MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday gave a unanimous favorable report to HB 103.

Sponsored by Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville), the bill would effectively end the distinction between so-called “non-essential” and “essential” businesses when it comes to states of emergency imposed by the State of Alabama.

If a business or other entity such as a church were able to comply with current health orders, that entity would be able to continue conducting business and keep its doors open; the government would not be able to selectively pick and choose which businesses remain open and which have to close.

HB 103 was passed by the House last week and now will be eligible for final passage by the Senate starting on Thursday.

The Senate committee quickly advanced the measure without discussion on Wednesday, implying that the bill’s chances are good on the floor.

Kiel introduced the bill in response to pandemic-related policies that unilaterally shuttered small businesses while allowing big-box stores to remain open.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn