of materials which are exempt and the application process to obtain a certificate. We are discussing this issue with other organizations and the Dept. of Revenue to determine the best path forward for reform.
Poll Shows Support for Gambling, School Choice Proposals
A new Alabama Daily News poll shows significant support among Republican voters for proposed gambling and school choice initiatives as the 2024 legislative session gets underway. Asked if they would support a proposal to institute a state lottery, expand casino gambling and legalize sports betting, 71% of Republican voters said they’d either strongly or somewhat support it. On the issue of school choice, 59.2% of Republican voters said they’d either strongly or somewhat support it. The poll also showed significant support for many of the state’s Republican leaders. Gov. Kay Ivey continues to enjoy impressive numbers with a total favorable rating of 75.6%, up from 70.1% in May of 2022. See the full polling breakdown (with questions on Alabama and Auburn football) on ADN.
Lt. Gov. Ainsworth Announces Workforce Development Plan
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth recently announced a new workforce development plan that he argued would transform the way Alabamians are recruited and trained to join the workforce. The plan includes the consolidation of unaligned and duplicative workforce development agencies, expanding business tax credits for those who reduce barriers to employment and the creation of a new cabinet-level position to oversee all things related to workforce development. The plan was the result of years’ worth of research by the Lt. Gov.’s Commission on 21st Century Workforce. Read the full report here.
Gov. Ivey Announces 26 New Rebuild Alabama Projects
Twenty-six road and bridge projects around the state will be financed with more than $40 million from a fund created with the 2019 gas tax increase. “Through the continued, steadfast implementation of the Rebuild Alabama Act, I’m proud to announce the allocation of over $40 million in state transportation funding,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in a written statement Wednesday announcing the projects. “This is a substantial investment that underscores our dedication to enhancing roads and bridges statewide.” The projects were selected by the ATRIP-II Committee created by the Rebuild Alabama Act. Projects are required to move forward within two years of the awarding of funds. View a complete list of all the projects at Alabama Daily News.
USDOL Proposes to Take Control of Apprenticeship Programs
The U.S. Dept. of Labor recently issued 779 pages of proposed rules for apprenticeship and training programs. The ultimate goal is to take back significant control from state organizations like the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AOA). By increasing federal involvement, it will reduce state flexibility and create substantial new burdens for employer participation. Because the USDOL is making these changes via rulemaking, the only way to counter them is by providing comments in the federal register. Josh Laney, the Director of AOA, hosted a webinar with AGC and other organizations to highlight some of the most concerning aspects of the proposed rules and the steps for submitting comments. If your business uses apprenticeship or training programs, please take time to watch the webinar and provide comments.
Political Snippets from Alabama & DC
Check out the stories that we have been following this week:
  • Political Snippets from Around the Country (AGC of America)
  • Lawmakers reveal more details on gambling proposal (ADN)
  • State of the State: Ivey puts support behind gambling, ballot bills (ADN)
  • Ivey recommending spending increases; no sales tax decrease on groceries (ADN)
  • Fish consumption advisory bill re-filed in Legislature (ADN)
  • Rep. John Rogers indicted on money laundering, wire fraud charges (ADN)
  • Rep. Simpson on new ethics bill: We want you to know where the line is (ADN)
  • Brewbaker, Dobson loans launch campaigns in AL-2; Carl leads in AL-1 (ADN)
  • In the Weeds Podcast: Hangin’ with ACAE (ADN)
  • The Alabama Legislature is returning. Here’s what to expect. (AL Reflector)
  • Alabama House gambling bills include lottery, casinos, sports betting (AL Reflector)
  • Gov. Ivey pushes for school voucher-like program (AL Reflector)
  • Alabama budget officials urge caution (AL Reflector)
  • Alabama Senate passes bill that could expand dam inspections (AL Reflector)
  • Ivey calls on Legislature to approve Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences (APR)
  • Ivey awards $188 million for “Middle Mile” broadband projects (APR)
  • House GOP Caucus releases platform for 2024 session (APR)
  • Alabama Democrats unveil 2024 legislative agenda (APR)
  • Barry Moore’s campaign finances under scrutiny for unusual expenditures (APR)
  • The latest gambling bill: a breakdown (APR)
  • Players To Watch In the Alabama House (MGM Independent)
  • Finding money for second new prison ‘not going to be easy’ (1819)
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Legislative Events:
  • House - Tuesday @ 1:00PM
  • Senate - Tuesday @ 1:00PM
Election Events:
  • Primary Election - March 5th

Alabama AGC
Voice of the
Construction Industry