SB153 (Homebrew legalization) is dead in committee. Despite Chairman Morrow’s efforts, the House Tourism and Travel Committee didn’t have enough people show up to have a quorum to give it a favorable report. There’s simply no way this is going to happen this year.
SB328 (Brewery Modernization Act), however, is still kicking. We have high hopes of coming up for a vote some time today… the last day.
I can tell you that I know a ton of you called and emailed your representatives in Montgomery, and your efforts have made an impact. I can’t guarantee anything, but I have high hopes. We’re definitely on the radar. As of this posting (all things politics are subject to change), we have a spot on the second Special Order Calendar for the day. Traditionally, the last day of the session lasts a long time as all the unfinished business is being handled. As long as the members of the House find no reason to filibuster and stall away today, the Brewery Modernization Act should come up for a vote.
If you pray, pray for a productive day in the Alabama House of Representatives.
If you would like to watch sausage legislation being made, you can listen to the live audio of the House session at the legislature’s website
11 Comments
Great tirade from Rep. Payne going on right how in the house about the evils of alcohol, how alcohol destroys health, families, and the very fabric of space and time (or something like that).
The Speaker just said this fortified wine bill (SB98) would be the last alcohol-related bill he brings up though.
Not sure if everyone is aware, but SB98, for which the house just joined with the senate in overriding the Governor’s veto, was amended with language that repeals the Brooks amendment to last year’s beer bill. Retailers that are allowed to sell beer of any sort can now additionally sell gourmet beers (ditto for wines).
That’s really good news.
House is tied up on a mental health bill at the moment. I would make some joke here about our state politicians discussing mental illnesses, but my momma taught me to say nothing if I can’t say anything nice.
Can anyone confirm the information that Jeremiah posted above? Will I now be able to buy high gravity beer at my local Publix? If so, this is really big news and should be posted on the blog. Thanks in advance.
It is true. The c-store amendment was effectively nixed with SB98. It takes effect in July or August.
My rep Mike Ball just emailed me to say that he thinks our bill is dead this year…
That’s an opinion… might even prove to be a correct one.
We’re still supposed to have our spot on the second SOC, but there’s a lot of ifs involved. IF they get to the second SOC being the most prominent. Then there’s IF we get to our bill on the SOC. Then there’s also IF we’re not getting bad information over here.
It will take a miracle for it to make it the floor now. They’ve barely skimmed the surface of the first SOC. What a waste!
Sigh… listening to this is a train wreck.
Watching paint dry? Slug crawling?