Budget challenges

Difficulties in the state General Fund are expected to continue into the 2016 session. Available revenue is predicted to fall short of the necessary amount to maintain services. Gov. Robert Bentley is not proposing any general fund tax increases in his proposed budget. Legislative budget chairmen likewise said they see little enthusiasm for tax increases, which likely means cuts for several state agencies.

Gas tax to fund road repairs

The Legislature’s transportation committee has held a series of pre-session meetings about the possibility of raising the state’s gasoline tax increase to pay for road and bridge construction in the state. Advocates said the price of road construction and repairs has increased exponentially while improvements in automobile fuel efficiency have reduced tax collections, which pay for the work, to stagnate. Opponents have argued that the public is not favorable to tax increases.

Lottery discussion to begin

Lottery legislation could get its first serious consideration in the Alabama Statehouse in 17 years. Republicans and Democrats have introduced rival proposals to establish a state lottery. There is disagreement over how lottery proceeds should be spent, and there could be resistance from lawmakers who also want casino legislation. Alabamians voted against a proposed lottery in 1999, leaving Alabama as one of six states without a lottery.

Current Status: Pending Committee Action in House of Origin. IN: House

Officials agree to increase teacher salaries

One of the few issues where state politicians find themselves in agreement. Democrats, Republicans and Gov. Robert Bentley have all said they will seek a teacher pay increase in the upcoming session. The disagreement will come over how much of a raise that the Education Trust Fund, the state budget that funds public education, can provide without hurting education programs. Suggestions for the pay increase ranged from 2 percent to 5 percent ahead of session.

Current Status: Pending Committee Action in House of Origin. IN: Senate

Decreased city police jurisdictions

This bill is intended to reduce the limits of police jurisdiction for municipalities to one and a half miles from the corporate limits, authorizes the extension of the police jurisdiction by local law to three miles under certain conditions, and provides that ordinances, taxes, or regulations in effect on the effective date of the act will remain in effect until July 1, 2017.

Current Status: Pending Committee Action in House of Origin. IN: Senate