Alabama vote.

[CGVT]

I just checked the ALISON site and found this concerning the bill:

Pending
third reading on day 28 Favorable from Job Creation and Economic Development

Does that mean that it is scheduled to be read on day 28 and if so, does anyone know when day 28 is?

 

[aubiecat]

Day 28 was yesterday.

 

[CGVT]

Well, that sucks

 

[CGVT]

But... I read this on Free the Hops Facebook concerning the Bottle Bill. I think it means that they have added an extra day to the session?

Great news! The legislature has decided to adjourn this year's session on Wednesday the 16th, instead of Tuesday the 15th. This removes our bill from the "pocket veto" window so if Governor Bentley takes no action on the bill, it will become law without his signature. However, HE CAN STILL KILL THE BILL IF HE CHOOSES. He could "basket veto" it by returning it to the Senate with a veto at such a late hour on Wednesday that they would have no time for an override. So your calls are still *crucially* important. Keep them up! And emails, letters, and faxes.

If the Governor takes no action on the bill, it will become law without his signature at midnight, this Wednesday, May 16th.

Note, however, there is a provision in the bill that means it won't go into effect until August 1st. That is to give wholesalers and retailers time to prepare for all the new packages.

 

[homebrewdad]

Yep. Bottle bill is looking better and better... but homebrew bill is all but out of time.

 

[pentachris]

But... I read this on Free the Hops Facebook concerning the Bottle Bill. I think it means that they have added an extra day to the session?

I'm pretty sure that won't change how many days they meet, just what will be the last day they meet, changing the last meeting day from Tuesday to Wednesday.

 

[CGVT]

I'm pretty sure that won't change how many days they meet, just what will be the last day they meet, changing the last meeting day from Tuesday to Wednesday.

That makes sense.

 

[homebrewdad]

I'm pretty sure that won't change how many days they meet, just what will be the last day they meet, changing the last meeting day from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Heh. Legislators putting in extra hours to get their jobs done - for no extra pay? Riiiiight.

 

[Gduck]

Ommegang is on store shelves in Auburn. Earthfare on Opelika Rd. has single and 4 packs of 12oz.

I'll have to pass that along. I forgot they do the smaller bottles now. The bottle shop I go to only has the 750ml so I forgot they did smaller packaging. Thanks for the tip!

 

[aubiecat]

Sucks to have come so close.

 

[dford]

We still have a chance next week.

 

[wailingguitar]

I will be calling Tammy Irons again and pleading... maybe she needs someone to wash her car or clean her office... I can do that...

 

[CGVT]

When is the calendar set for the day (and where can I see it)?

 

[aubiecat]

I don't think either branch has set the special order yet. I bet there is a huge scramble by everyone to try and get their bills on the calendar for the last day.
You can check it on the Alison site but they don't usually post the final special order until are ready to call the first bill.
I wish there was a way to get some inside information on whether our bill is going to make it onto the calendar or not.

 

[CGVT]

I bet you are right on the scramble. I think it will pass if it gets on the calendar, but that is a big IF...

I guess I will send and email to the Senators today asking them to support it. I don't know if it will do any good, but it certainly can't hurt.

 

[CGVT]

Just called my Senator (spoke to his aid) and am trying to get a last minute phone blitz going...

 

[Accidic]

I called mine (no answer) and followed it up with an email in support of the bill.

I'm hoping one of my colleagues is right and they'll put it on for the last day to appear to swoop in and 'save' the day. I'm fine with that if they pass it though. Frankly I don't think they should be able to continue to new business with subsequent sessions until everything from the previous one has been completed.

 

[aubiecat]

I called mine (no answer) and followed it up with an email in support of the bill.

I'm hoping one of my colleagues is right and they'll put it on for the last day to appear to swoop in and 'save' the day. I'm fine with that if they pass it though. Frankly I don't think they should be able to continue to new business with subsequent sessions until everything from the previous one has been completed.

Any bill that makes it through committee should be required to go up for a vote.

 

[dford]

I sent an email to Senator Holtzclaw who is our representative on the Homebrewing bill to ask for support to get this bill on the calendar. The last day is going to be busy day because they still have the immigration bill to debate and everyone else that has a bill is pushing to get there's on the calendar for the last day. This bill passed the house on April 26th and it is really disappointing that it came down to the last day to have a chance.

 

[aubiecat]

I sent an email to Senator Holtzclaw who is our representative on the Homebrewing bill to ask for support to get this bill on the calendar. The last day is going to be busy day because they still have the immigration bill to debate and everyone else that has a bill is pushing to get there's on the calendar for the last day. This bill passed the house on April 26th and it is really disappointing that it came down to the last day to have a chance.

They will likely put the immigration bill 1st so I hope our bill is only one or two behind. They will waste most, if not all, of the day on the immigration bill. They still haven't passed a general fund budget either. They are going to call a special session this year for legislative redistricting.

 

[wailingguitar]

I have called Tammy Irons again, as well as Jabo Waggoner and Del Marsh (as per the mass email the AHA just sent out). I have also posted on my facebook begging all my friends to call them too!

 

[aubiecat]

Got this email from senator Holtzclaw this afternoon that gives me hope. Especially the fact that he says there is no opposition to this bill. It is as follows:

I apologize for the delay in thanking you for supporting HB354. I’m happy to support you and Representative McCutcheon to get this bill passed.

I won’t sugarcoat this – we are literally down to the wire with one legislative day remaining; Wednesday the 16th of May. This bill has simply come too far to not get it’s fair shot on the Senate floor. I requested that it be placed on the Special Order Calendar last week but was unable to have it pushed through the log jam of bills.

I have a couple of “silver bullets” left and will use one this week, hopefully ensuring HB354 is placed on the Calendar. You can visit this page to see what bills are placed on the calendar for next Wednesday - http://www.legislature.state.al.us/senate/senaterules/senaterulescommspecialordercalendar.html

I have also been at work talking with colleagues on both sides of the isle to uncover any opposition and am happy to report that no one has shown any opposition…hopefully that will continue hold true. Wednesday will be a wild and wooly day! Thanks again for your support.

Semper Fi

Bill

 

[wailingguitar]

If we get this through, I think we should have a huge party and invite Mac, Holtzclaw, Irons and the others that have worked for us!

 

[aubiecat]

If I am alive I would show up for that, with several cases of homebrew, BUT not more than 15 gallons.

 

[wailingguitar]

If I am alive I would show up for that, with several cases of homebrew, BUT not more than 15 gallons.

RIGHT!

 

[homebrewdad]

Got this email from senator Holtzclaw this afternoon that gives me hope. Especially the fact that he says there is no opposition to this bill. It is as follows:

I apologize for the delay in thanking you for supporting HB354. I’m happy to support you and Representative McCutcheon to get this bill passed.

I won’t sugarcoat this – we are literally down to the wire with one legislative day remaining; Wednesday the 16th of May. This bill has simply come too far to not get it’s fair shot on the Senate floor. I requested that it be placed on the Special Order Calendar last week but was unable to have it pushed through the log jam of bills.

I have a couple of “silver bullets” left and will use one this week, hopefully ensuring HB354 is placed on the Calendar. You can visit this page to see what bills are placed on the calendar for next Wednesday - http://www.legislature.state.al.us/senate/senaterules/senaterulescommspecialordercalendar.html

I have also been at work talking with colleagues on both sides of the isle to uncover any opposition and am happy to report that no one has shown any opposition…hopefully that will continue hold true. Wednesday will be a wild and wooly day! Thanks again for your support.

Semper Fi

Bill

That is huge. I hadn't heard anything at all - a personal response like this, from someone who sounds like they actually care, gives me hope when I had just about given up on it.

 

[pentachris]

Sounds promising aubie thanks for posting!

 

[CGVT]

I got this email today. Get on the phone Monday and call these guys!

Dear Alabama AHA, BA and Support Your Local Brewery Members,

This is the final opportunity to legalize homebrewing in Alabama this year!

The American Homebrewers Association is working with a group of homebrewers in Alabama to legalize homebrewing in the state.

There is just one day left in the 2012 legislative session that the Alabama Senate can vote on House Bill 354. If it is not brought to a vote, it will die with the end of the session. This is the farthest homebrew legalization legislation has ever come in the state, but the outcome is by no means sure.

How Can You Help?
Please call or email the Senate Rules Committee Chair and the Senate Pro Tem to request that HB354 be placed on the Special Order Calendar for a vote Wednesday.

Senator Jabo Waggoner, Rules Committee Chairperson
334-242-7892

Senator Del Marsh, President Pro Tempore
(Please contact the Senator's Chief of Staff)
334-242-7877

If you have not yet called the Senator’s office for your district, please do so and leave a message with his or her assistant politely asking the Senator to pass HB354 to legalize homebrewing this session.

Thank you for your support of homebrewers. Your action will make the difference in whether or not this legislation becomes law. Please forward this message on to any other Alabama residents/businesses that you feel would be interested in supporting this bill.

Sincerely,


Charlie Papazian
President
Brewers Association




Gary Glass
Director
American Homebrewers Association

 

[aubiecat]

Senator Jabo Waggoner, Rules Committee Chairperson
[email protected]
334-242-7892


Senator Del Marsh, President Pro Tempore
(Please contact the Senator's Chief of Staff)
[email protected]
334-242-7877

 

[CGVT]

Senator Jabo Waggoner
Senate Majority Leader

Current Office: Alabama Senate District 16
Party: Republican
State House: (334) 242-7892
Home: (205) 822-7443
Business: (205) 978-7405
Fax: (334) 353-8255
Business Fax: (205) 978-7406
[email protected]

Our Current Legislative Goals
Based on our lobbying efforts, we believe Senator Waggoner...
Might Support raising the container size restriction.
Supports homebrew legalization.