Latest news with #SB138
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gwinnett Co. announces legal action to block new law for Mulberry to take over public services
Gwinnett County vowed on Thursday to take legal action after it said a new state law unfairly shifts costs to taxpayers. Senate Bill 138 outlines how services are to be transferred to the new City of Mulberry. County leaders, though, say that SB 138 strips away legal protections and forces Gwinnett County to cover some stormwater repairs, police costs and even some of the city's election expenses. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In a statement issued by the county, officials said they oppose the bill, which became state law on Thursday. 'I am committed to building a stronger, more prosperous future for all residents of Gwinnett County,' said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. 'This commitment includes a responsibility to ensure that all of Gwinnett County's residents and taxpayers, including those who live in Mulberry, are not unfairly burdened with costly, unworkable mandates." TRENDING STORIES: Gwinnett County's newest mayor describes cityhood transition as 'mafia movie' Local elections for new City of Mulberry to move forward after latest legal challenge Voters approved the future City of Mulberry. What's next? Additionally, the county said SB 138 removes the county's sovereign immunity benefits from all of their taxpayers and sets 'a dangerous precedent for other counties across the state of Georgia.' As far as the actual issues with the legislation, Gwinnett County officials said they had four major concerns, which are: Loss of sovereign immunity Unfunded stormwater mandates Unequal police funding obligations Elimination of election cost reimbursement After urging Gov. Brian Kemp to veto SB 138, which he did not do, commissioners said the county will pursue legal action to challenge what it calls the legislation's unconstitutional elements. The Association County Commissioners of Georgia also pushed back on SB 138. In a letter from the organization to Kemp, ACCG said despite its specificity to Gwinnett County, the bill "is nevertheless a general bill and could apply in the future to any county meeting its criteria, and to other counties if certain provisions of the bill are subsequently changed." The group said they were particularly concerned by the policy implications of SB 138's provision about a county that fails to meet obligations to a new municipality, saying that "if a new municipality obtains a court ruling that the county has violated any obligation under these new requirements, 'the sovereign immunity of such county and the governmental immunity of all local officials of such local governing body is waived in all matters arising during a period of one year from the date of such judicial finding.'" Put more plainly, ACCG said the sovereign immunity portion of SB 138 could make it so counties would be exposed to legal threats and liability for issues unrelated to disputes between governments, due to claims of violated agreements, for up to a year from a judicial finding saying as much. Gwinnett County says, should this policy proceed, it could end up with "much higher costs to provide county services and higher taxes for all Gwinnett taxpayers." [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alabama Legislature approves bill to remove workforce barriers for qualified reentering citizens
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — On Tuesday, the Alabama Legislature passed SB138, co-sponsored by Representative Parker Moore and Senator Rodger Smitherman, without opposition. 'Senator Smitherman and Representative Parker Moore deserve recognition for leading the charge on this bipartisan, common-sense public safety legislation that reduces bureaucratic red tape and empowers job creators,' said Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward. 'As the Bureau continues its core mission of protecting communities across the state through enhanced supervision and law enforcement operations, SB138 complements this work by addressing one of the key drivers of recidivism: lack of employment. By helping qualified individuals gain access to stable, in-demand, good-paying jobs, Rep. Moore and Sen. Smitherman are supporting the Bureau's efforts to reduce repeat offenses and enhance community safety. This is one of several bills before the Legislature this session that recognize and commend the agency's vital contributions to both reentry and public safety across Alabama. We deeply appreciate the support and expertise of our private sector partners, including Alabama Power, the Business Council of Alabama, Manufacture Alabama, NFIB-Alabama, the Alabama Community College System, Ingram State Technical College, and many others who helped move this important legislation forward.' A broad coalition of businesses and industries support SB138 and see it as a benefit for workforce development and public safety. Alabama is currently facing a workforce shortage with only 50 active workers available for every 100 job openings. SB138 will eliminate barriers that prevent qualified individuals with criminal records from reentering the workforce. The bill will also present parolees and probationers the opportunity to obtain licenses without automatic disqualification by a licensing board for those whose crimes have no relevance to the positions. According to officials, the workers would receive a Certificate of Employability from the Bureau – a document that also protects employers from legal liability for hiring former felons. The bill excludes anyone convicted of violent offenses or sexual misconduct. In Alabama, one in five jobs requires a license, but many individuals with criminal records face barriers to obtaining these licenses, which limits their access to stable employment. 'SB138 empowers Alabama's businesses to make decisions that are in the best interest of their operations and communities, while also ensuring that individuals with criminal histories have the opportunity to rebuild their lives.' Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pay with gold? You can in Alabama
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — A new law has been signed in Alabama, officially reaffirming gold and silver as legal tender in the Yellowhammer state. Governor Kay Ivey signed SB138, or the Alabama Legal Tender Act, into law last week. According to the law, 'any refined gold or silver bullion, specie, or coin that has been stamped, marked, or imprinted with its weight and purity' will be recognized as legal tender in the state. The law also states that no one will be obligated to offer or accept gold and silver for payment unless specified by a contract or law. Alabama lawmakers could vote on posting Ten Commandments in schools The bill previously passed with unanimous support in both the Alabama Senate and House. With the governor's signature, the law will go into effect on October 1, 2025. Alabama is now the seventh state to reaffirm gold and silver as legal tender once again. In 2024, Alabama removed all sales and capital gains taxes on gold and silver. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alabama Senate passes bill to ease job licensing for some with felony convictions
Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham (left) speaks with Sen. April Weaver, R-Alabaster, on the floor of the Alabama Senate on March 4, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama Senate Thursday passed legislation aimed at removing barriers to employment for some people with felony convictions. SB 138, sponsored by Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, would prohibit certain occupational licensing boards from automatically denying licenses based solely on a criminal conviction, unless the crime is directly related to the duties of the profession. A 'certificate of employability' would be issued to certain parolees who meet eligibility requirements, such as job skills training while incarcerated and serve as evidence of rehabilitation. The bill was amended during the debate to exempt some health care professionals, such as doctors, dentists and pharmacists, as well as professionals in the banking and insurance industries. The bill passed 29-0 and heads to the House for consideration. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gwinnett County's newest mayor describes cityhood transition as ‘mafia movie'
The mayor of Gwinnett County's newest city compared his dealings with Gwinnett County to 'a mafia movie' during a legislative hearing Tuesday, where lawmakers advanced a bill that would force the county to work with the city. 'I feel like I'm in a mafia movie,' Mulberry Mayor Michael Coker told the House Intragovernmental Coordination Committee, describing what he called a systematic effort by county officials to undermine the city's existence. 'As the Mayor of the City of Mulberry, my number one priority is the safety and the well-being of my citizens.' Senate Bill 138, which passed with just one dissenting vote on Tuesday, would compel Gwinnett County to recognize Mulberry and maintain services during a two-year transition period. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'They would like to see the city go bankrupt and be starved out. Lack of a better word, that is simply what they are trying to do,' said State Sen. Clint Dixon, the bill's sponsor. According to testimony, Gwinnett County has filed multiple lawsuits against Mulberry, banned county employees from communicating with city officials, and canceled hundreds of building permits without refunding fees after the city's incorporation. House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration, who represents Mulberry residents, condemned what he called 'underhanded tactics used by Gwinnett County to really thwart the will of the voters.' He added, 'We need good partnership between our city and county government to facilitate the transition period.' TRENDING STORIES: Police say Atlanta rapper's 'cowardly' actions led to innocent teens' birthday party murders Former customs agent convicted of smuggling 16 kilos of cocaine to Atlanta airport Suspect steals over $1,400 worth of items at Duluth Walmart Gwinnett County Attorney Michael Ludwiczak defended the county's position, asking lawmakers to allow the parties to resolve the dispute themselves rather than through legislation. 'I propose that the issues should be addressed not by the imposition of a legislative solution, but by an agreement prepared and approved by the parties themselves,' Ludwiczak said. The county attorney testified that Gwinnett had sent a proposed intergovernmental agreement to Mulberry's attorneys the day before the hearing. 'So, really, the very first indication, the very first detailed proposal that we received from Mulberry, indicative of what Mulberry was seeking from Gwinnett County, was in SB 138,' said Ludwiczak. 'That was the first time we received anything detailed from them in writing.' Mulberry, approved by voters in a referendum last year by a 14-point margin, is Gwinnett's newest city. The city was formed after residents complained they were not being adequately represented by county commissioners. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Despite the contentious relationship, Mayor Coker expressed hope for reconciliation. 'I have lived my entire life in Gwinnett County. I want both Mulberry and Gwinnett to succeed. This bill allows us to do that,' he said. If the bill passes the House, it will head to Governor Brian Kemp's desk for signature.
