Legislation that had been scheduled for consideration in the second week of the 2020 regular session got moved to the third week after the House canceled all its Feb. 13 committee meetings so lawmakers could attend the funeral of a…
Legislation has been introduced to raise the minimum amount of theft that would result in a felony charge in Alabama from $500 to $1,500. That 200% increase would allow shoplifters to steal three times more before they face any punishment…
As of Jan. 1, 2020, Alabama employers will save an estimated $42.3 million annually under a law that reduces the duration of Alabama’s unemployment payouts while increasing benefits. Under Act No. 2019 – 204 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, and…
The Alabama Small Business Commission is conducting listening sessions throughout the state. The commission, which includes the Alabama Retail Association’s outgoing chairman, Jacob Shevin, was created in 2014 to formulate policy that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, while addressing issues critical…
In the first year of their term, Alabama lawmakers elected in 2018 tackled hot-button issues in long work weeks and late-night debates. The Alabama Legislature packed much into its three-month 2019 regular session. The Legislature approved changes in unemployment compensation…
The Clarke-Figures Equal Pay Act takes effect Sept. 1, making Alabama the 49th state with a pay equity law. Mississippi is now the only state without a state pay equity law. The federal Equal Pay Act, which covers pay equity…
In the 2019 regular legislative session, Mountain Brook and Hoover (only portion within Jefferson County) got the go ahead to move up the time restaurants and bars there can offer alcoholic beverages on Sundays to 10 a.m. SUNDAY SALES Seven local…
Act No 2019-492 by Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, will allow bars to make up to 5-gallon batches of infused liquor for on-premises consumption, beginning Sept. 1, 2019. An infusion occurs when a single liquor is combined with fruits, spices, herbs,…
As of Sept. 1, there will be a criminal penalty for those in Alabama who misrepresent a pet as a service animal or an animal-in-training in public spaces or housing accommodations. Gov. Kay Ivey signed the law June 7, aligning…
Bills aimed at lowering drug costs for Alabama consumers, improving the relationship and communication between doctors and pharmacists and other pharmacy issues became law in the 2019 regular session. COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS Licensed Alabama pharmacists and physicians can enter into…