The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that would bar companies from receiving economic development incentives if union elections aren't held by secret ballot.

The bill was introduced by state Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and carried in the House by House Majority Leader Brett Stadthagen (R-Hartselle).

“SB 231 gives employees the opportunity to vote privately,” Stadthagen explained. “It doesn't affect industries that are voting now. It only deals with the future after the bill is signed.”

“My understanding is that part of the bill allows for a secret ballot for businesses to form a union,” said Rep. Artis “AJ” McCampbell (D-Livingston).

“This applies to all companies that receive incentives,” Stadthagen said. “It doesn't say who receives them. If they do, they have to allow their employees to vote in secret. “These companies can actually unionize. We're not kicking out unions. If they are a union, we're giving employees the opportunity to vote in secret. It's that simple.”

“I personally like a secret ballot because it allows individuals to voice their beliefs,” McCampbell said. “I wanted to make sure that businesses that allow workers to unionize were not penalized.”

RELATED: State Sen. Arthur Oh says bill aims to 'prevent coercion' in Alabama unionization votes

“The only time penalties are imposed is if a company receives funding (incentives) and does not give employees the right to a secret vote,” Stadthagen explained. “There is now a union in the state.”

“Right now, it's called card check, card check voting,” Stadthagen said. “Right now, that's what's happening. Your employer or union can come to your house and ask you to vote in front of them. In a private vote, you can vote for whatever you want. It's just private. You can vote for whatever you want.”

The bill was amended in the House of Representatives to take effect immediately if the governor signs it, instead of October as originally planned.

The House passed SB 231 by a vote of 70 to 30. After the House passed the bill, House Speaker Nathaniel Leadbetter (R-Rainsville) released a statement in support of the bill.

RELATED: Gov. Kay Ivey and five other governors oppose UAW expansion into the South

“Where I come from, we never ask how we voted in an election,” said Speaker Ledbetter. “When a vote to unionize takes place, the vote should be secret and employees should not have to consider the potential repercussions when making their decision. I'm proud that the House voted to protect Alabamians from pressure and intimidation tactics like card check, and I look forward to Governor Ivey signing this bill into law.”

The bill now goes back to the Senate to consider changes made by the House.

State officials, including Gov. Kay Ivey, are concerned that the United Auto Workers' ongoing efforts to unionize auto manufacturing plants in the state could negatively impact the state's ability to continue recruiting employers to Alabama.

To contact the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected]