Retail Report: General Fund budget heads to conference, 2021 session in final full week

The Alabama Legislature sent a record education budget to the governor this week and the state’s general operating budget to a conference committee amid two legislative days and a committee day packed with action.

Hundreds of bills also died this week as time winds down in the 2021 regular session. Only three days remain in the 30-day session. The Legislature is expected to meet two days next week, break for a week to allow the staff and governor to catch up on paperwork, then meet for the final legislative day May 17.

The Alabama House and Senate convene at 2 p.m. May 4 for the 28th legislative day.

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


Ivey, state health officer encourage Alabamians to get COVID-19 shot as J&J vaccine resumes (alabamaretail.org)

SBA opens Restaurant Revitalization Fund apps Monday; Register now or contact your POS vendor (al.com) | Find this and more federal COVID-19 relief at alabamaretail.org

Further regulation of pharmacy benefit managers on governor’s desk (alabamaretail.org)

Direct wine shipment on way to the governor; small winery direct sales/self-distribution heads to Senate (alabamaretail.org)

Making accommodations for breastfeeding or pregnant women will return next session, sponsor says  (alabamaretail.org)

North Dakota retailers sue Federal Reserve over failure to follow Congress’ direction on debit card swipe fees (nrf.com)

Recovering purchase price for bogus collectibles ready for final OK in House (alabamaretail.org)

Census shows Alabama will maintain 7 congressional seats (AP in aldailynews.com)

Shoplifting bills introduced late in session; another awaits action in the Senate (alabamaretail.org)

Small fireworks sales in retail stores headed to the governor (alabamaretail.org)

As of July 1, customers can purchase one case of wine at Alabama wine festivals (alabamaretail.org)

Bills giving Legislature more say in an emergency and making contact tracing voluntary advance  (alabamaretail.org)

Creating cause of action for job applicant discrimination dies in committee (alabamaretail.org)

Three bills increasing daily caps for off-premise sales at breweries and/or distilleries advance (alabamaretail.org)

FDA moves toward banning menthol in cigarettes and all flavored cigars (fda.gov)

Suspension or revocation of retailer tobacco permits for nonpayment on governor’s desk; further regulation of tobacco, nicotine, vape sales and advertising ready for final consideration (alabamaretail.org)

Alabama Retail Comp trustee, Montgomery restaurant owner dies suddenly at age 65 (montgomeryadvertiser.com)

Bibb, Calhoun, Clay, Hale, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph and Shelby counties approved for FEMA assistance and low-interest SBA loans; businesses in 15 other counties eligible for Economic Injury Disaster loans (alabamaretail.org)


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


Previous Alabama Retail Reports


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