What to Watch: Legislative Session Week 12

Today, the Legislature will gavel into its 12th week of business. It’s possible this week will mark the conclusion of the 2023 general legislative session.

Here are some things to keep an eye on this week:

Budgets

The budget process culminated early Friday morning after an all-day undertaking by both chambers to refine and authorize the state General Fund budget and Education Trust Fund. Those decisions were finalized, transmitted to the governor, and now rest on her desk for authorization. Any changes would go back to the Legislature.

Rebates

Included in that package sent to Gov. Kay Ivey is her proposed direct taxpayer relief in the form of direct $150 payments to 2021 tax filers — $300 to working couples filing jointly. Ivey is fully expected to sign off on this aspect of the supplemental funding decision. Rebates are a done deal.

Grocery tax

Among the Senate’s highest priorities this week includes the final authorization of a House-version of the Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth and Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) grocery tax cut. It dictates a gradual 2% drop off in sales tax on food beginning this year, utilizing the SNAP definition of food, so long as ETF revenue does not dip below 2% in revenue — with an additional, full 2% drop off in 2025. A joint study commission has been appointed to measure progress. Whether taken up today or later, this bill is sure to pass.

Absentee ballots

It’s likely HB209, a proposal tightening the flow of absentee ballots in future election cycles, will be taken up for a full floor vote by the Senate this week. The bill would remove any profit motive from the collection of absentee ballots and outlaw pre-filled ballots from being mailed to Alabama voters. While it will draw controversy from Senate Democrats, the support is there from lawmakers across the board — including Secretary of State Wes Allen.

ESG regulation

The House will take up legislation today to regulate corporations that integrate social justice metrics in their dealings with current and prospective customers. Also known as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing. The Senate bill making its debut on the House floor would regulate the state’s ability to enter into contracts with companies that prioritize such metrics. Lawmakers and state leaders have scrutinized ESG practices, viewing Alabama as a proving ground for the law.

Overtime tax

Among legislation written this session to reduce the tax burden on everyday Alabamians, Rep. Anthony Daniels is experiencing a holding pattern on his idea to cut the state income tax on paychecks earned above the 40-hour overtime mark. It’s been promoted by business groups and lawmakers across the aisle, but sits stagnant before Chairman Arthur Orr’s Finance & Taxation Education committee in the Senate. A bipartisan group of House lawmakers have scheduled a press conference this morning to discuss the final-hour pitch to bring the idea into law.

Alabama Accountability Act expansion

After authorization by the Senate last week, Sen. Donny Chesteen’s proposal to expand and enhance the initial 2013 Alabama Accountability Act to further include impoverished and disabled students in the qualifying standard for scholarships to be used at better-performing public schools or private schools was taken up by the House on Tuesday. It would onboard thousands of potential new students and families to the AAA program.

Space Command

We’ll continue to hear about U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s impending decision to base U.S. Space Command at Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal — on merit — instead of bending to the politicized scrum from the Biden White House and Colorado’s delegation to Congress. Currently, this is an all-hands-on-deck procedure from leaders across the state at all levels of government.

Sine die in sight

All told, Thursday could bring the 2023 general legislative session to a close.

If today and Thursday serve as working days for both chambers, this will still allow Ivey ample time to potentially veto any legislation she disagrees with — the main focus being the budgets. Otherwise, declaring Thursday “sine die” would close that window to sort out any vetoes from the governor. “Sine die” is the conclusion of the legislative session without setting a day to reconvene.

There’s still anticipation the governor plays hardball, possibly ensuring the Senate passes key grocery and overtime tax cut legislation. Expect both the House and the Senate to potentially reserve a day next week to fully conclude the session after everyone has been spoken for.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270 for coverage of the 2023 legislative session.