Retail Report: Franchise and vaping reform among early introductions in 2019 regular session

The Alabama Legislature resumed its regular session March 19 after spending five days on an infrastructure special session. So far, the House dealt with sunset bills, while the Senate repealed the standard used to measure education progress in Alabama schools. Close to 500 bills have been introduced at this point.

A needed retail fix to federal tax reform has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and is expected to be introduced soon in the U.S. House. Alabama Retail asks that you contact Alabama’s U.S. senators and representatives to fix the error that keeps retailers and restaurants from taking advantage of immediate depreciation for store improvements.

The Alabama Legislature will observe its spring break March 25-29. Expect your next Alabama Retail Report on Friday, April 5.

More on state and federal issues of importance to retailers follows as well as this week’s top stories.

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


THIS WEEK IN RETAIL NEWS

Franchise and vape regulations among introductions in regular session (alabamaretail.org)

Comment period open on Trump administration plan to increase salary exemption for overtime (alabamaretail.org)

Call Congress about needed retail fix to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (alabamaretail.org)

Liquor infusion regulation heads to House, plus other alcohol-related issues (alabamaretail.org)

Amendment alleviates retail issues with telemarketing reform bill (alabamaretail.org)

State phasing in electronic WIC benefits; food-benefit program available in three counties this week (alabamaretail.org)

FDA moves to restrict flavored e-cigarette sales to teenagers (nytimes.com)

Gov. Kay Ivey’s budgets include raises for teachers, state employees (al.com)

Alabama House Democrats release agenda (wsfa.com)


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