Montgomery, AL – As the Alabama Legislature enters its third week of the 2025 Legislative Session, which began on February 4th, hundreds of bills have been filed, several of which have the potential to impact the Calhoun County business community. A few notable bills under consideration include proposals on fishing tournament regulations, halfway house oversight, benefits for independent contractors, public works bidding processes, and trucking regulations.
SB38 – Blocking Slot Limits for Coosa River Tournaments
Senate Bill 38, introduced in the Legislature, aims to prevent the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources from enforcing a slot limit on bass caught in tournaments on the Coosa River chain of lakes unless restocking efforts have been attempted and failed. The proposed slot limit would ban the possession of bass between 14 and 20 inches at weigh-ins, a rule that many tournament organizers argue could harm the economic activity driven by fishing tournaments. Supporters of SB38 contend that without successful restocking efforts, the proposed regulation could hurt areas along the Coosa River that benefit from the influx of tournament participants. This bill has already passed out of committee in the House and is expected to be placed on the legislative calendar for further discussion.
SB41 – Calhoun County Halfway House Regulations
Senate Bill 41, a key proposal for Calhoun County, grants local governments the authority to regulate halfway houses, sober living facilities, and rehabilitation centers. If passed, the bill would allow municipalities to require permits for such facilities, impose occupancy limits, and set location restrictions, such as a minimum distance from schools or parks. The bill also includes provisions for civil penalties of $1,000 per day for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill mandates that facilities regulated by local governments must prohibit registered sex offenders from residing in the same facilities as individuals placed there by court order.
HB142 – Portable Benefits for Independent Contractors
House Bill 142 addresses the growing gig economy by creating portable benefit accounts for independent contractors. The bill would allow workers to set aside funds for healthcare, retirement, and income replacement insurance, with contributions from hiring parties such as gig platforms or contract employers. Independent contractors could opt in or out of participation, ensuring flexibility for those in non-traditional employment arrangements. Additionally, tax deductions would be available for both contractors and the hiring parties contributing to these accounts, aiming to improve financial security for workers in this sector.
HB189 – Modernizing Public Works Bidding
House Bill 189 proposes modernizing the public works bidding process for state, county, and municipal agencies overseeing projects exceeding $100,000. The bill expands the methods available for advertising these projects, allowing digital postings on state websites and official government portals as alternatives to traditional newspaper advertisements. It also includes a “safe harbor” provision, ensuring agencies meet bid advertisement requirements even if one of the advertisement methods fails through no fault of their own. The legislation aims to streamline the bidding process and reduce administrative costs.
SB77 – Wire Transfer Fee for Immigration Enforcement
Senate Bill 77 introduces a new fee structure for international wire transfers. Under the bill, a $7.50 fee would apply to transfers up to $500, with a 1.5% fee on amounts exceeding $500. The funds generated by these fees would go into a new “Sheriffs’ Immigration Enforcement and Detainer Fund,” which would be used to support county sheriffs in enforcing immigration laws, including assisting with the detention and housing of individuals in violation of immigration regulations. The bill also allows taxpayers to claim an income tax credit for the wire transfer fees they pay.
SB110 – Trucking Weight Limits & Weigh Station Reforms
Senate Bill 110 proposes changes to trucking weight limits and weigh station enforcement procedures. The bill expands exemptions for certain commercial trucks, including log trucks, dump trucks, and concrete mixers. Additionally, the legislation allows truck operators to verify weight accuracy at certified platform scales within 100 miles of the vehicle’s location, eliminating the need to detour to stationary weigh stations unless necessary. The bill also aims to modernize regulations for truck length and axle weights to align with federal guidelines, helping ensure consistency and efficiency in the transportation industry.
As the 2025 Legislative Session progresses, these bills are among many that could have significant implications for the business landscape in Calhoun County, especially in sectors such as fishing tournaments, public works, and transportation. Lawmakers continue to review these proposals, with further deliberations and votes expected in the coming weeks.
