February 5, 2021 | Regular Session
Reed, McCutcheon Discuss First Week Of Regular Session
Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, R-Jasper, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, discuss the first week of the 2021 Alabama Legislature Regular Session with Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs Department Director Matthew Durdin.
Senate Passes Covid-19 Liability Immunity Bill
Businesses, health care providers, educational institutions, churches and others would gain protection from lawsuits related to coronavirus exposure under a bill approved Thursday by the Senate.

SB 30 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, passed by a 25-1 vote. Known as the "Covid-19 Safe Harbor" bill, the measure provides civil immunity from certain damages claimed by individuals who allege they contracted or were exposed to coronavirus during a declared state of emergency. It also provides protections for health care providers from lawsuits related to treatment impacted by the pandemic.
House Approves Bill To Exempt Coronavirus Relief From Tax
The House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation Thursday exempting coronavirus relief from state income taxes.

HB 170 by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, would exclude from taxes payments received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act as well as tax credits, loan forgiveness, advances, subsidy payments and other forms of relief.
House Votes To Renew Economic Development Programs
The House of Representatives voted Thursday to renew the Alabama Jobs Act and Growing Alabama.

HB 192 by Rep. Bill Poole, R-Tuscaloosa, extends the popular economic development tools to 2023. The legislation, which was approved by a 94-1 vote, was updated to add more incentives and credits for rural Alabama. It allocates $20 million per year for targeted and jumpstart counties. Targeted counties are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less. Jumpstart counties are those experiencing negative population growth over the last five years, which contain no more than two opportunity zones as of June 1, 2019.

The bill also adds new tax credit opportunities for certain minority- and female-owned businesses as well as manufacturers and researchers in the medical and pharmaceutical fields.

The Alabama Jobs Act and Growing Alabama expired last year. Renewing the laws, which are vital to industrial recruitment, is a priority for Gov. Kay Ivey and legislative leadership.
Alabama Farmers Federation invites
Alabama’s elected officials
to a BBQ reception

Wednesday, February 10, 2021
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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.

Capitol Connection | Alabama Farmers Federation | (334) 288-3900 | Alfafarmers.org

Questions?
 Matthew Durdin - Director, External Affairs Department
 Preston Roberts - Director, Agricultural Legislation
Casey Rogers, Director, State Legislative Programs
John Allen Nichols, Agriculture Counsel
Beth Chapman, Beth Chapman and Associates, LLC