Senate advances tax exemption for charity, confirms military promotions and passes a slate of bills
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Summary
On Feb. 10 the Alabama Senate passed SB 16 (a sales/use tax exemption for Sleep in Heavenly Peace with local approval), adopted multiple committee amendments, confirmed several National Guard promotions and advanced numerous bills including measures on taxation, health, economic development and local government.
The Alabama Senate on Feb. 10 approved a package of bills and confirmations, including a tax measure to benefit a volunteer charity and several confirmations of promotions in the Alabama Army National Guard.
Tax exemption for children's-bed charity: Senate Bill 16, sponsored by Senator Weaver, authorizes a sales-and-use tax exemption for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Inc., contingent on approval by the affected county or municipality. Committee amendments clarified that local governments must adopt a resolution to opt into the county/municipal exemption; a time-limited amendment was discussed on the floor. Senator Weaver explained the amendment: "it allows them to be exempt from paying county and municipal taxes upon approval of the county or municipality," a floor summary said. The committee amendments were adopted and SB 16 passed by recorded vote.
Confirmations and promotions: The Senate confirmed multiple nominees reported by the committee on confirmations, including promotions and appointments in the Alabama Army National Guard (for example, Stephen B. Witherington, Clay S. Strickland, Charles Preece, Stephen Overby, Justin Todd Floyd, Andrew T. Conant) as well as trustee and commission appointments. Several confirmations were approved by long roll or voice vote as reported by the secretary.
Other bills: The body advanced and passed a range of bills on the calendar, including measures related to retired employees (SB 28, which includes phased provisions for law-enforcement and DA participation while preserving a bus-driver provision), municipal governance (HB 153), motor vehicle designation for invisible disabilities (HB 66), catastrophe savings accounts (HB 27), income tax changes (SB 79), and others listed on the special order calendar. Committee amendments were adopted for many items, and votes were recorded on the floor as shown in the session record.
Procedural note: A senator raised a procedural question on the floor about whether a tax bill properly originated in the House; the presiding officer declined to rule on the point during the session and the chamber proceeded to consider the measure. The session adjourned to reconvene at 9 a.m. on Feb. 12.
Votes at a glance: SB16 — committee amendments adopted; final passage recorded (vote recorded on floor). SB28 — committee amendments and sponsor amendment adopted; final passage recorded. Multiple confirmations — reported favorable and confirmed by recorded votes as read by the secretary. For specific tallies, see the actions list below.
