The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the oversight of the Rural Hospital Investment Program Board and expand the definition of utility tax. It updates the definitions related to the Rural Hospital Investment Program, specifically adding new language to the definition of "utility tax" to include taxes levied in Sections 40-21-50, 40-21-51, and 40-21-53. Additionally, the bill modifies the structure of the Rural Hospital Investment Program Board, establishing it within the Department of Revenue instead of the Office of the State Treasurer, and removes the requirement for the Governor to call the board's first meeting by a specific date. The bill also introduces tax credits for qualified donations to eligible rural hospitals and repeals Section 40-18-560, which related to the rulemaking authority of the State Treasurer and the Rural Hospital Investment Program Board, mandating the Department of Revenue to adopt necessary rules for implementation. Furthermore, the bill HB245 Engrossed, which has been unanimously passed by the House of Representatives, introduces new provisions for educational funding, specifically additional funding provisions for under-resourced schools. This aims to enhance educational opportunities for students in need and address disparities in access to quality education. The bill also removes previous funding caps on educational grants, allowing for greater flexibility in resource allocation to schools and promoting a more equitable educational environment. Overall, HB245 is designed to strengthen the educational system by providing necessary financial support and eliminating barriers to funding.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40-18-560, 40-18-551, 40-18-552, 40-18-557, 40-18-559
Engrossed: 40-18-560, 40-18-551, 40-18-552, 40-18-557, 40-18-559