The 2022 legislative session is halfway over — maybe more than, if lawmakers decide to sine die prior to day 30.
Here’s a bit of what to expect today, legislative day 16…
- The 2023 education budget and related bills will get their first votes today when the House Ways and Means Education Committee meets at 11 a.m. Aside from the $8.2 billion budget, there’s a 4% raise for education employees and a one-time bonus for retirees.
- The Senate education budget committee meets at 2 p.m. It will take up Sen. Arthur Orr’s numeracy act bill aimed at improving math education in elementary schools. Unlike the 2019 Literacy Act, it does not have a holdback requirement. Orr told Alabama Daily News a substitute bill is expected today.
- Speaking of the Literacy Act, Rep. Terri Collins’ bill making changes — but not delaying the third-grade holdback requirement — is also in that Senate committee today. There’s more on that in today’s Inside Alabama Politics.
- Senate Government Affairs meets at 1 p.m. and has some meaty legislation on its 16-bill agenda, including efforts to abolish the state auditor’s office, make municipalities report annually on revenue they generate from fines and fees (think Brookside) and rein in some of the powers of the state health officer.
- Sen. Arthur Orr’s Senate Bill 225 says in a public health emergency, any action by the health officer to “restrict, limit, or otherwise burden the conduct of private citizens or businesses” may not take effect unless the governor signs off on the order.
- The House comes in at 1:30 this afternoon, the Senate at 2:30.
See you at the State House!