Governor Ivey is seeking input on how Alabama’s portion of the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund should be spent. While the public ponders ideas and suggestions, keep in mind that strict guidelines govern how Alabama may lawfully spend its Coronavirus Relief Fund allotment. The CARES Act requires that payments from the Coronavirus Relief Fund only be used to cover expenses that were: a) necessary due to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19; b) were not accounted for in the budget must recently approved as of March 27, 2020; and c) were incurred during the period March 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020. See more information on the federal requirements here.

In addition to the federal guidelines, Alabama passed SB161 in the 2020 Regular Session, requiring the State to only spend federal Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars on the following categories:

• Reimburse state agencies for expenditures directly related to the coronavirus pandemic.     
• Reimburse local governments for expenditures directly related to the coronavirus pandemic.           
• Support the delivery of healthcare and related services to the citizens of Alabama affected by the coronavirus pandemic.     
• Support citizens, businesses, non-profits and faith-based organizations of the state directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.  
• Reimbursement of equipment and infrastructure necessary for remote work and public access to the functions of state government directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, including the Legislature.    
• Expenditures related to technology and infrastructure related to remote instruction and learning.    
• Reimbursement of costs necessary to address the coronavirus pandemic by the Department of Corrections. 
• Reimbursement of costs necessary to ensure access to the courts during the coronavirus pandemic. 
• Reimburse the State General Fund for supplemental appropriations to the Alabama Department of Public Health.    
• For any lawful purpose as provided by the United States Congress, the United States Treasury Department, or any other federal entity of competent jurisdiction.

If you can think of a need for expenditures that fit these categories that would benefit REALTORS®, please submit your idea to the Governor’s office here.