Media Releases

Retail Report: Week 11 Legislative Recap

Retail Report: Week 11 Legislative Recap

After a turbulent start to the week, lawmakers quickly regrouped and refocused their efforts. The General Fund and Education Trust Fund budgets received final passage. With just one week remaining in the 2026 Regular Session, the race to the finish…

Retail Report: Week 6 Legislative Recap

Retail Report: Week 6 Legislative Recap

As lawmakers approach the halfway mark of the 2026 Regular Session, issues directly affecting Alabama retailers continue to take shape. Below is a recap of the latest developments. Bill to Remove Swipe Fees from Sales and Use Tax Calculations Carried…

Retail Report: Week 5 Legislative Recap

Retail Report: Week 5 Legislative Recap

The fifth week of the 2026 Legislative Session brought steady movement in both committee rooms and on the chamber floors, with several bills of interest to retailers advancing in the process. Legislation Pulled Following SSUT Lawsuit Withdrawal, New Distribution Bill…

Retail Report: Week 4 Legislative Recap

Retail Report: Week 4 Legislative Recap

While this legislative week may have felt a bit like Groundhog Day, with fewer bills directly impacting retailers, the Legislature continues to move at a steady pace. Below is a summary of the key measures Alabama Retail Association is tracking as…

Retail Report: Week 3 Legislative Recap

Retail Report: Week 3 Legislative Recap

Despite a weekend of severe weather across much of the state, the Legislature was back to work this week. This week’s Capitol Retail Report highlights several measures with potential impacts for retailers, ranging from franchise protections and alcohol regulation to…

Retail Report: Week 2 Legislative Recap

Retail Report: Week 2 Legislative Recap

Despite cold temperatures across Alabama, activity inside the State House is just heating up. The 2026 Regular Session continues to move quickly with lawmakers meeting three days a week to take floor votes while committees dig into the large volume…

Melissa Cross Named Chairman of ARA Board of Directors

Melissa Cross Named Chairman of ARA Board of Directors

The Alabama Retail Association (ARA) is pleased to announce that Melissa Cross has been named Chairman of the ARA Board of Directors. She assumed the role in October 2025, succeeding Michael Gee, and brings extensive leadership experience and a strong…