The Alabama House of Representatives is expected to debate the state’s general operating budget (HB309) Tuesday. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon said the Legislature’s goal is to pass the General Fund and education budgets by mid-April.
For the fourth week, the Alabama Legislature worked for three legislative days with the House taking up a dozen military-related bills and the Senate handling board and agency continuing legislation. Lawmakers are expected to operate under a traditional two-day work week for the next two weeks before taking a spring break the week of March 22. At that point, they will have completed more than half of the regular session. Tuesday will the 13th legislative day of the 30-day session. The House convenes at noon and the Senate at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
Thursday, the governor extended the state’s mask mandate until 5 p.m. Friday, April 9. You should have received a member email communication about the latest health order and other COVID-19 related issues yesterday.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Congress continues to debate a massive COVID-19 relief package.
Keep reading for this week’s top stories of interest to retailers.
For legislative and other news of relevance to retailers,
read This Week in Retail News
THIS WEEK IN RETAIL NEWS
U.S. Senate debating COVID relief without minimum wage increase (alabamaretail.org)
Governor made ‘wise decision’ to extend mask mandate to April 9, Alabama Retail president says (aldailynews.com)
- Even when mask rule ends, many will still require face coverings (al.com)
- What newest health order means for restaurants and bars (al.com)
House OKs bill allowing businesses and churches to remain open under same guidelines in an emergency (alabamaretail.org)
Alabama now administering limited supply of J&J vaccines, 66 CVS stores among those offering the latest COVID-19 vaccine (alabamaretail.org)
Senate panel OKs making shoplifting a crime (alabamaretail.org)
Home delivery of sealed beer, wine & liquor on House agenda next week (alabamaretail.org)
House panel carries over bill requiring credit/gift card when retailers don’t have correct change (alabamaretail.org)
Kirk Hatcher sworn in as Alabama’s newest state senator (wsfa.com)
Bill calling for the state to gradually get out of the retail alcohol business is ready for Senate consideration (alabamaretail.org)
Three direct wine shipment bills proposed; One each ready for Senate or House consideration (alabamaretail.org)
Bills seek to further regulate pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacy licensing (alabamaretail.org)
In Committee: Mandate for offering free products or trials clears House panel; job applicant discrimination bill in committee next week (alabamaretail.org)
Regularly check our COVID-19 Resources page at www.alabamaretail.org
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