These new laws will help accelerate growth of Alabama’s innovation economy
By Alabama NewsCenter Staff
August 2, 2021
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey hosted Thursday a bill signing ceremony for key innovation legislation. (Nik Layman / Alabama NewsCenter)
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey hosted a commemorative bill signing ceremony July 29 for House Bill 540 and House Bill 609, two key pieces of innovation legislation passed during the 2021 state legislative session. These bills, recommended by the Alabama Innovation Commission, will drive inclusive innovation and shape the future of entrepreneurship in the state.
“Innovation is a key part of Alabama’s past, present and future,” Ivey said. “I’m thrilled to be celebrating the passage of forward-thinking legislation, which will enable sustained growth for Alabama’s businesses. I applaud the commission’s work and their leadership, which will continue to advance the state and drive a diverse, resilient economy.”
In three months, patrons will be allowed to buy more cans and bottles of beer and liquor from Alabama breweries and distilleries. Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill on May 17 that will reduce the daily limit on the amount of alcohol breweries and distilleries can sell to customers to drink off premises. H.B. 539 will allow a brewery or brewpub to sell up to 864 ounces of beer per customer and a .
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation to ensure that children who suffer from seizures can get emergency medication to stop the seizure while they are at school.
Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday vetoed a bill delaying a requirement to hold back third graders who fail to meet reading benchmarks.
Ivey said in a statement that the delay would be hasty and premature, but said she would direct the Alabama Department of Education to gather data to decide whether a future delay might be warranted. As we address the impact of the pandemic on our students, we need the support and focus the Alabama Literacy Act provides: identifying and supporting struggling readers, teacher training and coaching, and clear communication with parents on where their children have needs and how those needs are being addressed, Ivey said in a statement. We must remain focused on ensuring that our students have the foundational reading skills they need to succeed.