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Connie Rowe

News / Legislature / State

Franchisors declare victory

The Alabama legislature has come and gone and the House of Representatives never took up either HB353 or SB129, the so-called “Protect Alabama Small Business Act.” Wednesday, the International Franchise Association (IFA) applauded the Alabama House of Representatives for opposing HB352/SB129) in the Alabama Legislature. The IFA said that the legislation sought to codify franchise … Continued
June 10, 2019

Ivey to host bill signing ceremony

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will host a ceremonial bill signing of legislation that passed during the 2019 Regular Session on Thursday. Eight bills will be signed by the governor at a ceremony in the historic Senate Chambers. House Bill 380 – This bill makes significant changes to the operation and membership of the Alabama Board … Continued
June 6, 2019

House passes bare knuckle boxing bill

The Alabama House of Representatives approved a bill Friday giving the Alabama Athletic Commission jurisdiction over bare-knuckle boxing in the state of Alabama. Senate Bill 396 is sponsored by State Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa. Under current law, the Alabama Athletic Commission, the state boxing commission, does not have jurisdiction over bare-knuckle boxing. This bill gives … Continued
June 3, 2019

Bill to abolish elected county superintendents stalled in Alabama House

The Alabama House of Representatives rejected a proposal Friday to force all Alabama counties to adopt a system where the county board of education hires a school superintendent. In many Alabama counties, the county school superintendent is an elected official over the schools analogous to the Sheriff with law enforcement. City systems already have appointed … Continued
June 3, 2019

Legislature passes Board of Pardons and Paroles reform

The Alabama Senate passed House Bill 380 Thursday, which reforms the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. The House has already passed the legislation so it now goes to the governor. HB380 was sponsored by State Rep. Connie Rowe, R-Jasper. The bill was carried in by Senate Judiciary Chairman Cam Ward, R-Alabaster. Alabama Gov. Kay … Continued
May 31, 2019

Americans for Tax Reform opposes the Protect Alabama Small Business Act

Americans for Tax Reform is opposing the Protect Alabama Small Business Act. Senate Bill 129 would regulate the relationships between franchisors and their Alabama franchisees. ATR sent a letter to members of the Alabama House of Representatives urging legislators to oppose Senate Bill 129 and its House companion bill HB352. ATR argues in the letter … Continued
May 21, 2019

Bill passes Senate that would regulate franchise agreements

The Alabama state Senate passed a bill Thursday to regulate franchise agreements. Many businesses are locally owned and operated but are part of a national chain. Those contracts are generally written by the franchisor that owns the brand in their home state. Senate Bill 129, the Protect Alabama Small Business Act, is sponsored by State … Continued
May 13, 2019

House passes bill to reform Pardons and Paroles Board

The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to reform the much-maligned Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. House Bill 380 is sponsored by State Rep. Connie Rowe, R-Jasper. Rowe is a retired police chief. The bill creates a director of pardons and paroles who is appointed by the governor and codifies the … Continued
May 10, 2019

Committee considers legislation to regulate franchise agreements

Wednesday, the Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee held a public hearing on a bill that would regulate the franchisor and franchisee agreements between large corporations and their Alabama franchisees. House bill 352, titled the Protect Alabama Small Business Act, is sponsored by state Rep. Connie Rowe, R-Jasper. The Senate companion bill is being … Continued
April 29, 2019

House committee considers legislation allowing cyclists to go on red

The House Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing Wednesday on a bill that would allow motorcyclists and bicyclists to go on red at a slow traffic light if there was no oncoming traffic. HB103 is sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem Victor Gaston, R-Mobile. Motorcycle enthusiast Fred Wheeler said HB103 would allow … Continued
April 16, 2019