The Alabama Legislature’s 2019 regular session begins March 5, one week from today.
Slightly more than a quarter of the 140 individuals who will govern us over the next four years will be brand new to their jobs. More than half will have four years or less experience as legislators.
It is essentially a new Alabama Legislature. We expect more legislation than usual to be introduced as this group tries to make its mark on Alabama law in the first year of their legislative term.
The Legislature met in organizational session last month, during which it elected officers and received committee assignments. Our 2019 Legislative Roster will be available online soon, so you can easily find those officers, committee assignments and contact information for lawmakers.
The Legislature has 30 meeting days to approve the state budgets and any new laws it deems necessary. It must complete that work within 105 calendar days, so the last day lawmakers could possibly meet will be June 17.
Your Alabama Retail Association will be there throughout the session protecting retailers.
On occasion, we may ask you to contact your legislator to voice your opinion on an issue. Your one call or email can make much more of an impact than my 10 face-to-face visits.
Our Retail Report email each week lets you know what is happening. Follow along and engage!
Rick Brown
By Rick Brown, president of the Alabama Retail Association.