Section 45-37-249.01 - Legislative findings; construction of part(a) It is the intention of the Legislature by the passage of this part to authorize the county to levy and provide for the collection of, in addition to all other taxes authorized by law, except as provided in Section 45-37-249.03, a sales tax and a use tax conforming with and parallel to the state sales tax and the state use tax at a rate not exceeding the maximum rates set forth herein.(b) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that each tax authorized by this part is a sales or use tax and is not a gross receipts tax in the nature of a sales tax, as such term is defined in Section 40-2A-3(8) and used in Section 11-51-209.(c) In view of the county's recent financial difficulties, the invalidation of certain taxes that previously provided significant revenues to the county, and the conclusion of the county's Chapter 9 bankruptcy proceedings, the Legislature hereby finds and declares that it is necessary, desirable, and in the best interests of residents of the county that the Jefferson County Commission be provided additional flexibility with respect to its revenue sources and budget.(d) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that providing additional funding for public schools in the county will benefit the public welfare and education of residents of the county.(e) This part shall be liberally construed in conformity with the intentions and findings expressed in this section.Ala. Code § 45-37-249.01 (1975)