Here's a look at some of the issues that passed in the final days of this year's regular session
The Alabama legislature ended its regular session on May 9. Gov. Kay Ivey had 10 days to sign or pocket veto bills passed this week. Here’s a look at some of the bills that passed in the final days of session:
Property Tax Assessment Cap
HB 73 by Rep. Phillip Pettus (Killen) passed with a 7% annual cap for three years for annual real property appraisals for residential and commercial property. Included in the amendment is a three (3) year sunset with the Legislature required to passed legislation to continue the cap for Class II property (business and commercial) and Class III property (agriculture, forest, residential, and designated historic property). Thank you to Sen. Keith Kelley (Anniston) who spoke in favor of a 5% cap on behalf of NFIB members.
Childcare Tax Credit
HB 358 by Rep. Anthony Daniels (Huntsville)/Sen. Garlan Gudger (Cullman) received final passage on the 29th legislative day. The legislation is part of the package of bills to increase the labor force participation rate in Alabama. The bill includes a special provision for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Included in the language is an employer tax credit, provider tax credit and non-profit provider tax credit. The bill includes a reserve for rural areas of Alabama.
Litigation Reform
SB 104 by Sen. Josh Carnley (Ono) was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey with an effective date of Oct. 1, 2024. The law will address over-naming in asbestos cases, provides that within 45 days of filing an asbestos action, the plaintiff must provide the parties with an information form attested by the plaintiff specifying the basis for each claim against each defendant, including detailed exposure history information and the names of individuals who are knowledgeable about the plaintiff’s exposure to asbestos. The legislation would allow a defendant in an asbestos action to be dismissed from the action if not identified as required.
Repeal of Annual Corporate Report
HB 230 by Rep. Margie Wilcox (Mobile) and Rep. Kerry Underwood (Tuscumbia) was signed into law this week. The Alabama NFIB Tax Advisory Committee recommended the legislation to repeal the annual corporate report filed with the Alabama Secretary of State. The report along, with the $10 fee, is repealed effective Oct. 1, 2024. NFIB strongly supported HB 230 to reduce a government filing requirement. NFIB thanks Secretary of State Wes Allen and his staff for their staunch support of HB 230.
Seafood Labeling
HB 66 by Rep. Chip Brown (Mobile) received final passage in the Senate. The bill includes changes for food establishment requirements, restaurant signage requirements, language for in-store delis, and an exception for groups of ten or more people who preorder food items. The Alabama Public Health Department will promulgate the rules.
