Alabama House Bill HB125

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/21/23
• Report Pass: 4/19/23
• Engrossed: 4/25/23
• Refer: 4/25/23
• Report Pass: 5/24/23
• Enrolled: 5/26/23
• Passed: 5/26/23

Caption

To make supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023: from the Veterans' Assistance Fund to the Department of Veterans' Affairs in the amount of $10,000,000, and from the State General Fund to various agencies and entities a total amount of $207,623,865; and to amend Section 2C of Act 2022-270 to clarify the conditions for release of the conditional appropriation to the Department of Corrections and to reallocate the conditional appropriation to the Corrections Capital Improvement Fund, if those conditions are not met.

Impact

HB 125 also amends Section 2C of Act 2022-270, clarifying the conditions under which appropriation for the Department of Corrections will be released. It outlines a conditional appropriation of $40,000,000 for hiring additional correctional officers, which is contingent on state fund availability and compliance with reporting requirements. This change is aimed to bolster staffing levels in correctional facilities, addressing longstanding concerns regarding officer shortages and the overall safety and security within the state's correctional system.

Summary

House Bill 125 is an act designed to make supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023. The bill allocates $10,000,000 from the Veterans' Assistance Fund to the Department of Veterans' Affairs as part of its commitment to support veterans' services. Furthermore, the bill provides a total of $207,623,865 from the State General Fund to various agencies and entities. The significant earmarks include substantial funding for economic development projects and public safety enhancements, thereby emphasizing the state's focus on improving infrastructure and support services for its residents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 125 appears to be generally supportive, particularly given the emphasis on appropriating funds for critical services such as veterans' assistance and public safety. Legislators from both sides expressed their approval for the economic initiatives listed within the bill, reflecting a collective interest in advancing state infrastructure and community safety. Nevertheless, discussions revealed some apprehensions regarding how effectively these funds would be managed and allocated across the different entities.

Contention

Notable points of contention during discussions revolved around the conditional nature of the appropriations for the Department of Corrections. Critiques were raised regarding the potential for these measures to fall short if the designated conditions were not met, raising concerns about the future of staffing in correctional facilities. Additionally, while many supported the economic development initiatives, there were discussions about the transparency and accountability of fund allocations across various projects listed in the bill.