Friday Five: June 9, 2023
This week, the Alabama Legislature adjourned sine die (without setting a date to reconvene), marking the end of the 2023 legislative session.
And with the final banging of the gavel comes the bittersweet end of our fan-favorite #FridayFive legislative highlight series. But fear not, dear reader, we’ll be back soon with a session recap so you have the SparkNotes on what passed, what didn’t and what’s next for Alabama.
For now, here’s your final Friday Five of the 2023 session:
THIS WEEK’S FRIDAY FIVE
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A controversial absentee ballot assistance bill fell to the cutting room floor after sine die. HB209 would have made it a felony for anyone except family members or caregivers to assist voters in filling out absentee ballots. The bill’s critics argued that it would disproportionately impact marginalized communities and restrict their access to voting. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville), has expressed plans to reintroduce the bill next session.
Read more: Controversial absentee ballot bill to return next session, sponsor says (Alabama Daily News)
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Talk about time-and-a-half! Gov. Ivey just put some extra cash in Alabamians' pockets by signing a bill to cut income tax on overtime. This move recognizes the sweat equity of Alabama workers and provides them with a well-deserved boost to pad against the impacts of recent inflation. You may recall last week that we mentioned a $25 million cap on revenue lost to the tax cut, but Gov. Ivey removed the cap before giving the bill her John Hancock. Gov. Ivey said, “By eliminating state income taxes on all overtime pay, we are directly putting more hard-earned money into the pockets of our hardest, most dedicated workers and helping our employers overcome workforce shortages, which has become one of their biggest challenges.”
Read more: Gov. Kay Ivey signs school choice, overtime tax cut bills (Alabama Political Reporter)
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Gov. Ivey gave her stamp of approval to two school choice bills, signing them into law. SB263, sponsored by Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) expands the existing private school scholarship fund, potentially providing more families with additional educational options. HB363, sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur), focuses on improving the structure of the Alabama Charter School Commission and establishing clearer rules for the establishment of charter schools. These bills reflect the ongoing discussions and efforts to enhance education opportunities and provide greater choice in the state.
Read More: Gov. Kay Ivey signs school choice bills into law (Alabama Today)
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Gov. Ivey enacted a significant change for drivers on the verge of license suspension. With SB154 signed into law, drivers may now miss up to three payments on their fine payment plan or one court date without immediate license suspension. But hey, don't go crazy on those tickets or start driving like Evel Knievel—this leniency doesn't apply to dangerous traffic offenses. So, buckle up and stay safe. This adjustment aims to provide drivers with increased opportunities to fulfill work, educational, and family responsibilities while maintaining compliance with legal obligations.
Read More: Ivey signs bill offering leniency before driver’s licenses are suspended (AL.com)
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In a significant ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a lower court's decision that Alabama's congressional district map dilutes the voting power of Black Alabamians. The 5-4 ruling orders the creation of a second district with a large Black population to address this issue. The decision not only affirms the rights of Black voters in Alabama but also establishes an important precedent for fair map decisions and the protection of voting rights in other states facing similar challenges. This ruling marks a milestone in the ongoing fight for equal representation and reinforces the importance of ensuring that every citizen's vote matters.
Read More: Supreme Court: Alabama’s voting maps unfair to Black residents (Washington Post)
OUR PUBLISHED BY PERITUS TAKEAWAY
State public policy shapes our communities, our organizations and our lives. In return, we all have the right and privilege to shape public policy. The driver’s seat has your name on it.
We know life gets in the way, and there are a number of roadblocks to following the legislative session. That’s why Peritus’ public affairs team created a handy-dandy #ALPolitics Guide with all the tools you need to identify and contact your local representatives, explore media resources to keep you informed throughout the session and bridge the gap between policymakers and your community. If you’re reading this, you’re off to a good start.
Check out the 2023 Peritus PR Alabama Legislative Guide here.