Alabama Legislature Wraps 10-Week Session With Public Service, Tax and Primary Election Bills

Alabama's legislative session nears its end after ten weeks, with lawmakers wrapping up the week of March 20 before a spring break recess, set to reconvene March 31, according to the Alabama State Bar. The House advanced key bills, including Public Service Commission reforms requiring rate hearings every three years and barring utilities from passing lobbying costs to customers, as reported by JD Supra. Legislation for closed party primaries, mandating voter party registration, passed the House amid debate, while a capped overtime tax deduction up to $1,000 annually gained traction. Committees tackled bills on doxing, first responder interference, and business code updates. In business news, Associated MetalCast announced a $6.24 million expansion in Oxford, creating 50 jobs with wages over $49,000, per Made in Alabama. Construction Partners plans a $20 million headquarters in Dothan, consolidating operations and reaffirming local ties. Calhoun County's industrial park expansion received over $2 million in SEEDS funding, boosting site readiness for manufacturing. Governor Kay Ivey secured federal approval for $460 million in BEAD broadband grants, funding 63 projects to connect 92,000 unserved locations, enhancing education and economic growth, as stated in her office's release. Congressman Shomari Figures announced $3.65 million for Montgomery projects, including I-65 infrastructure and a tech innovation hub. Trussville leaders prepare to unveil growth plans addressing school capacity, public safety, and parks. Governor Ivey also announced 35 new Pre-K to 3rd grade classrooms. Public safety incidents include a Birmingham shooting leaving one dead, a Tuscaloosa County I-59 crash blocking lanes for 10 hours, and a Moody I-20 chase, per ABC 33/40. No major recent weather events reported. Looking Ahead: Watch for legislative return March 31 with six days left, potential closed primaries Senate vote, BEAD project contracts, and Trussville's April or May council proposal on development. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.