Alabama House Republican
Caucus announced a varied legislative package including a scholarship program
for career tech students, changes to the state’s economic incentives and repeal
of about 300 obsolete, unenforceable and unneeded laws.
The House Democratic Caucus agenda includes
establishing a state minimum wage and establishing a lottery.
The Senate Republican
agenda includes consolidating state agencies and departments, reform the
corrections department, making the Proration Prevention Act part of the state’s
constitution, revamping Medicaid, designing a pay-as-you-go economic incentive
package, incentives for apprenticeships for skilled job training and specific
incentives for job creation in rural Alabama.
NFIB bills of interest
- SB 9 by Sen. Paul Sanford
(Huntsville)-State income tax deduction for Health Savings Acts (HSAs) Support - SB 46 by Sen. Clyde
Chambliss (Prattville)-alter the formula for calculating unemployment benefits Support - SB 74 by Sen. Greg
Albritton (Range) increase the small claims court limit up to $6,000 Support - SB 130 by Sen. Paul
Sanford (Huntsville)-ONE Spot to include lodging tax and a statewide uniform
filing date Support - HB 19 by Rep. Jack
Williams (Birmingham)-alter formula for calculating unemployment benefits Support - HB 40 by Rep. Chris
Pringle (Mobile)-Repeal/streamline obsolete business licenses and Al. Code
sections Support - HB 42 by Rep. Darrio
Melton (Selma)-establish a state minimum wage higher than the federal minimum
wage Oppose - HB 45 by Rep. Patricia
Todd (Birmingham)-increase the tax on cigarette Monitor - HB 57 by Rep. Elaine Beech
(Chatom)-Veterans and Rural Jobs Act incentive package Monitor - HB 70 by Rep. Phil
Williams (Huntsville)-state income tax deduction for Health Savings Act (HAS) Support
At the end of the first
week of the 2015 legislative session, 195 House and 167 Senate bills were
introduced. The legislature will meet
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week.
