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HB 192

International wire transfers; fee on wire transfers imposed with proceeds for ELL instructors; income tax credit for wire transfer fees paid, authorized; Securities Commission and Revenue Department to administer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Shirey

Alabama bill HB 192 imposes fees on international wire transfers to fund ELL instructor positions while allowing tax credits that could offset the new revenue source.

Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means Education
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Bill Summary · HB 192

Legislative bill overview

HB 192 proposes imposing a fee on international wire transfers in Alabama, with proceeds dedicated to funding English Language Learner (ELL) instructors. The bill would also authorize an income tax credit for individuals who pay wire transfer fees, with administration shared between the Securities Commission and Revenue Department.

Why is this important

This bill attempts to create a dedicated revenue stream for ELL education—a growing need in many school districts—through a novel funding mechanism. However, it raises questions about whether a wire transfer fee is an appropriate or effective way to fund education, and whether such a credit would undermine the revenue generation goal.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic competitiveness: A state-specific wire transfer fee could push international transactions to other states or digital alternatives, potentially reducing the intended tax base and harming Alabama's attractiveness for international business.
  • Regressive impact: Wire transfer fees disproportionately affect lower-income immigrants and families sending money internationally, making this a potentially regressive funding mechanism for education.
  • Credit vs. revenue contradiction: Offering an income tax credit for wire transfer fees paid would directly reduce or eliminate the revenue generated, creating an internal conflict in the bill's stated purpose.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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