Attorney General King Weighs in on Fire Alarm Installation

Over the past 3 weeks, ABC of Alabama has been actively involved in the legal interpretation of 2009 HB 289.  It appeared some municipalities have suggested the language did not exempt Alabama licensed electrical contractors and notices were sent to that affect.  After a series of meetings with the Attorney General’s office, state fire marshals along with input from ABC, ASA and IEC, we did get a positive official opinion and also had a call with the state fire marshal to resolve misunderstandings.

On Friday February 12 ABC of AL conducted a conference call with members of the three trade groups above and the AG explained the opinion and answered questions.  If you receive any notices or are denied a permit sighting HB289, please contact Jay Reed at 205.870.9768 immediately. To obtain a copy of the formal opinion, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

The construction industry applauds Attorney General Troy King.

Bills to watch and why they matter

HB3-Rep. Canfield-would establish constitutional amendment making secret ballot elections in Alabama mandatory-SUPPORT. Why it matters: This bill will if passed will assist us in our effort to combat EFCA should it pass Nationally.

SB11-Senator Smitherman- unemployment compensation legislation-OPPOSE. Why it matters: Currently businesses pay $218 million in unemployment taxes.  This plan would increase that to $450 million.

HB338-Rep. Harper-Electrical Licensing Board-SUPPORT. Simply needed revisions that ABC endorses

SB179-Senator Mitchell-Construction image enhancement legislation-SUPPORT. Technical amendments to the workforce bill from Session 2009

SB121-Senator Barron-1 Billion to road and bridges/transportation-SUPPORT. Funds 10 years of road construction from Alabama Trust Fund

IMMIGRATION-ABC’s Reed will co-chair again Alabama Employers for Immigration Reform and this group is reviewing all immigration bills the week of 1-25-10 for position.

To view these bills visit http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ACASLogin.asp?SESSION=1051
To get involved with these bills contact Jay Reed at 205-870-9768.

As news from the New York Times recently rolled out, a possible EFCA “compromise” in the works in the Senate. This is something we have always envisioned as a possibility and it comes as no surprise. Regardless of what is being worked on in the Senate our messaging needs to remain the same, there is no room for compromise on the Employee Free Choice Act. This bill is a no win for Merit Shop and nothing can be done to make the legislation more palatable.