The mayors of the state’s largest cities squared off with lawmakers this week over legislation that would require municipalities to adopt a local legislative law before imposing an occupational tax. The Alabama Senate is posed for a final debate on the legislation, while the city of Montgomery approved a 1% occupational tax this week that the mayor said had more to do with home rule than imposing a tax.
Meanwhile, in the midst of Severe Weather Preparedness Awareness Week, Alabama’s governor declared a state of emergency Tuesday due to flooding. Alabama’s sales tax holiday for emergency preparedness supplies begins today and continues through Sunday.
Your Alabama Retail Association will continue to keep you informed as these and other issues of interest to retailers arise. Keep reading for this week’s top stories.
THIS WEEK IN RETAIL NEWS
Routing new city occupational taxes through the Legislature heads to Senate for final debate (alabamaretail.org)
House passes legislation prohibiting private auditors from charging taxpayers for the cost of a tax audit (alabamaretail.org)
Price gouging law in effect and transportation restrictions eased due to statewide emergency declaration related to flooding (alabamaretail.org)
Primary is Tuesday, March 3; Visit Alabama Retail’s online Election Center to download Alabama Retail’s Voter Guide (alabamaretail.org)
Morgan County Commission and school districts in court fight over online sales taxes (aldailynews.com)
Excise taxes could be deducted from gross receipts before paying certain city business licenses under bill and other introductions (alabamaretail.org)
House next to consider posting health scores below 85 on drive-through menus and allowing pet dogs in outdoor dining areas (alabamaretail.org)
Either chamber could debate placing micro markets under Ag & Industries (alabamaretail.org)
Panel votes to increase fireworks fees; year-round fireworks in committee (alabamaretail.org)
Panel OKs Faunsdale Sunday sales; Orange Beach and Gulf Shores seeking entertainment districts and other alcohol bills (alabamaretail.org)
Wine festival legislation advances; Madison County introduces local farm winery bill (alabamaretail.org)
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