At the halfway mark for the Alabama Legislature’s 2019 regular session, both state budgets have passed at least one chamber. This week, the Alabama Senate approved a $7 billion education budget, while the House approved a $2.1 billion General Fund budget three weeks ago.
Few pieces of legislation of statewide significance have become law at this point in the session, even though almost 1,000 bills have been introduced so far. Lawmakers are expected to add a day to their legislative weeks for the next several weeks. Under law, the session, which started in March, could stretch until June 17. The Alabama Retail Association will continue to protect the interests of its member businesses until the final gavel falls.
The House will convene at 1 p.m. and the Senate at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, for the 16th legislative day of the 30-day 2019 regular session.
To learn about issues of importance to retailers, keep reading.
For legislative and other news of relevance to retailers,
read This Week in Retail News.
THIS WEEK IN RETAIL NEWS
Lawmakers considering changes to Alabama’s shoplifting laws (waaytv.com)
Wet local governments can skip Legislature for Sunday sales under bill on governor’s desk (alabamaretail.org)
Alabama Senate approves record $7 billion education budget (al.com) SB199
Alabama lottery proceeds would go to debt, General Fund (al.com)
AG, Alabama Retail, other business groups file briefs defending state’s minimum wage law (alreporter.com)
UC changes that could save employers $42.3 million annually await final debate in House (alabamaretail.org)
Alabama Retail, others urge Congress to fix tax law glitch that stretches depreciation for improvements over 39 years, rather than making it immediate (alabamaretail.org)
Vaping regulation ready for Senate debate; amendment allows only three flavors to be advertised on billboards (alabamaretail.org)
Senate panel OKs a franchisee protection bill; No action this week on Business Entity Code and LLC partnership changes (alabamaretail.org)
Four direct shipment bills ready for floor debate (alabamaretail.org)
Making infused liquor legal one step from final legislative approval (alabamaretail.org)
Statewide, year-round sales of small fireworks ready for consideration by either chamber (alabamaretail.org)
Collaborative practice bill posed for final debate; modern prescriptions and other action on pharmacy-related bills (alabamaretail.org)
CBD oil: Hemp extract legality uncertain in Calhoun County, in spite of AG notice (annistonstar.com)
Health Department confirms baby in St. Clair County had measles, no longer contagious (wsfa.com)
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