May 18, 2013
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Alabamians planning to buy batteries, plywood or tarpaulins to prepare for the state's next round of severe weather can do it tax free this weekend.
Alabama will observe its first tax-free weekend for weather preparedness items on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Legislature passed a law that waives the state's 4 percent sales tax on many emergency preparedness supplies that cost $60 or less.
That includes batteries, cellphone chargers, flashlights, portable radios, waterproof sheeting, generators, plywood, weather radios, duct tape, and non-electric food storage containers.
The law also waived the state sales tax on portable generators costing up to $1,000.
More than 200 cities and counties are also waiving their local sales taxes.
Gov. Robert Bentley says being prepared helps speed the response to a natural disaster.
AP-WF-07-04-12 0933GMT
