February 10, 2020 Issue News & Views from the State House
The 2020 regular session of the Alabama Legislature is here. It began on Tuesday, February 4, and that evening, Governor Ivey delivered her State of the State address, where she outlined the priorities of the state and the challenges it is facing (see below for details). In the coming weeks, the legislature is likely to have bills concerning medical marijuana use and a state lottery, and there will probably be vigorous debate about legalized gambling, so this session is shaping up to be both provocative and transformational. Here’s a snapshot of the first week’s activity.
- Wednesday, February 5 (committee day): Only a few committees met. The House State Government Committee approved bills to exempt certain leases of goods and services by County Boards of Education from the competitive bid law and to require the annexation of property overlapping police jurisdictions to be approved by all affected parties. The House County and Municipal Government Committee approved a bill to prohibit municipal occupational taxes unless they are authorized by local law. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill to repeal the prohibition of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from appointing judges outside of a district from hearing cases in Jefferson County. The Senate Education Policy Committee approved bills to reduce speed in school zones in a municipality and to authorize the State Board of Education to issue alternative teaching certificates to qualified members of the Armed Forces.
- Thursday, February 6 (2nd day of session): Both chambers met briefly to receive committee reports and introduction of bills before adjourning.
