March 15, 2021 Group Watch: New Bill Proposes Lottery, But No Casinos

Senator Jim McClendon (R-Springville) introduced a bill last week to propose a lottery only, what he calls a “clean” lottery bill. He believes (because people in his district have said as much) that the lottery-only approach is what people are most interested in when it comes to expanding gambling in Alabama. The bill is expected to be in committee next week. McClendon has tried lottery legislation more than once. Five years ago, his bill passed the Senate but did not get final approval after it was changed in the House. The legislature hasn’t approved a lottery bill since 1999, when voters rejected the plan by then-Governor Don Siegelman. McClendon said his current bill would set up a small commission to oversee a lottery that would include the multi-state games like Mega Millions and Powerball, as well as an Alabama lottery. McClendon proposes splitting the net revenue evenly between the Education Trust Fund and the General Fund, giving the legislature the flexibility to allocate the money where there is the most need; his bill calls for the  legislature to decide each year where the funds will go. He also noted that even without allowing casinos, some in his own party may still oppose bill, as they have moral issues with gambling in general.

March 15, 2021 Group Watch: Pets on Restaurant Patios

The bill that will allow dogs on restaurant patios is one step closer to being passed by the legislature; last week, it was approved by the Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee after being passed by the House earlier in the session. The bill allows restaurants to welcome leashed dogs (and other pets) in designated outdoor dining areas. Interested restaurants have to file a waiver with the Alabama Health Department agreeing to follow certain guidelines, including having a way for pets to get to their outdoor space without moving through indoor and non-pet designated dining spaces.

March 15, 2021 Group Watch: AL’s Insects

You might know that Alabama’s official state insect is the regal Monarch butterfly, but the state has an official mascot too, and it’s also a butterfly, an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Read more here.

March 15, 2021 Group Watch: AL Approves Legislation Benefitting Military Families

Military families make decisions on whether they continue to serve based on opportunities for education, job opportunities and healthcare; adequately addressing these issues is seen by the Pentagon as a readiness issue. Last week, the Alabama Legislature made the state “friendlier” to military members and their families when it passed a dozen bills making it easier for military spouses to bring their specialty to the state. Five of the bills target spouses with a specialty in medicine. Two other Senate bills allow military members with children to attend in-state institutions as in-state residents. These two bills also provide for the creation of charter schools on or near military bases. The governor is expected to sign the bills, and they take effect on the first day of the third month after they are signed into law.

March 15, 2021 Group Watch: Delay on Bill to Check Ivey’s Power

A bill designed to check Governor Ivey’s emergency powers was headed for the Senate, but has been put on pause for now. Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth and some Republican lawmakers have disagreed with several of the governor’s decisions during the the pandemic, including business restrictions and mask mandates, and feel, in the future, that the legislature should have some say in such matters. This bill, sponsored by Senator Tom Whatley (R-Auburn), sets parameters for legislative involvement. Ivey has gotten support from state Democrats on this issue, who are not on board with the bill, and her office says she’s watching the bill’s progress and “staying engaged.”

March 8, 2021 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House

• Tuesday, March 2 (10th legislative day): The House passed several bills of local application only, and general bills to; authorize certain entities to continue to operate during states of emergencies under certain conditions and to take certain anti-gay language from sex education standards. The Senate passed several measures, including bills to; require the sale of land for taxes be conducted on the premises of or within the courthouse or courthouse annex and to prohibit minors from getting medications or treatments to change their gender.
• Wednesday, March 3 (11th legislative day and a committee day): The House Ways and Means General Fund Committee approved several funding measures including the FY22 General Fund budget; The Children First Trust; the FY 22 appropriation for Domestic Violence Centers; and a 2-percent pay increase for state workers. The House Ways and Means Education Committee approved several bills, including a measure to exempt the School of Fine Arts Foundation, the School of Math and Science Foundation and the School of Cyber Technology and Engineering Foundation from sales and use tax. The full House considered and passed one measure; to authorize a tax credit for the cost of acquisition and construction of a qualified storm shelter. They paid homage to those affected or killed two years ago during deadly tornadoes in Lee County and surrounding areas. The Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee approved a number of House passed bills to continue the operation of boards, agencies and commissions. The Senate Education Policy Committeeapproved bills to: to postpone the third-grade retention requirement until the 2024-2025 school year and to further provide for procedural due process protection for suspensions and expulsions in K-12. The Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee approved a bill to provide a one-time lump-sum payment to retired state workers. This measure is being pushed by ARSEA-APEAL who represents state and local government retirees. The Senate passed bills to: authorize the Secretary of State to conduct a one-time post-election audit of the vote count; further provide for the expungement of records to include youthful offenders; and create the Alabama Digital Finance Authority, the Statewide Connectivity Plan, and the Alabama University Research Alliance.
• Thursday, March 4 (12th legislative day): The House Agriculture and Forestry Committee approved HB460 relating to commercial motor vehicles and compliance with federal motor carrier safety regulations. The House passed several Senate passed measures to: authorize the State Board of Education to issue alternative teaching certificates to qualified former members of the Armed Forces; and establish the Psychological Interjurisdictional Compact to allow licensed psychologist to practice on a limited basis among compact member states. The House also passed a measure to allow honorably discharged veterans to acquire pistol permits without charge. The Senate gave final approval to twenty-six House passed bills to continue specific boards, agencies, and commissions. They also approved a bill to further provide for certain municipalities to revise time frames for local elections and runoffs.

March 8, 2021 Group Watch: House Approves Bill to Remove Anti-Gay Language

The Alabama House passed a bill that deletes from state law a requirement that sex education courses in public schools include condemnation of homosexuality. The bill by Rep. Laura Hall of Huntsville amends the state law that sets minimum requirements for sex education courses. This measure had bipartisan support and passed 69-30. The legislation retains a requirement that courses must teach that abstinence is the only completely effective way to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

March 8, 2021 Group Watch: Tweet of the Week

@willainsworthAL
March 4
With this legislation, AL has shown the Pentagon that we value the military bases and await future expansion and investment. I appreciate the Senate Pro Tem @SenatorGregReed, Speaker of the House @MacMcCutcheon1, and each sponsor for making the military a priority in Alabama.

March 8, 2021 Group Watch: Mask Mandate Extended

Governor Kay Ivey extended Alabama’s COVID-19 health order through April 9, adding that the included mask mandate will be allowed to expire at that time. Ivey speaking during a press conference with State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, said her decision to keep the mask mandate in place was so businesses have ample time to implement policies of their own and to make adjustments they would like ahead of April 9. The updated health order will allow hospitals and nursing homes to allow up to two visits from caregivers; programs such as senior service centers may resume congregate meals; restaurants and bars will have no limit on party size tables, but will retain social distancing between tables; and summer camps will re-open with social distance and sanitation standards.

March 8, 2021 Group Watch: AL Senate Passes Bill Banning Transgender Treatment for Minors

The Alabama Senate passed a bill aimed at preventing minors getting medications or treatments to change genders. The Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act passed 23-4. The bill makes it a felony for doctors to treat transgender minors with hormonal therapy, puberty blockers or surgery to help their transition. Supporters of the bill said minors are not ready to make decisions like these at a young age. Senator Shay Shelnutt of Trussville said his bill is about protecting the health and well-being of Alabama’s children. Opponents say the decision should be between parents, the minor and a doctor. Dozens protested outside the statehouse speaking out against the bill