Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB69

Introduced
2/7/24  
Introduced
2/7/24  
Report Pass
4/3/24  
Refer
2/7/24  
Refer
4/11/24  
Report Pass
4/3/24  
Report Pass
4/30/24  
Refer
4/11/24  
Enrolled
5/2/24  
Report Pass
4/30/24  
Passed
5/6/24  
Enrolled
5/2/24  
Passed
5/6/24  

Caption

Children First Trust Fund, appropriations from for fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, use of allocation pursuant to Section 41-15B-2.2 and this act, tobacco settlement revenues deposited in fund within 30 days of receipt.

Impact

The impact of SB69 is substantial as it outlines the financial commitments and operational procedures for the Children First Trust Fund. It mandates that all tobacco revenues designated for the trust fund be deposited within 30 days of receipt, thereby providing a reliable funding source for child and family services. By ensuring consistent allocations across different agencies, the bill aims to enhance the delivery of services and the effectiveness of programs intended to benefit children and families in need, which could potentially lead to improved outcomes in child welfare and health services.

Summary

The SB69 bill, introduced by Senator Albritton, primarily focuses on the appropriation of funds from the Children First Trust Fund for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. The bill allocates a total of approximately $39.5 million from this trust fund to various state entities, including significant amounts earmarked for the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the Department of Public Health. Additionally, it specifies the distribution and utilization of tobacco settlement revenues, ensuring that these funds are deposited and allocated to designated agencies in a timely manner, thereby establishing a structured financial framework for child services in Alabama.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB69 appears to be supportive, particularly among lawmakers focused on child welfare and public health. The unanimous vote in favor during its recent passage indicates a strong bipartisan consensus regarding the importance of consistent funding for child services. However, it is also essential to note that discussions around funding allocations may lead to tensions regarding resource distribution among various agencies and stakeholders, especially if the available revenues fluctuate due to external factors such as tobacco sales.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the conditional nature of the appropriations based on the availability of tobacco revenues, which could create uncertainty for agencies relying on these funds. Some lawmakers may express concerns about the heavy reliance on tobacco settlements as a primary revenue source, questioning the sustainability of such funding in the long term. Additionally, the bill's stipulation that any remaining funds at the conclusion of the fiscal year remain in the Children First Trust Fund and do not revert to the State General Fund could lead to debates about fiscal responsibility and resource allocation priorities within the state budget.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB147

Children First Trust Fund, appropriations from for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, use of allocation pursuant to Section 41-15B-2.2, Code of Alabama 1975 and this act, tobacco settlement revenues deposited in fund within 30 days of receipt.

AL HB183

Children First Trust Fund, appropriations from for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, use of allocation pursuant to Section 41-15B-2.2, Code of Alabama 1975 and this act, tobacco settlement revenues deposited in fund within 30 days of receipt

AL SB107

Children First Trust Fund, appropriations from for fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, use of allocation pursuant to Section 41-15B-2.2 and this act, tobacco settlement revenues deposited in fund within 30 days of receipt, Finance Director to notify each agency of allocation, appropriations conditional on tobacco revenues, appropriation of additional tobacco settlement funds, audit, Children's Affairs Department to report to Legislature and Children's Policy Council, appropriations from General Fund to various entities

AL HB269

Children First Trust Fund, appropriations from for fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, use of allocation pursuant to Section 41-15B-2.2 and this act, tobacco settlement revenues deposited in fund within 30 days of receipt, Finance Director to notify each agency of allocation, appropriations conditional on tobacco revenues, appropriation of additional tobacco settlement funds, audit, Children's Affairs Department to report to Legislature and Children's Policy Council, appropriations from General Fund to various entities

AL SB79

To make an appropriation of $39,097,848 from the Children First Trust Fund for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, to the entities and for the purposes designated in Section 41-15B-2.2, Code of Alabama 1975; to provide for the deposit of tobacco settlement revenues into the Children First Trust Fund; to require written notification of anticipated agency allocations by the State Director of Finance; to require quarterly allocations; to condition allocations on receipt of tobacco revenues; to provide for the transfer to the State General Fund during fiscal year 2024 that portion of Children First Trust Fund receipts currently allocated for the State Board of Education; to make an appropriation of $50,511,261 from other tobacco settlement funds for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; and to make a conditional appropriation and allocation of additional tobacco revenues upon the recommendation of the Director of Finance, the Chairman of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee and the Chairman of the Senate Finance and Taxation-General Fund Committee, and the approval of the Governor.

AL HB127

To make an appropriation of $39,097,848 from the Children First Trust Fund for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, to the entities and for the purposes designated in Section 41-15B-2.2, Code of Alabama 1975; to provide for the deposit of tobacco settlement revenues into the Children First Trust Fund; to require written notification of anticipated agency allocations by the State Director of Finance; to require quarterly allocations; to condition allocations on receipt of tobacco revenues; to provide for the transfer to the State General Fund during fiscal year 2024 that portion of Children First Trust Fund receipts currently allocated for the State Board of Education; to make an appropriation of $50,511,261 from other tobacco settlement funds for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; and to make a conditional appropriation and allocation of additional tobacco revenues upon the recommendation of the Director of Finance, the Chairman of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee and the Chairman of the Senate Finance and Taxation-General Fund Committee, and the approval of the Governor.

AL HB217

FY25 Children's First Trust Fund

AL SB75

Appropriations from Education Trust Fund for the support, maintenance, and development of public education for fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.

AL HB145

Appropriations from Education Trust Fund for the support, maintenance, and development of public education for fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.

AL HB144

Supplemental appropriations from Education Trust Fund to specified agencies for fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.

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