2021 Session Comes to a Close

On Monday, lawmakers returned to Montgomery for the final day of the 2021 session.

We’re still unpacking and analyzing the votes and actions from the last few weeks and months, but in the meantime, we wanted to provide a quick recap of session and leave you with an update of how things stand now. 

While priority bills related to the Covid-19 pandemic dominated the early session, the remaining weeks featured a flurry of bills on voting, passage of historic Education and General Fund Budgets, as well as heated debates on a statewide lottery and medical marijuana.

A number of bills we followed closely this session fell by the wayside, including:

• HB396, which would allow no-excuse absentee voting, 
• SB 165, which would expand government transparency and enhanced access to public information, and
• SB 365, which would provide greater access to clean drinking water in schools and expand the use of reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste.

A huge thank you to all our members who took action and contacted their legislators in support of these bills!

Our big win this session was the successful passage of HB 565, an $85 million bond issue to improve state parks. Conservation Alabama was a strong supporter of this bill, which will allow state parks to renovate campgrounds and provide Alabamians increased access to public lands throughout the state. This measure is a constitutional amendment, and will go before voters in the November 2022 general election.

We were also excited at the successful passage of HB 281 by Rep. Victor Gaston (R-Mobile), which extended state tax credits for restoration of qualified historic structures through 2027. Conservation Alabama supported this bill because investment in historic renovation reduces the waste that ends up in landfills. Not only that, but it encourages economic investments in older neighborhoods and small towns, where communities are more walkable.

While this year’s session has ended, that doesn’t mean our work is done! We’re already busy preparing for the 2022 legislative session, working with partners on our strategy to advance key conservation policy issues in the coming year.

State Parks Constitutional Amendment on the Move

On Tuesday, House Bill 565, which would authorize the issuance of bonds for improvements and renovations at Alabama’s state parks, passed the House with a vote of 97-1. Rep. Andrew Sorrell (R-Muscle Shoals) was the lone representative to vote against the bill. HB 565 will now go to the Senate for consideration. If passed, the bond measure would be a constitutional amendment and go before voters during 2022 statewide elections. Conservation Alabama strongly supports this bill, as it will allow state parks to renovate campgrounds and provide Alabamians increased access to public lands throughout the state.

House Bill 281 by Rep. Victor Gaston (R-Mobile) received a favorable report from the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee. HB 281 would extend the existing Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program through 2027, which would otherwise expire at the end of next year. Conservation Alabama supports these tax credits because historic renovation reduces the waste that ends up in landfills and encourages economic investments in older neighborhoods and small towns where communities are more walkable.

Other big news this week included movement of gaming legislation in the Senate. A proposed constitutional amendment by Sen. Jim McClendon (R-Springville) passed the Senate 23-9. This legislation would create a state lottery, sports betting, and allow for nine casinos throughout the state, including three sites owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The first $750 million collected by the state will go towards broadband expansion. It now goes to the House for consideration.

The legislature will return Tuesday, April 20^th – the House at 1:00 and the Senate at 2:00 – for the 24th legislative day. It will be a two-day legislative week, and Conservation Alabama will keep you updated on any legislation that would impact our state’s natural resources.

2021 Legislative Session Winding Down

It was an exciting week at the State House. We began this week with only three legislative days remaining and efforts to pass a bill legalizing medical marijuana and a constitutional amendment on a lottery and gaming package. Debates on Tuesday and Thursday went late into the evening. Senate Bill 46 by Sen. Tim Melson (R-Florence), legalizing the use of medical marijuana, passed and is now on the Governor’s desk. However, Senate Bill 319 by Sen. Jim McClendon (R-Springville), a constitutional amendment that would allow a lottery and expanded gaming in the state, died on Thursday. With only one legislative day left, it’s unlikely to pass this session.

House Bill 281 by Rep. Victor Gaston (R-Mobile) passed the Senate and now awaits the Governor’s signature. The bill will extend state tax credits for restoration of qualified historic structures through 2029. Investment in historic renovation reduces the waste that ends up in landfills and encourages economic investments in older neighborhoods and small towns, where communities are more walkable.

The legislature will return Monday, May 17 for the final day of the 2021 legislative session. The Senate will convene at 11:00 am and the House at 10:00 am. 

State Parks Amendment Passes

Three legislative days remain as the Alabama legislature begins to wrap up the 2021 legislative session. They will meet Tuesday and Thursday of next week, take a ten-day break, and conclude Monday, May 17.

The big news in conservation this week was the passage of a constitutional amendment allowing the state to borrow $85 million to expand and improve campgrounds at Alabama’s state parks. State parks saw a surge in visitations in 2020 as Alabamians sought safe outdoor activities during the Covid-19 pandemic. The bond measure will allow renovations to occur simultaneously, rather than over a long period of time as funds become available. As a constitutional amendment this bill is not signed by the Governor, but instead will go before voters during the 2022 general election.

SB 368, another bill we are watching this legislative session, passed the Senate this week. SB 368 would ensure water bottle filling stations are installed in all newly constructed or renovated schools and allow for regulated use of reusable water bottles in schools. This bill is a win-win, promoting healthy habits in children today and ensuring a healthy environment for their tomorrow. Click here to take action and tell your representative you support SB 368 and its passage before this legislative session ends.

In other news, the largest ever Education budget is now on the Governor’s desk for her signature. The Senate quickly concurred with the House in approving the $7.7 billion budget, which includes a two percent pay raise for public school employees.

The Senate also passed a record breaking General Fund budget. At almost $2.5 billion, it includes a two percent pay raise for state employees. The House is expected to concur with Senate changes and send it to the Governor next week. 

The legislature will return Tuesday, May 4 — the House at 1:00 pm and the Senate at 2:00 pm — for the 28^th legislative day. It will be a two-day legislative week.