Retail Report: Session winds down; unemployment fraud up

With five legislative days remaining in the Alabama Legislature’s 30-day session, the Alabama House is set to take up the state’s largest ever education budget next week. The state’s General Fund, also the largest in state history, should be up in the Senate soon.

More than 1,000 bills have been introduced in this session. Lawmakers will be trying to get legislation over the finish line during the next few weeks before the session must end on May 17.

Meanwhile, the federal government is offering tax credits for giving employees time off to be vaccinated and a decision is expected today on the future use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine. On the state level, the Alabama Department of Labor is reporting rampant attempts at unemployment compensation fraud.

The Alabama House convenes at 1 p.m. and the Senate at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, for the 26th legislative day.

For legislative and other news of relevance to retailers,
read This Week in Retail News.


THIS WEEK IN RETAIL NEWS

Further regulation of pharmacy benefit managers ready for final House consideration (alabamaretail.org)

Alabama Dept. of Labor receives some 30,000 fake unemployment claim reports (WAFF.com)

ADOL encourages Alabamians to protect information, report unemployment fraud (labor.alabama.gov)

Federal tax credits available to small employers who provide paid leave to employees receiving COVID-19 vaccines or recovering from vaccinations (irs.gov)

Making accommodations for breastfeeding or pregnant women on House Judiciary agenda next week (alabamaretail.org)

State to follow IRS guidance as to who is an employee for benefits and tax purposes (alabamaretail.org)

Another committee delays voting on more legislative say in emergencies; House Health OKs substitute vaccine passport ban  (alabamaretail.org)

Limit on insulin copays takes effect Oct. 1 (alabamaretail.org)

Two bills increasing daily caps for off-premise sales at breweries and distilleries get Senate OK  (alabamaretail.org)

SBA partners with point-of-sale providers to reach businesses in need of Restaurant Revitalization grants (sba.gov)

Bill calling for further regulation of tobacco, nicotine, vape sales and advertising ready for final consideration (alabamaretail.org)

House panel to consider creating cause of action for job applicant discrimination (alabamaretail.org)

Customers could purchase one case of wine at wine festivals under bill on governor’s desk (alabamaretail.org)

Senate OKs recovering purchase price for bogus collectibles (alabamaretail.org)

Report: Alabama tourism fared among best in nation during pandemic (WSFA.com)

Report suspected unemployment benefit fraud and abuse (labor.alabama.gov)


Regularly check our COVID-19 Resources page at www.alabamaretail.org


Previous Alabama Retail Reports


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