Alabama Farm Center Bill Advances

Legislation required to establish the governing structure of the Alabama Farm Center advanced out of the Alabama Senate Tuesday after several hours of floor debate and a filibuster by Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro. Companion legislation was also approved by a House of Representatives committee.

SB 219 by Sen. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville, would give the state Farm Center the same power and abilities already granted to county ag authorities under current law. This bill simply designates this entity as the statewide Farm Center and creates the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation to operate the Farm Center. SB 219 passed the Senate 26-0 with four abstentions and five not voting. It was assigned to the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

Sen. Shelnutt defended the bill on the Senate floor late Tuesday night.

“Everyone is excited for what the Alabama Farm Center is going to do for our state,” Shelnutt said. “I hope five, 10 years from now we can look on this and everyone can be proud of it.”

Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, also stepped to the podium in support of SB 219. 

“I see all the good stuff coming from this. I see the livestock shows, the rodeos. I think this is going to be a good thing,” Williams said.

SB 219 was amended in the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry committee and again on the Senate floor. 

A friendly amendment by Sen. Linda-Coleman Madison, D-Birmingham, would subject the corporation to state audits every two years.

Two other amendments were added against objections from the sponsor. 

One amendment by Sen. Coleman-Madison would remove certain tax exemptions from the Farm Center, despite it being a public entity. 

A second amendment by Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, would create two additional board of directors positions for the corporation. The Senate minority leader and House minority leader would each appoint a board member. Amendment vote counts are listed below. 

The companion bill, HB 417 by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, was reported out of the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee Tuesday and is listed on the proposed House Special Order Calendar for next Tuesday. 

Not voting were Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore; Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton; Sen. Tom Butler, R-Madison; Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville; Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva; Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine; Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile; Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville; Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman; Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston; and Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur.

Not voting were Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore; Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road; Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton; Sen. Lance Bell, R-Riverside; Sen. Tom Butler, R-Madison; Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville; Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine; Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile; Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville; Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman; Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre; and Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston. 

Conference Committee Convened for Gambling Legislation

The Alabama Senate voted Tuesday to convene a conference committee to address House of Representatives- and Senate-passed legislation that would legalize gambling across the state. 

HB 151 and 152 by Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Phenix City, would expand gambling in Alabama by providing for a state-run lottery, the establishment of a gaming enforcement division and amnesty for existing gambling establishments operating under local constitutional amendments. The Senate version of the bill, which passed March 7, would still authorize all forms of gambling, subject to a compact with the PCI, including at sites beyond the current tribal locations. House versions, which passed Feb. 15, included sports betting and up to 10 Las Vegas-style casinos. HB 151, a constitutional amendment, would require a three-fifths vote by both chambers to appear on a ballot to be voted on by Alabama citizens. 

Alabama Farmers Federation policy opposes all forms of gambling. 

The Senate voted 19-14 with two not voting to send HB 151 to a conference committee, and 21-11 with three not voting to send HB 152 to a conference committee. This legislation would have died if the Senate had voted against convening a conference committee.

Alabama Senate appointed conferees are Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore; Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman; and Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro. Alabama House appointed conferees are Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Phenix City; Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Madison; and Rep. Sam Jones, D-Mobile. 

Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said members should reach out their legislators and ask them to vote ‘no’ on any legislation that comes from the conference committee. 

“Any form of gambling is harmful to all Alabama citizens,” Hardin said. “We’re thankful for all the legislators who recognize the threat of gambling and have voted to protect their constituents. Everyone is encouraged to contact their state senators and representatives and urge them to vote against any upcoming gambling legislation.” 

There are seven legislative days remaining for the Legislature to address this issue. A conference report is expected as early as next week.

Members can reach their legislator at the Voter Voice link below.

Senators who were not present or abstained from voting were Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, and Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile.

Alfa Health Plans Await Committee Action

Legislation designed to give the Alabama Farmers Federation the ability to sell health plans to members was not addressed for a third consecutive meeting week since a public hearing was held, due to lack of support by a majority of Senate Banking & Insurance Committee members.

SB 232 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would allow the Federation to offer quality health coverage at an affordable price as a member benefit option. 

The Federation’s Brian Hardin said Alfa Health Plans are designed for hardworking farmers and business owners who may struggle to afford health insurance or don’t qualify for employer sponsored plans. 

“We’re thankful Sen. Orr recognized a need for an affordable health care option for many of our members and came to us with the idea of Alfa Health Plans,” Hardin said. “We believe the money saved from purchasing this option could relieve farms and business threatened by increasing prices.”

Lee County Farmer Beth Hornsby echoed Hardin’s concern for increasing farm costs, including health coverage. Hornsby said as prices continue to rise, the need for affordable options is becoming more obvious. Watch the video below to hear more from Hornsby. 

Alfa Health Plans are modeled after similar plans offered by other state farm bureaus. More information regarding the plans can be found at the Closing the Gap Fact Sheet below. 

SB 232 is awaiting action in the Senate Banking and Insurance committee. Federation members are encouraged to reach out to senators on the committee and ask them to address the issue of health coverage by voting ‘yes’ for SB 232. Senators can be reached at the Voter Voice link below.

Members of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee are Chair Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville; Vice Chair Jack Williams, R-Wilmer; Ranking Minority Member Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham; Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road; Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Ino; Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove; Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine; Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery; Sen. Jay Hovey, R-Auburn; Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre; Sen. Wes Kitchens, R-Arab; Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro; Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika; Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook; Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro; and Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills.

Since the introduction of SB 232, the Federation has formally met with the Legislative Black Caucus, the House Democrat Caucus and the House Rural Caucus, and has had productive dialogue on the proposal.

State Budgets Continue Progress

Photo by: Bryan Lyman

The Education Trust Fund, HB 145 by House of Representative Ways and Means Education Committee Chair Danny Garrett, R-Trussville (pictured), unanimously passed the House, as amended, Tuesday. The bill was assigned to the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee and awaits action.

All Federation priorities in the record high $9.3 billion budget remained level-funded. The FY25 ETF budget increased by $550 million, a 6.25% increase over last year.

The General Fund, SB 67 by Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Chair Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, passed the Senate last Thursday and currently awaits action in the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee. All Federation priorities in SB 67 are currently level-funded.

Alabama Farmers Federation State Legislative Programs Director Russ Durrance said securing proper funding for state agriculture and forestry programs is an important objective for the Federation.

"We greatly appreciate the hard work by Chairman Garrett and Chairman Albritton to support agriculture and forestry in Alabama with appropriate funding," Durrance said.

Both budgets must be passed by the end of the regular session. The last possible legislative day is May 20.

Working For Alabama Update

Several bills in the Working for Alabama workforce and economic development package saw action in the Alabama Legislature this week.

SB 247 by Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, would rename the Secretary of Labor and Department of Labor the Secretary of Workforce and Department of Workforce and expand the duties under them. The bill passed the Alabama Senate last week with amendments and unanimously passed the House of Representatives Thursday. SB 247 awaits Gov. Kay Ivey's signature.

SB 253 by Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, would establish the Workforce Pathways diploma at the K-12 level and reinvest in Career & Technical Education (CTE) centers across the state. This pathway would prepare those students to enter the workforce and/or earn credentials that lead directly to employment in their chosen field. SB 253 unanimously passed the House Thursday after passing the Senate last week and awaits Gov. Ivey's signature.

HB 358 by Rep. Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, would create tax credits to incentivize employers to fund childcare options. It also incentivizes childcare providers, both for-profit and non-profit, to expand access and quality. HB 358 was reported out of the House Ways and Means Education Committee Tuesday and unanimously passed the House Thursday. It is awaiting committee action in the Senate.

HB 346 by Rep. Cynthia Almond, R-Tuscaloosa, would address Alabama workforce housing crisis by creating a tax credit for developers in exchange for committing to cap rental rates. The bill unanimously passed the House Thursday and was assigned to the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee.

SB 252 by Sen. Greg Reed, R-Jasper, would establish a public-private partnership focused on the state's long-term economic development efforts. The bill unanimously passed the House Thursday as amended after passing the Senate last week. The House-amended version must be approved by the Senate before being sent to Gov. Ivey.

Alabama Farmers Federation State Legislative Programs Director Russ Durrance said building the state's workforce participation is essential for keeping Alabama's economy growing.

Bills in Brief

Property Tax Cap - HB 73 by Rep. Phillip Pettus, R-Killen, would would cap the year-to-year property tax assessment values for Class II commercial and business property and Class III residential, agricultural, forestry and historic property at 7% after House amendment. Another amendment would sunset the legislation after three years, meaning the bill would have to be reapproved at that time. HB 73 passed the House last week and was reported out of the Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Wednesday. A companion bill, SB 110 by Sen. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay, awaits action in the Senate.

Bee Sales Tax - SB 94 by Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Ino, would exempt the gross proceeds from the sale of honeybees, their inputs and byproducts from state sales and use tax. SB 94 passed the Senate unanimously Thursday. 

Livestock Fencing - SB 73 by Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, was reported out the House Ways and Means Education Committee Wednesday. SB 73 would exempt the sale of fencing materials used in agricultural livestock operations from the state sales tax. The legislation exempts up to $25,000 in materials per year and would end in 2029, if not reauthorized. A companion bill, HB 124 by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, awaits action in the House. SB 73 is championed by the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and is supported by the Federation.

Bovine Liability - SB 164 by Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, would provide limitations of liability for certain actions taken by bovines and their owners. The bill unanimously passed the Senate Tuesday and is on the House Judiciary Committee agenda for Wednesday.

Carbon Sequestration – HB 327 by Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, and a companion, SB 230 by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, officially recognizes an ownership interest in "pore space," defined as small pockets of space located deep in the ground. These bills attach that ownership interest to the surface owner of the property. This legislation creates the right for the surface owner to sell that pore space and creates a new economic use of land (pore space) that was otherwise being unused. These bills also allow for carbon dioxide storage in underground pore space. The legislation provides for forced pooling of storage sites so long as at least 66% of the owners agree to have CO2 stored under their property. After 10 years and a set of inspections, title to the CO2 under the land would transfer to the State of Alabama. HB 327 was reported out of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee Tuesday. SB 230 passed the Senate Tuesday and was assigned to the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee. The Federation is monitoring the legislation.

Off-Road Vehicle Title: HB 233 by Rep. Jeff Sorrells, R-Hartford, would require every off-road vehicle manufactured on or after January 1, 2025, to receive a certificate of title at the time of purchase. The bill passed the Senate Tuesday as amended, and would exempt equipment used for agricultural purposes from the requirement. HB 233 originally passed the House in late March, and the Senate-amended version will be sent back for concurrence. The Federation is monitoring the legislation.

Highway Truck Weights: SB 266 by Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, would amend Alabama code regulating weight restrictions for vehicles on state highways. The bill would clarify language. SB 266 preserves an exemption for vehicles used for agricultural purposes. SB 266 passed the Senate last week and was reported out of the House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee Wednesday. The Federation supports this bill.

Lawsuit Fairness Act – Bills to prevent unfair legal practices that inflate litigation costs are expected to be addressed in respective committees during the coming days. SB 293 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, and HB 420 by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Birmingham, would reform Alabama tort laws to protect Alabama citizens from lawsuit abuse by companies and organizations. HB 420 awaits action in the House Judiciary Committee, and SB 293 awaits action in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Federation is supportive of these efforts. More information about this legislation can be found in the article below.

The Legislature will reconvene on Tuesday, April 23, for day 24 of a possible 30 days. 

The House will convene at 1 p.m. and Senate will convene at 2 p.m.

Sign Up for Future Capitol Connection Newsletters!

Capitol Connection | Alabama Farmers Federation | (334) 288-3900 | AlfaFarmers.org

Questions?

 Brian Hardin - Director, External Affairs Department

 Preston Roberts - Director, Agricultural Legislation

Russ Durrance - Director, State Legislative Programs

John Allen Nichols - Agriculture Counsel

Beth Chapman - Beth Chapman and Associates, LLC