Final Installment

We began the 2011 Legislative Session with a new majority for the first time since Reconstruction and promises of change. As of Thursday, June 9th, many of those promises were kept. The package of bills known as the “Handshake with Alabama” was completed on the final day of this year’s session. It was just part of a busy day in the Alabama State House.

In most years, the final day of the legislative session is a mixed bag of tradition, reminiscing, and laughter, coupled with frantic work to finish passing important legislation at the last minute. This year was no different and is exactly what both chambers did before adjourning sine die just before midnight.

Both the General Fund and Education Trust Fund budgets were completed along with finalizing the Board of Education redistricting plan. There was some slight concern that these would not be completed and that a special session would be needed, but that will not be the case.

Many other bills also received final passage. From our local delegation in Shelby County, Senator Slade Blackwell was able to pass SB 458, The Hagen Act, that requires inspection for residential elevators. Senator Cam Ward’s bill on Indigent Defense reform also was passed by the House. Representative Kurt Wallace received final passage on his bill to ensure a person’s rights to a vote by secret ballot. This bill is considered one of the “Handshake with Alabama” bills.

Other “Handshake” bills that were passed on the final legislative day were the Voter ID bill that requires a person to show state-issued photo identification in order to vote and HB 58, requiring elected officials and their spouses to report employment with the state or federal government. Both of these bills go to Governor Robert Bentley for his signature. The last of the “Handshake” bills to pass allows individuals to opt out of the President’s federal healthcare bill. This constitutional amendment goes directly to the ballot for a statewide vote.

The Brewery Modernization Act allowing Brewpubs to open taprooms, conduct tours or open restaurants on their premises was passed and signed by Governor Bentley.

In a change of direction for this report, a bill that did not receive final passage was the Jefferson County Limited Home Rule bill that would have given the Jefferson County Commission authority to approve $50 million in replacement revenue from the loss of the occupational tax. The bill officially died in the Senate late on Thursday.

Well, I opened the 2011 Legislative Session opining about Spring Training and my beloved Philadelphia Phillies. As the session has now ended, the baseball season has truly turned to the dog days of summer, and the Phightin’ Phils are still in first place. Hopefully they will remain there well into football season. To keep up to date with the Shelby County Legislative Delegation during the rest of the year you can follow us on Twitter @SCDelegation or like our Facebook page. Have a great summer everybody!