May 1, 2017 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House
The Alabama Legislature returned to work on Tuesday, April 25 for the 20th day of the session. Here are a few highlights of what was accomplished and see some interesting election news below.
- On Tuesday (20th day of session): TheHouse passed several bills of local application only, and general bills to provide for the practice of midwifery and to exempt certain midwives from licensure by the state Board of Nursing; to provide for the standardized system for collection of excise taxes on natural, compressed and liquefied gas; and to establish the Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact. The Senate passed general bills to immunize the Board of Nursing against anti-competitive rule making; to transfer the Information Technology, Information Services Division and State Business Division from the Department of Finance to the Office of Information Technology; to provide that certain public water, sewer, gas electric and fire protection authorities, boards and systems, are eligible as governmental entities for state and local sales and use tax exemptions; and to authorize Medicaid to file claims and liens against a recipient’s estate.
- On Wednesday (a committee day): The House Ways and Means Education Committeeapproved a Senate-passed Education budget with changes as well as appropriations bills for Tuskegee University, Talladega College and Lyman Ward Military Academy. The House Judiciary Committee approved a Senate-passed bill to authorize mayors to remit certain court cost in matters where indigence is indicated. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved a House-passed bill to immunize volunteer caregivers for persons with chronic illnesses and disabilities. The Senate County and Municipal Government Committee approved a House-passed bill to revise the manner in which local governments approve new municipal solid waste facilities.
- On Thursday (21st day of session): The House passed several bills of local application only and a general bill already passed by the Senate affecting historical monuments. The Senate passed bills of local application only, including one dealing with the salary of the city council for the City of Birmingham and another that sets the boundaries of authorities to operate the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority as well as a general bill to further revise and strengthen the law governing Stage II driver’s licenses (teen).
