Rep. Leigh Hulsey

Maddy summaryHB 399 modifies tax incentives for large data processing centers in Alabama. It limits the maximum tax exemption period to 20 years starting January 1, 2027, and requires these centers to pay state noneducational ad valorem taxes and sales taxes on building materials, power infrastructure, and other specific purchases beginning in 2027. The bill extends the sunset date for existing tax abatements related to data centers and updates code language for clarity. This directly affects new or expanded data centers meeting job and wage thresholds (20+ jobs averaging $40,000+ annual compensation). The changes aim to balance economic development incentives with increased tax revenue collection for infrastructure investments.

Maddy summaryHB 465 creates a new "Invisible Disability" license plate decal program for Alabama residents with specific medical conditions or their primary caregivers. It allows eligible individuals - diagnosed with conditions like autism, PTSD, diabetes, or cognitive disabilities - to apply for the decal through local officials by providing a physician's diagnosis and paying standard registration fees plus any distinctive plate costs. The decal does not grant special parking access; separate permits are required for that under existing law. The program will take effect January 1, 2027, and the design will be created by Kulturecity, Incorporated under state approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally commends Christopher Hood for his academic achievements and leadership at Troy University. It recognizes his service in the Student Government Association, where he was elected as the 100th Student Government President, and highlights his involvement in various campus organizations. The measure is a ceremonial gesture intended to honor Hood as a positive role model for young people in Alabama.

Maddy summaryHB 493 establishes a formal civil service system for employees in the City of Helena, Alabama, replacing the previous system under Act 92-201. It creates a personnel board (with employee-elected and city-appointed members), appoints a director to manage personnel matters, and sets up clear processes for hiring, promotions, and appeals through defined "reemployment lists" and "eligible registers." The bill directly affects Helena city employees and hiring decisions, requiring all regular positions (full-time roles lasting over six months) to follow standardized classification, testing, and compensation rules. Key provisions include prohibiting city employees from serving on the board, mandating public hearings for appeals, and defining terms like "classified service" to ensure transparent, merit-based employment practices.

Maddy summaryHB 456, the Youth Athlete Protection Act, requires local governments (cities, counties) that run youth sports programs to create a Youth Athlete Protection Policy by January 2027. This policy must prevent child abuse by setting clear standards for coach conduct, banning behaviors like sexual or physical abuse, and requiring coaches to report suspected abuse. The bill also mandates annual criminal background checks for all coaches (paid and volunteer) through Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency or accredited agencies, plus a check of the state teacher certification database for coaches previously employed by schools. It directly affects youth athletes under 18, their parents, coaches, and local governments operating youth sports programs.

Maddy summaryHB 101 creates a new "Invisible Disability" license plate for Alabama residents diagnosed with specific medical conditions (like autism, PTSD, diabetes, or visual impairments) or their primary caregivers. To qualify, applicants must provide physician documentation, pay regular registration fees plus a $40 annual fee, and meet standard licensing requirements. Proceeds from the $40 fee (minus costs) will fund Kulturecity, Incorporated’s sensory accessibility programs for people with invisible disabilities. The plate is valid for five years and replaces standard or personalized plates. This policy directly affects Alabamians with qualifying conditions and their caregivers, providing a visible identifier while directing funds toward accessibility initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 103, the Youth Athlete Protection Act, requires youth sports organizations and local governments (such as cities or counties) that provide sports for children under 18 to adopt safety policies to prevent child abuse. The bill mandates that these entities implement policies based on a model developed by the Department of Human Resources (DHR), which includes standards for prohibited conduct (like abuse or harassment), a code of conduct for interactions, and mandatory reporter training for coaches. Coaches - including volunteers - must undergo annual criminal background checks and complete mandatory reporter training to work with youth athletes. Organizations must register annual compliance with DHR, and non-compliant entities are barred from offering youth sports. DHR must adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 166 focuses on establishing policies for public K-12 schools regarding cell phone use and internet/social media safety. The bill aims to implement specific procedures and protections designed to prioritize the safety and security of students. It directly affects students and staff within the public education system by setting guidelines for technology use.

Maddy summaryHB 9 prohibits Alabama public K-12 schools from using the "three-cueing system" (teaching reading through meaning, structure/syntax, and visual cues) in foundational reading instruction. It requires all reading materials to instead use structured literacy approaches focused on phonics, decoding, and systematic phonemic awareness. The law applies to all K-12 textbooks, instructional materials, and educator preparation programs, banning visual memory strategies for word recognition. Effective June 1, 2025, schools must use evidence-based methods proven to improve reading skills, while still allowing visual context for vocabulary and comprehension.

Maddy summaryHB 57 restricts city school boards from purchasing land outside their city limits for school facilities. It requires two conditions before such a purchase: written agreement from the neighboring municipality or county where the land is located, and annexation of that land by the school board's city. The bill applies specifically to city boards of education in Alabama and takes effect October 1, 2025. It modifies existing law to prevent school boards from acquiring property in other jurisdictions without local government consent and formal annexation.