Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Winston County to collect an eight percent lodging tax on overnight stays at hotels, motels, inns, and short-term rentals, with the tax paid by guests and collected by lodging providers. The collected funds would be distributed to road and bridge improvements, the sheriff's office for law enforcement, and the county general fund for tourism development and debt repayment on the judicial building and jail. Additionally, the bill imposes a five dollar per night fire protection fee on transient accommodations, with the proceeds distributed equally among volunteer fire departments in the county. Both the lodging tax and fire protection fee would only take effect if approved by voters in a referendum held during the next state or local election.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 482 targets theft of specific metals by requiring recyclers to verify sellers' credentials when purchasing certain items like copper HVAC coils or utility components. It mandates that recyclers obtain a valid license number from sellers (e.g., HVAC contractors) or documented proof of replacement (e.g., receipts) for these metals. The bill also prohibits possession of stolen items like utility covers, street signs, or metal beer kegs unless sold by manufacturers. Violations carry enhanced penalties, including mandatory prison terms for Class B felonies if theft causes public safety risks or service disruptions.
Maddy summaryHB 512 modifies Alabama's rules for handling unpaid solid waste utility fees. It removes misdemeanor penalties for nonpayment and specifies that counties or municipalities can only use civil court action or suspend services as remedies - no other options are allowed. The bill also updates outdated code language to current style without changing core fee collection processes. This directly affects residents and businesses using municipal solid waste services who fail to pay fees.
Maddy summaryHB 375 requires Alabama's Department of Human Resources (DHR) to create a dementia training program for staff and contractors who investigate adult protective services cases. Specifically, it mandates that employees or contractors handling these cases complete a two-hour initial training on identifying dementia, safety risks, and communication strategies upon hiring, plus two hours of continuing education every two years. The training must cover Alzheimer's disease, common safety concerns like wandering or falls, and best practices for supporting individuals with dementia. This law applies directly to DHR personnel and contractors working in adult protective services and takes effect on October 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 206 allows Alabama trustees to adjust trust income and principal (e.g., moving expenses between these categories) without needing explicit permission in the trust document. This change aligns Alabama law with the Uniform Principal and Income Act, simplifying trust management for trustees. The bill maintains existing restrictions, such as prohibiting adjustments that harm tax benefits for beneficiaries or alter fixed payments. It directly affects trustees and beneficiaries of trusts in Alabama by providing greater flexibility in handling trust assets.
Maddy summaryHB 207 amends Alabama’s Uniform Trust Code to align creditor claim limits with the Alabama Qualified Dispositions in Trust Act. It specifically limits creditors’ access to trust assets for irrevocable trusts and clarifies when a beneficiary holding a withdrawal power is treated as the trust creator (only if the released property value exceeds IRS thresholds). The bill also allows trustees to reimburse trust creators for income taxes paid on trust assets without those reimbursements being subject to the creator’s creditors. These changes directly affect trust creators, beneficiaries with withdrawal powers, and trustees managing trust finances.
Maddy summaryHB 586 proposes to alter and extend the corporate limits of the City of Cullman in Cullman County. This bill will incorporate two specific parcels of land, totaling over 46 acres, into the city's official boundaries. The new territories are precisely described by their geographic coordinates within the bill text. A map detailing these boundary changes is available for public inspection at the Cullman County Probate Office, and the changes are set to become effective on October 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 590 proposes to levy a new 8% lodging tax on businesses that rent rooms or accommodations to transients in Winston County. This tax would apply to charges for lodging and services, with exemptions for certain existing taxes and nonprofit organizations. The collected funds would be distributed for specific purposes within the county. These include 55% for road and bridge improvements, 20% for the sheriff's law enforcement, 20% for volunteer fire departments, and 5% for the Winston County General Fund. This bill requires approval by a majority of Winston County voters in a referendum to become operative.
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