Rep. Marilyn Lands

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 128) would allow the Board of Midwifery to accept gifts and grants from external sources, such as private organizations or donors. It directly affects the Board of Midwifery, which oversees midwifery licensing and practice standards in the state. The key provision amends the Board's authority to expand its funding options beyond state appropriations, enabling it to receive non-governmental financial support. This change is procedural and does not alter midwifery practice requirements or patient care standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2, 2026, as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Day at the Alabama Capitol to honor the organization's contributions to the state. It recognizes the sorority's history, founded in 1922, and its ongoing work in scholarship, service, and community support through programs like scholarships and youth development. The resolution expresses appreciation for the sorority's impact on residents of Alabama and its commitment to equity and civic responsibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Alabama Family Planning Act, establishes legal rights for Alabamians to use contraception and access assisted reproductive treatments like in vitro fertilization. It explicitly protects health care providers from restrictions on dispensing contraceptives or providing fertility services, and prevents state or local governments from enforcing laws that interfere with these practices. The legislation allows the Attorney General, health care providers, and individuals to file civil lawsuits to stop any laws or policies that limit access to these reproductive health options, with enforcement beginning on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the market value threshold for state ad valorem tax exemptions on tangible personal property for small businesses from $100,000 to $120,000. It specifically applies to businesses with fewer than 50 employees, allowing them to keep more of their business equipment and assets tax-free. The legislation also permits local governments to create similar exemptions for their jurisdictions and includes minor technical updates to the state tax code. This change directly affects small business owners in Alabama who own tangible personal property within the new value limit.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Main Street Revival Act to support economic development in small Alabama towns with populations under 25,000. It creates four grant programs administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to help businesses start or expand, preserve historic commercial buildings, support temporary retail spaces and business mentorship, and assist local governments with updating zoning and land use regulations. Additionally, the bill creates a 25 percent income tax credit for property owners who renovate eligible vacant or underutilized commercial properties. Funding for these programs depends on future legislative appropriations, and the law takes effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the R&D Tax Credit Enhancement Act to provide income tax credits for organizations in Alabama that invest in research and development, specifically targeting health sciences, biotechnology, and university-based research. The program would offer a 10% tax credit on qualified research expenses, with higher 15% credits for collaborative research involving in-state academic institutions and up to $250,000 in refundable or transferable credits for startups and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. The Department of Revenue would administer the program, which is capped at $30 million annually, and publish annual reports on the number of credits issued and the sectors receiving support. The bill would apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, and would require a streamlined application process for eligible organizations to claim the credits.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Aerospace Export Safeguard and Innovation Act to support Alabama's aerospace and defense industries against international trade disruptions. It creates four main programs: grants for companies facing tariff-related challenges, funding for research into domestic alternatives for aerospace materials, expanded export assistance services, and technical help for supply chain planning. The legislation also forms an Aerospace Trade Monitoring Council to track trade patterns and advise policymakers on potential risks. These programs would collectively provide up to $20 million in annual grants and establish new oversight mechanisms to help aerospace firms maintain operations and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.

Maddy summaryHJR 57 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Alabama Birth Equity Initiative for its work addressing maternal health disparities. It recognizes the initiative's efforts to combat Alabama's high maternal mortality rates through midwifery training programs, mobile health units, and community support services like childcare and food access. The resolution specifically highlights the initiative's focus on rural, Black, and Indigenous communities affected by healthcare deserts. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or mandate policy changes - only offering symbolic legislative support.

Maddy summaryHB 129 would amend Alabama law to allow licensed midwives to administer certain newborn screening tests for diseases, which they currently can only order. This change directly affects licensed midwives providing care outside hospitals and the newborns under their care, aligning with the state's Newborn Screening Program. The bill updates Section 34-19-16 to permit midwives to both order and administer these tests (as specified in Section 22-20-3) without requiring referral to another provider. The policy change aims to streamline screening access for families using midwifery services in non-hospital settings, with the law set to take effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 14 proposes adding a citizen initiative process to Alabama's constitution, allowing voters to directly propose new general laws or constitutional amendments. To qualify, citizens must first gather 1,000 verified signatures (with a $1,000 refundable fee), then collect signatures equaling 7% of the previous gubernatorial election votes (with minimum district representation) within two years. The proposal would be published online for 90 days, reviewed by the Legislature during its regular session, and treated like any other bill - though it would not require the Governor's signature. This process would apply to both general laws and constitutional amendments, subject to the same legal constraints as legislative proposals.