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2010 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature
Committee Action Schedule
Week of April 19, 2010
Board of Adjustment Bill Ready for Action
Concerns with the Association’s bill requiring the State Board of Adjustment to pay county claims unless the state agency denying the payment has procedures on timely filings, HB146 by Rep. Richard Laird, were resolved last week. The Finance Department surfaced substitute language to the legislation this week, delaying consideration of the bill. New language has been crafted to address the concerns raised by the state agency and the bill is now ready for final passage on the Senate floor.
Because the bill will be amended in the Senate, it must also be returned to the House for its approval. The bill will be sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Kim Benefield.
County Tag Legislation also in Position
Legislation that would reduce the fee counties now pay for automobile tags was APPROVED by a Senate Committee this week and is also in position for FINAL PASSAGE at any time. Because of provisions in Alabama law passed several years ago, public entities buying tags for their automobiles pay the “actual cost,” which today is more than the price charged citizens who purchase tags.
This legislation simply establishes the county’s cost for the tag as the same amount paid by the general public. County officials are asked to contact their Senators in SUPPORT of HB62 by Rep. Randy Wood, which is sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Harri Anne Smith.
Roller Coaster for Road Construction Bill
This week’s activities were a roller coaster for the legislation aimed at removing $1 billion from the Alabama Trust Fund to finance road and bridge construction projects.
First, the legislation was the subject of a filibuster of almost 10 hours in the House on Tuesday. The debate centered around efforts to carve out special allocations for projects in specific areas in the State.
Late in the evening Tuesday, the House sponsor began accepting any amendment offered to the bill and before final passage of the measure, it was impossible to determine exactly how the revenue would be allocated. The Association was actively involved in the legislation Tuesday, advocating for protection of the county revenue.
Quickly on Wednesday both the Senate and House agreed to a “conference committee,” which is working to resolve differences in the Legislation. At this point, the Association is pushing three themes for this legislation:
- Counties should receive at least 25 percent of the revenue from this program;
- The county revenue should be divided among the counties utilizing the “traditional” gasoline tax formula;
- Language that provides a “make whole” allocation to counties because of the interest income that will be lost because of the removal of the revenue must be included in the final version.
This bill is expected to be back on the Senate and House floor before the end of the session. It is important that county officials contact the members of the Conference Committee, listed below, and the House and Senate to urge SUPPORT of the three principles listed above.
The members of the Conference Committee are: Sens. Lowell Barron, Bobby Singleton and Harri Ann Smith; and Reps. Billy Beasley, John Rogers and Steve Clouse.
Week of April 12, 2010
Road Construction Bill
The proposed constitutional amendment utilizing $1 billion in revenue from the Alabama Trust Fund for road construction, SB121 by Sen. Lowell Barron, is on the House floor agenda for Tuesday. The measure was approved in committee this week, after an amendment was offered that would have reduced the portion of revenue allocated to county road and bridge projects.
Although it is uncertain whether the bill will have enough support for final passage, it is very important that county officials, engineers and others contact their House members to urge their opposition to any amendment or change that would reduce the funds allocated to county roads and bridges. At this point, several possible amendments are being discussed, and it is important that the program’s focus on county roads not be reduced.
The bill allocates some $22.5 million annually for 10 years for expenditures on county roads and bridges. However, it does not fully fund a “make whole” provision to ensure counties do not lose investment revenue from the withdrawal of the $1 billion.
PACT Legislation Impacts Counties
A new version of legislation aimed at bailing out the state’s financially-troubled “Prepaid Affordable Tuition Program” could impact county revenue from the Alabama Trust Fund. HB775 by Rep. Robert Bentley is scheduled for a vote on the House floor Tuesday. The bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the PACT fund to borrow, and then repay, funds from the Alabama Trust Fund.
During the borrowing period, counties would lose interest from the money removed from the Trust Fund. An amendment will be offered on the House floor to hold county revenue “harmless.” Please contact House members and urge their SUPPORT of the amendment.
Technical Violations of Probation/Parole
The bill decreasing the use of incarceration for technical violations of parole or probation that are not, actually, new crimes passed the Senate this week. SB325 by Sen. Del Marsh should significantly reduce jail costs because under current law the offenders may be held in county jails for up to one year.
The Senate-passed version of the bill requires technical offenders to be sentenced to a state-operated facility – if one is available – or into the county jail for no more than 90 days. The bill is expected to be considered by the House Judiciary Committee this week. The Association is supporting this legislation and encourages House members to vote IN FAVOR OF the measure.
9-1-1 Vote
When the Senate adjourned on Thursday the next bill on the Special Order Calendar was ACCA’s legislation establishing procedures for the release of audio recordings of 9-1-1 tapes, HB159 by Rep. Ron Johnson. It does not appear the adjournment signals any significant problems with the legislation, although the Alabama Broadcasters Association continues to voice opposition to the bill’s passage.
The Senate is expected to begin its workday Tuesday with the state’s general fund budget, but will likely consider other bills. It is very important that this legislation pass this week, and for that reason county officials are asked to contact EACH member of the Senate to encourage a “YES” vote on this measure.
The legislation, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Hinton Mitchem, will be returned to the House for its “concurrence” in the Senate committee amendment. It is also important that House members be asked to SUPPORT this measure.
Board of Adjustment Bill
Concerns with ACCA’s bill requiring the State Board of Adjustment to pay county claims unless the state agency denying the payment has procedures on timely filings, HB146 by Rep. Richard Laird, were resolved this week. The Finance Department surfaced substitute language to the legislation this week, delaying consideration of the bill. New language has been crafted to address the concerns raised by the state agency, and the bill is now ready for FINAL PASSAGE on the Senate floor.
Because the bill will be amended in the Senate, it must also be returned to the House for its approval. The bill will be sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Kim Benefield.
County Tag Legislation
Legislation that would reduce the fee counties now pay for automobile tags was approved by a Senate Committee this week and is in position for FINAL PASSAGE at any time. Because of provisions in Alabama law passed several years ago, public entities buying tags for their automobiles pay the “actual cost,” which today is more than the price charged citizens who purchase tags.
This legislation simply establishes the county’s cost for the tag as the same amount paid by the general public. County officials are asked to contact their Senators in support of HB62 by Rep. Randy Wood, which is sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Harri Anne Smith.
Autopsy Legislation
The ACCA bill aimed at resolving the dispute over the cost of transporting bodies for the purpose of conducting autopsies is expected on the House work agenda this week. The legislation, SB232 by Sen. Bobby Denton, provides that the law enforcement entity responsible for the investigation for which the autopsy is needed would be responsible for the transportation costs.
The coroner will coordinate the transportation and then the responsible entity will reimburse the county for the expenses of the coroner. County officials are encouraged to contact their House members to seek their support for this measure, which is sponsored in the House by Rep. Leslie Vance.
Week of April 5, 2010
9-1-1 Legislation Ready for Final Passage
The bill that would establish procedures for the release of audio recordings of 9-1-1 tapes, HB159 by Rep. Ron Johnson, was passed 7-to-1 by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and is ready for a floor vote as early as Tuesday.
This very important legislation is opposed by the Alabama Broadcasters Association, so it is important that county and 9-1-1 officials contact EACH member of the Senate to encourage a “YES” vote on this measure.
The legislation, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Hinton Mitchem, sets consistent guidelines to be used statewide regarding the release of these calls.
Committee Fails to Consider Tax Legislation
With dozens of county officials in attendance, the Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee failed Wednesday to consider the legislation that would temporarily eliminate the state’s taxes and fees on the recording of deeds and mortgages, SB540 by Sen. Zeb Little. This bill would also eliminate county revenue from this tax source.
The bill was introduced as part of a package of bills from the Senate Democratic Caucus aimed at stimulating the state’s economy. The bill could still be considered by the committee on Wednesday, so county officials are encouraged to again contact the committee members.
Committee members are: Chairman Sen. Roger Bedford; Sens. Butler, Singleton, Barron, Benefield, Dunn, French, Glover, Keahey, Mitchem, Orr, Penn, Pittman, Preuitt, Sanders and Beason.
Road Construction Bill Expected on Committee Agenda
The proposed constitutional amendment utilizing $1 billion in revenue from the Alabama Trust Fund for road construction, SB121 by Sen. Lowell Barron, is expected on the agenda of the House Government Appropriations Committee on Wednesday. Senate sponsor Sen. Lowell Barron explained the program as part of County Day events on Wednesday.
The bill allocates some $22.5 million annually for 10 years for expenditures on county roads and bridges. However, it does not fully fund a “make whole” provision to ensure counties do not lose investment revenue from the withdrawal of the $1 billion. While it appears that making changes to this legislation would be very difficult, county officials are encouraged to contact their House members and voice their concerns or opinion on this legislation.
The members are: Chairman Rep. Knight; Reps. Page, Gaston, Allen, Baker, Beasley, Canfield, Grantland, Hall, Letson, Love, Newton, Salaam, Sherer and E. Thomas.
Board of Adjustment Legislation
The House bill requiring the State Board of Adjustment to pay county claims unless the state agency denying the payment has procedures on timely filings, HB146 by Rep. Richard Laird, is now ready for final passage on the Senate floor. The Senate version, SB174 by Sen. Kim Benefield, is also ready for passage in the Senate.
As now pending in the Senate, the bill requires all agencies that deny a county claim for reimbursement based on a filing deadline to adopt the deadline through the administrative procedures act or other established process. This would prohibit claims from being denied without the county being aware of the filing deadline.
County officials are asked to contact their Senators in SUPPORT of this legislation.
Autopsy Transportation Bill Poised for Final Vote
ACCA’s bill aimed at resolving the dispute over the cost of transporting bodies for the purpose of conducting autopsies was approved by a House Committee last week. The legislation, SB232 by Sen. Bobby Denton, is now ready for FINAL PASSAGE on the House floor.
The bill provides the law enforcement entity responsible for the investigation for which the autopsy is needed would be responsible for the transportation costs. The coroner will coordinate the transportation and the responsible entity will reimburse the county for the expenses of the coroner.
County officials are encouraged to contact their House members to seek their SUPPORT for this measure, which is sponsored in the House by Rep. Lesley Vance.
Costs of Automobile Tags for Counties
Legislation that would reduce the fee counties now pay for automobile tags was approved by a Senate Committee this week and is also in position for final passage at any time. Because of provisions in Alabama law passed several years ago, public entities buying tags for their automobiles pay the “actual cost,” which today is more than the price charged to citizens who purchase tags.
This legislation simply establishes the county’s cost for the tag as the same amount paid by the general public. County officials are asked to contact their Senators in SUPPORT of HB62 by Rep. Randy Wood, which is sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Harri Anne Smith.
Week of March 29, 2010
Ad Valorem Correction Bill on House Floor
Legislation aimed at adjusting the application of exemptions from paying ad valorem taxes HB162 by Rep. Richard Lindsey is set for a House floor vote on Tuesday, March 30. The bill returns application of the exemption laws to procedures used in most counties, which will ensure, for example, ad valorem exemptions for the disabled will apply only in proportion to the person’s ownership of the property. This change will close a loop hole in the application of the state’s ad valorem tax law and should increase revenue to counties, the state and other ad valorem tax recipients.
County officials are asked to contact their House members to seek a “YES” vote on HB162 on the floor Tuesday.
Board of Adjustment Legislation
The House bill requiring the State Board of Adjustment to pay county claims unless the state agency denying the payment has procedures on timely filings, HB146 by Rep. Richard Laird, is now ready for final passage on the Senate floor. The bill has cleared Senate committee and could be considered on the floor as early as Tuesday, March 30. County officials are asked to contact their Senators in SUPPORT of this legislation.
Committee Holds Hearing on Deed and Mortgage Bill
The Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee this week held a public hearing on legislation that would temporarily eliminate the state’s taxes and fees on the recording of deeds and mortgages, SB540 by Sen. Zeb Little. This bill would also eliminate county revenue from this tax source.
The committee did not vote on the measure, however, it is possible the committee will consider the bill again on Wednesday, March 31. If that vote is scheduled, it would likely occur at 10:30 a.m. We will advise county officials as soon as we know if a vote will take place on Wednesday.
If such a vote is scheduled, county officials would be encouraged to arrive in Montgomery by 10:30 a.m. to attend the committee meeting and then attend the events of County Day @ the Legislature. Special appreciation is expressed to those county elected officials and employees who attended the committee hearing on Wednesday. ACCA President Larry White testified against the legislation and the impact it would have on counties throughout the state.
In the meantime, county officials are encouraged to contact the committee members to urge a “NAY” vote on this legislation.
Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee: Chairman Sen. Roger Bedford; Sens. Butler, Singleton, Barron, Benefield, Dunn, French, Glover, Keahey, Mitchem, Orr, Penn, Pittman, Preuitt, Sanders and Beason.
Movement on 9-1-1 Legislation
The Association held productive discussions this week with some of those opposing the bill, HB159 by Rep. Ron Johnson, that would restrict the release of audio recordings of 9-1-1 calls. Following agreement on new language for the legislation limiting release of 911 audio tapes, the bill has been placed on the Senate Judiciary Committee agenda for Wednesday, March 31. The committee meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. in Room 727 of the Alabama Statehouse. An amendment will be offered in committee to remove the original language agreed to by the trial lawyers association and replaced with the language circulated to AAND members last week.
Please contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and ask that they SUPPORT HB159 and the amendment: Chairman Sen. Myron Penn; Sens. Bedford, Benefield, Brooks, Figures, Keahey, T. Little, Marsh, Pittman, Sanders, Singleton, Smitherman, Z. Little and Orr.
(Week of March 15 is Spring Break)
Week of March 22, 2010
17 Senators Sign Bill to Eliminate County Revenue
Legislation granting the temporary elimination of the state’s taxes and fees on the recording of deeds and mortgages, SB540 by Sen. Zeb Little, was introduced on Thursday. During the 2008-09 fiscal year the taxes and fees generated some $35 million, with counties receiving approximately $11.5 million, which would be eliminated if the bill becomes law.
Because the bill is co-sponsored by 17 members of the Senate, it is important that county officials voice their opposition to this legislation during the recess week. ACCA staff anticipates the legislation will be considered in committee as early as March 23. The bill was assigned to the Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee.It is important that all legislators be encouraged to OPPOSE this legislation, not just the committee members.
Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee: Chair Sen. Roger Bedford; Sens. Butler, Singleton, Barron, Benefield, Dunn, French, Glover, Keahey, Mitchem, Orr, Penn, Pittman, Preuitt, Sanders and Beason.
Senate Approves Autopsy Transportation Bill
On Tuesday, the Alabama Senate approved the legislation, SB232 by Sen. Bobby Denton, aimed at resolving the dispute over the cost of transporting bodies for the purpose of conducting autopsy. The bill was assigned to the House Government Appropriations Committee. County officials are encouraged to contact the committee members to seek their SUPPORT of SB232.
House Government Appropriations Committee: Chair Rep. John Knight; Reps. Page, Gaston, Allen, Baker, Beasley, Canfield, Grantland, Hall, Letson, Love, C. Newton, Salaam, Sherer and E. Thomas.
Board of Adjustment Legislation Ready for Floor Action
Also on Tuesday, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approved the ACCA bill requiring the State Board of Adjustment to pay county claims unless the state agency denying the payment has procedures on timely filings. This bill, HB146 by Rep. Richard Laird, is now ready for final passage on the Senate floor as early as March 23. County officials are asked to contact their Senators in SUPPORT of this legislation.
Week of March 8, 2010
Committee Vote Set on ACCA Bill
On Tuesday, March 9, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is scheduled to act on the ACCA bill requiring the State Board of Adjustment to pay county claims unless the state agency denying the payment has procedures on timely filings. This bill, HB146 by Rep. Richard Laird, was included as priority legislation after several counties were denied repayment of election expenses.
Please contact the members of the Governmental Affairs Committee BEFORE Tuesday to encourage their SUPPORT of HB146: Chair Sen. Wendell Mitchell; Sens. Beason, Benefield, Coleman, Denton, Dixon, Dunn, Figures, Means, Penn, Preuitt, Ross, Smith, Z. Little and Waggoner.
Oil Lease Revenue for Road Construction
The Senate could be poised to again consider the constitutional amendment, SB121 by Sen. Lowell Barron, which would utilize $1 billion in revenue from the Alabama Trust Fund to finance road and bridge construction projects. The bill failed earlier in the session, but Sen. Barron this week announced his intentions to bring it back to the floor as early as Tuesday.
County governments will receive 22.5 percent of the revenue for construction projects, but will lose interest revenue from the money withdrawn from the trust fund. The Association has sought commitments to replace this lost interest, but supporters of the legislation have opposed making county and city budgets “whole.” County officials are encouraged to contact their Senators to seek their SUPPORT for restoring the lost interest revenue for county governments.
Committee Hearing on Bill to ByPass Subdivision Regulations
A bill allowing developers to enter into contracts to sell lots without securing approval of subdivision plats is scheduled for a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 10. The Association strongly OPPOSES this bill, SB412 by Sen. Quinton Ross, which would bypass the current authority to impact the design of subdivision before lots are sold.
County officials and engineers are encouraged to contact the members of the Judiciary Committee to encourage AMENDMENT of the legislation so that it will not impact county subdivision regulations. Chair Sen. Myron Penn; Sens. Bedford, Benefield, Brooks, Figures, Keahey, T. Little, Marsh, Pittman, Sanders, Singleton, Smitherman, Z. Little and Orr.
Litter Bill Again Ready for Vote
Both the House and Senate version of the ACCA legislation that would allow litter laws to be enforced by license inspectors and/or solid waste officers are awaiting final passage. House members should be encouraged to SUPPORT SB195 by Sen. Ted Little, which could reach the floor of the House on Tuesday, and Senate members should be asked to vote IN FAVOR OF HB211 by Rep. Cam Ward. If passed, either bill would go to Gov. Bob Riley for his signature.
Autopsy Transportation Legislation also Ready
Sen. Bobby Denton continues to push for floor consideration of his bill, SB232, which would resolve the dispute over the cost of transporting bodies for the purpose of conducting autopsy. After session-long negotiation between ACCA, coroners, district attorneys and the Department of Forensic Sciences, the legislation is ready for passage. County officials are urged to contact their SENATORS in SUPPORT of this measure.
The House version, HB312 by Rep. Leslie Vance, could reach the floor of the House as early as Thursday, as well.
Week of March 1, 2010
Litter Bill Ready for Final Vote in Both Chambers
Both the House and Senate are posed to pass the ACCA legislation that would allow litter laws to be enforced by license inspectors and/or solid waste officers. This legislation was recommended for introduction this year by the ACCA Environmental Steering Committee. House members should be encouraged to SUPPORT SB195 by Sen. Ted Little, and Senate members should be asked to vote IN FAVOR OF HB211 by Rep. Cam Ward. If passed, either bill would go to Gov. Bob Riley for his signature.
Sheriffs Removed from Internal Investigation Bill
Association staff has reached a compromise with those pushing legislation that would establish requirements for internal investigations conducted by law enforcement agencies in Alabama. HB86 by Rep. Spencer Collier is expected to be amended during a Wednesday committee meeting. Please contact the committee members and urge them to OPPOSE the legislation unless sheriffs are removed from the provisions of the bill.
House Government Operations Committee: Chair Rep. O. Robinson; Reps. Letson, Payne, Beech, Boyd, Coleman, Fields, Gaston, Hill, Howard, Hubbard, McCutcheon, Moore, Morrow and Shiver.
ACCA Works on Revisions to Pay-as-you-go Bill
In an effort to secure committee support of the bill (HB501 by Rep. Craig Ford) to allow county-by-county referendum on an increase in gasoline and diesel fuel tax, ACCA staff this week surfaced a draft substitute that included many changes requested by committee members.
County officials and employees should voice their SUPPORT of this bill to the committee members: Reps. Dukes, Curtis, Laird, Taylor, Wood, McMillan, Drake, England, McClendon, McDaniel, McLaughlin, Oden, Scott, Warren and J. Williams.
Autopsy Transportation Legislation also Ready
A House committee this week approved the bill would resolve the dispute over the cost of transporting bodies for the purpose of conducting autopsy. The House Government Appropriations Committee approved HB312 by Rep. Leslie Vance, sending it to the full House for a vote. The Senate version, SB232 by Sen. Bobby Denton, is expected on the Senate floor as early as Tuesday. County officials are encouraged to ask their SENATORS to vote IN FAVOR OF SB232 by Sen. Denton.
Legislation Seeks to End Appeal Bonds
Legislation aimed at reversing a recent court ruling that requires counties to post “bond” when appealing civil cases is expected on the docket of the House Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks. Sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem Demetrius Newton, HB548 was introduced after a Jefferson County Circuit Judge ruled the bonds would be necessary in all cases involving counties. Please contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee and encourage their SUPPORT of HB548.
House Judiciary Committee: Chair Rep. Marcel Black; Reps. C. Newton, McMillan, Collier, DeMarco, England, Hall, Irons, Ison, J. Robinson, Salaam, Sanderford and Ward.
No Compromise on 9-1-1 Legislation
This week ACCA staff was unable to reach a compromise with the Alabama Broadcasters Association on the bill that would restrict the release of copies of recordings of 9-1-1 tapes (HB159 by Rep. Ron Johnson and SB186 by Sen. Hinton Mitchem). More serious discussions on a timetable for moving this legislation in the Senate will begin this week.
The legislation gained national attention this week, including stories in the major newspapers carried by the Associated Press, as well as several national syndicated radio shows. County officials are encouraged to express SUPPORT for the passage of legislation that would protect the rights of 9-1-1 callers without placing an undue burden on the 9-1-1 districts.
Week of Feb. 22, 2010
Criminal Littering (SB195): ACCA's criminal littering bill is sponsored by Sen. Ted Little. Alabama has a strong criminal littering statute with stiff penalties for litter violations. However, the enforcement of this law is severely lacking, in part because law enforcement does not have adequate interest and/or resources for issuing citations. This bill would amend Alabama law to authorize the county license inspector or solid waste officer to enforce Alabama’s litter laws and to issue citations against violators of those laws, allowing another avenue of enforcement. Please contact your legislators and ask them to SUPPORT this legislation.
County and Municipal Government Committee: Chair Bill Dukes; Reps. Wood, McMillan, Curtis, Drake, England, Laird, McClendon, McDaniel, McLaughlin, Oden, Scott, Taylor, Warren and Williams. Please call (334) 242-7600 to reach your legislators before noon Wednesday.
Fee for Driving a Boat Trailer on County Roads (HB337): HB337 will be in the House Government Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 1:30 p.m. This bill would establish a new fee accessed for the privilege of driving a boat trailer on
Alabama's roads and bridges. Although revenue from such fees is constitutionally reserved
for road and bridge construction, this bill would allocate half of the revenue to
a private association and the remainder for boat ramps, retirement benefits for law
enforcement officers and state troopers.
Although the Association is supportive of many of these activities, fees levied for the privilege of utilizing our state's major transportation system must be reserved for the repair and maintenance of that system. More than 1,200 people lost their lives on Alabama's roads and bridges last year, and it is important we maintain the safety of our transportation system. The passage of a statewide tag fee to fund non-transportation expenses would only worsen the condition of our road-and-bridge system while establishing a dangerous
precedent that could make it more difficult to focus our transportation resources
on transportation expenses. The Association strongly OPPOSES this legislation and
encourages your opposition as well.
PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE MEMBERS before Wednesday to ask that they OPPOSE this legislation: Chair Rep. John Knight, Jack Page, Victor Gaston, Gerald Allen, Locy Baker, Billy Beasley, Greg Canfield, Ron Grantland, Laura Hall, Jody Letson, Jay Love, Charles Newton, Yusuf Salaam, Tommy Sherer and Elwyn Thomas.
Autopsy Transportation Legislation (HB312): HB312 by Rep. Vance will be in the House Government Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 1:30 p.m. This ACCA bill would provide for the law enforcement entity responsible for the investigation of a death to pay the expenses incurred by the coroner for transportation and storage of the body to and from the Department of Forensic Sciences. ACCA staff has been working with coroners, Department of Forensic Sciences and the DAs to address concerns in the bill and plans to have a substitute for committee that has been agreed to.
This is an important piece of legislation that will make clear in the law who is responsible for these storage and transportation costs by requiring those seeking an autopsy to pay the costs. It is important that the legislators on this committee hear from the counties asking that they SUPPORT this legislation.
PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE MEMBERS before Wednesday to ask that they SUPPORT this legislation: Chair Rep. John Knight, Jack Page, Victor Gaston, Gerald Allen, Locy Baker, Billy Beasley, Greg Canfield, Ron Grantland, Laura Hall, Jody Letson, Jay Love, Charles Newton, Yusuf Salaam, Tommy Sherer and Elwyn Thomas.
It is important that the committee members hear from you! If they express any concerns about the bill, please ask them to contact us – and please share their concerns with us.
Week of Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010
Pay-As-You-Go Bill (HB501):
The House Committee on County and Municipal Government has set a vote on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. on the ACCA bill to allow county-by-county referendum on the levy of a local gasoline and/or diesel fuel tax for the purpose of repairing county roads and bridges. It is important that county officials and employees contact the members of the committee to urge their SUPPORT of HB501 by Rep. Craig Ford. Please advise the ACCA staff if any members express opposition to the legislation.
County and Municipal Government Committee: Chair Bill Dukes; Reps. Wood, McMillan, Curtis, Drake, England, Laird, McClendon, McDaniel, McLaughlin, Oden, Scott, Taylor, Warren and Williams. Please call (334) 242-7600 to reach your legislators before noon Wednesday.
Feeding of Prisoners:
Legislation has again been introduced to address questions surrounding the feeding of prisoners in county jails. HB407 by Rep. Allen Treadaway will be considered in House County and Municipal Government Committee this week. As introduced, the bill represents the compromise forged last year between ACCA and sheriffs.
Although ACCA is not “supporting” the legislation, committee members should be encouraged to OPPOSE any amendments that would require county commissions to provide funding for the feeding of prisoners. Should any such amendments be added, the Association will oppose the passage of HB407. This week the Association also began discussions with sheriffs concerning other alternatives to address this issue, which will likely require the introduction of separate legislation.
Vote Nears on Trust Fund Legislation
The House version of the bill allowing the use of $1 billion from the Alabama Trust Fund to finance road and bridge construction projects, including $225 million for county roads, is expected on committee agenda this week. HB237 by Rep. Billy Beasley is awaiting action in the House Government Appropriations Committee. County officials are encouraged to push for SUPPORT of this bill ONLY IF counties are “held harmless” for the interest income that would be lost by the withdrawal of the revenue from the Trust Fund, and county revenue is not reduce below $225 million.
House Government Appropriations Committee: Chair John Knight; Reps. Page, Gaston, Allen, Baker, Beasley, Canfield, Grantland, Hall, Letson, Love, C. Newton, Salaam, Sherer and E. Thomas.
9-1-1 Legislation: Work continues on the legislation restricting the release of copies of the recordings of 9-1-1 tapes, HB159 by Rep. Ron Johnson and SB186 by Sen. Hinton Mitchem. County officials and 9-1-1 directors are encouraged to contact the members of the committee below to ask that they SUPPORT this legislation. A committee vote is expected as early as Feb. 24.
Senate Judiciary Committee: Chair Myron Penn; Sens. Bedford, Benefield, Brooks, Figures, Keahey, Ted Little, Marsh, Pittman, Sanders, Singleton, Smitherman, Zeb Little and Orr.
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010
Last week, the House Government Operations Committee held a public hearing on HB86 by Rep. Collier, which would require law enforcement agencies to have a written internal investigations policy. Local government and law enforcement officials are concerned that some of the more stringent requirements in the legislation will greatly increase the liability exposure to the counties. ACCA and several law enforcement officials spoke in opposition to this legislation, which was carried over following the hearing.
It is anticipated that HB86 will be back on the committee agenda on Wednesday, Feb. 3, so it is imperative that county officials and administrators contact members of the committee to ask that they OPPOSE this legislation which will be harmful to county government and the sheriff’s office.
Committee members are: Chair Oliver Robinson; Letson, Payne, Beech, Boyd, Coleman, Fields, Gaston, Hill, Howard, Hubbard, McCutcheon, Pat Moore, Morrow, Shiver.
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010
Two bills will be on the House Government Appropriations Committee agenda on Wednesday beginning at 1:30 p.m. Please contact the committee members and ask for their SUPPORT on these bills:
Board of Adjustment Appeals – HB146 by Rep. Laird would require the Board of Adjustment to pay county claims unless the agency denying the claim has procedures on timely filings. This legislation is important for counties to get reimbursed for certain expenses, such as jail or election expenses. This bill will be on the House Government Appropriations Committee Agenda on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
Exemptions on Real Property – HB162 by Rep. Lindsey would amend Alabama law to make clear that, when a person eligible for an age or disability exemption owns property jointly with persons not eligible for the exemption, the exemption shall only apply to his or her proportionate share of the homestead. This bill will be on the House Government Appropriations Committee Agenda on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
House Government Appropriations Committee Chair John Knight and Reps. Page, Gaston, Allen, Baker, Beasley, Canfield, Grantland, Hall, Letson, Love, Newton, Salaam, Sherer and Thomas.
Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010
Two ACCA bills could be considered in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 9 a.m.
Litter Enforcement — HB211 by Rep. Ward: This is the companion bill to SB195.
Release of 9-1-1 Audio Tapes — HB159 by Rep. Johnson: This bill would require a court order for release of 9-1-1 audio tapes except for law enforcement investigations, although 9-1-1 records on the call would be available for public inspection.
Please contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee and ask for their SUPPORT of these important bills: Chair Marcel Black; Reps. Charles Newton, Steve McMillan, Spencer Collier, Paul DeMarco, Chris England, Laura Hall, Tammy Irons, Jamie Ison, John Robinson, Yusuf Salaam, Howard Sanderford, Cam Ward.
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010
The ACCA legislation that will reduce the charges counties pay for automobile tags is set for a committee vote on Wednesday, Jan. 13. The House Public Safety Committee will consider HB62 at its 9 a.m. meeting.
The House Public Safety Committee members are: Thad McClammy, Chair; Elwyn Thomas, Vice Chair and Ranking Minority Member; Alan Baker, Mike Ball, Mike Curtis, Owen Drake, Steve Hurst, John Knight, Benjamin Lewis, A.J. McCampbell, Demetrius Newton, Henry White, Phil Williams, Randy Wood
If you have questions about any legislation, please contact the ACCA staff at (334) 263-7594.
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