SB 193, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, an NFIB member from Decatur, unanimously passed the Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee.
SB 193 would make significant changes to the current unemployment law. The bill will reduce the maximum number of weeks that unemployment compensation benefits are payable from 26 weeks to the lessor of 14 weeks, or a maximum of 20 weeks, depending upon the average unemployment rate for any benefit year after January 1, 2020.
If passed, the bill would increase the maximum weekly benefit from $265 to $275. The bill includes a 5-week extension for anyone who is enrolled in a state-approved training program. The Legislative Services Agency estimated the bill would lower unemployment taxes annually by $45 million for Alabama business owners.
Delivery license bill on House Calendar for Tuesday
HB 329 by Rep. Paul Lee (Dothan) would amend the current law to state that a business delivery license is per business not per vehicle. The business delivery license reform bill was passed in 2017.
Changes to the law had been long sought by NFIB members. The original changes to the business delivery license included exempting businesses from the purchase of a delivery license if its deliveries did not exceed $10,000 annually and the business had no other physical presence in the municipality or police jurisdiction. The business delivery license is capped at $100 annually and the issuance fee is $10.
Economic Development exemption awaiting final passage
HB 289 by Rep. Alan Baker (Brewton) unanimously passed the Senate FRED Committee this week and is ready for final passage. The bill would exempt individuals involved in economic development from registering as a lobbyist. Many NFIB members serve on a local Planning Commission, Water Board, Economic Development or other committees to promote economic development and expansions in their communities. This legislation provides safe harbor for their activities and confidentiality for prospects.
