Isbell, Kitchens Talk 2022 Farm Package |
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Alabama Farmers Federation Director of State Legislative Programs Russ Durrance sits down with Rep. Gil Isbell, R-Gadsden, to talk about the Business License Clarity bill in the 2022 Farm Package, and Federation Agricultural Legislation Director Preston Roberts visits with Rep. Wes Kitchens about the Grain Bin Tax Clarity bill. Click here or above to watch.
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Committees Approve Farm Package Bills
The Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee this week approved all three bills of the Alabama Farmers Federation's 2022 Farm Package. House versions of two bills also were approved by committees in the lower chamber, and the third awaits action next week. The Federation's External Affairs Department is working with sponsors and legislative leaders to bring the package to the full House and Senate for a vote.
Grain Bin Tax Clarification
HB 400 by Rep. Wes Kitchens, R-Arab, and SB 275 by Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia, would eliminate inconsistencies and confusion across jurisdictions by clarifying the ad valorem tax exemption for grain bins. SB 275 was approved by the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, and HB 400 passed the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee.
Sweet Grown Alabama Act
HB 412 by Rep. Van Smith, R-Billingsley, and SB 274 by Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, would empower family farms and stimulate local economies by clarifying the inclusion of value-added agricultural products in existing sales tax exemptions. SB 274 passed the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. HB 412 awaits action in the House Ways and Means Education Committee.
Business License Clarity
HB 415 by Rep. Gil Isbell, R-Gadsden, and SB 273 by Sen. Tom Butler, R-Madison, protects family farms by expressly prohibiting the requirement of a county license or fee for operations related to the disposition of the farmer’s products. SB 273 was approved by the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, and HB 415 passed the House County and Municipal Government Committee.
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Gambling Bills Filed, In Senate Committee Next Week |
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Gambling legislation introduced Thursday by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range, could legalize a state lottery, sports betting and five casinos, in addition to those already operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI).
SB 293 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a statewide lottery and legalize other forms of gambling under an Education Lottery and Gambling Commission. SB 294 provides additional details about the regulation and taxation of gambling as well as expenditure of lottery and gaming proceeds.
The bills would allow licensed casinos at existing dog tracks in Greene, Jefferson and Mobile counties and at VictoryLand in Macon County. Alabama's governor would be required to negotiate a compact with the PBCI allowing casino games and sports betting at its sites, as well as an additional location in DeKalb or Jackson counties. The bills call for a 20% tax on net gambling revenues for casinos and sports betting.
Lottery revenues would flow into a trust fund for scholarships and programs supporting education and training for "the state’s workforce needs." Other gambling revenue would go to mental health, broadband expansion, rural health care, road and bridge projects, and state parks and historical sites.
The bills could get their first votes Tuesday in the Senate Tourism Committee.
Alabama Farmers Federation policy states: "The Federation opposes gambling in all forms, including casino gaming, state lottery, sports betting, electronic gaming and online gambling." Members are encouraged to contact their legislators and express opposition to SB 293 and SB 294.
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Senate-Passed General Fund Includes Ag Priorities |
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The General Fund budget approved last week by the Alabama Senate includes funding for agriculture and forestry. The budget now moves to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee. Appropriations include:
- Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries — $17,870,899
- Resource Conservation and Development Program — $5,856,242
- Sweet Grown Alabama — $300,000
- Farm to School Program — $300,000
- North Alabama Agriplex — $100,000
- Alabama PALS — $150,000
- ADEM / CAFO Program — $575,000
- Alabama Forestry Commission — $12,271,021
- Soil and Water Conservation Committee — $3,170,396
- Regional Conservation Partnership Program — $81,403
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Bills In Brief
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HB 262 by Rep. Wes Allen, R-Troy, passed the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee this week after clearing the full House last week. It would enhance the forestry products tag approved by the Legislature last year by allowing the tag to also be used for trucks carrying forest equipment.
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SB 134 by Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, earned final passage and has been sent to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature. The bill is aimed at cracking down on theft of catalytic converters by providing requirements for their purchase, possession and sale as well as creating criminal penalties for violations. The House companion was sponsored by Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan.
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HB 350 by Rep. Wes Allen, R-Troy, is on the House State Government Committee agenda Wednesday. It would designate the peanut as the official state legume of Alabama. The bill is supported by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, which will host PB&J Day on the Hill the day of the committee meeting.
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SB 123 and SB 124 by Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Guntersville, passed the House this week and will be ready for Gov. Ivey's signature following Senate concurrence with the amended SB 124. The bills aim to expand access to broadband internet service by increasing minimum connection speed requirements for grants; protecting privileged information of service providers; creating programs to serve middle-mile and last-mile users; and allowing government entities to participate in grant programs.
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HB 414 by Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, passed the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. It would create guidelines and a certification process for 911 public safety dispatchers and would require districts to provide an alternative method for responding to emergency calls, if the primary system fails or is unavailable.
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Capitol Connection | Alabama Farmers Federation | (334) 288-3900 | AlfaFarmers.org
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