Rep. Brock Colvin

Maddy summaryHB 226 changes Alabama's habitual offender law by treating "no contest" pleas (nolo contendere) as equivalent to guilty pleas for sentencing purposes. This means defendants who enter a no contest plea to a felony will now have that plea counted toward prior convictions used to enhance penalties under the habitual offender statute. The bill specifically amends Section 13A-5-9 to clarify that such pleas are included in the definition of "convicted" for determining enhanced sentences. It directly affects felony defendants in Alabama who use no contest pleas, as these pleas will now trigger stricter sentencing for repeat offenses. The change applies to Class A, B, and C felonies under the habitual offender provisions.

Maddy summaryHJR 141 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Albertville High School Cheer Team for winning the 2026 National High School Cheerleading Championship in the Large Gameday Division. It recognizes their victory following a Class 7A state championship and multiple regional awards, including the American Spirit League Best Choreography Award. The resolution serves as a formal tribute with no policy changes or funding implications.

Maddy summaryHJR 134 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Boaz High School Cheer Team for winning the 2026 National High School Cheerleading Championship (Division II Varsity Coed Non-Tumbling Competition). It formally recognizes their victory, highlights their 16 state championships and four national titles, and honors head coach Tiffany Rhoden and specific team members. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely offers symbolic praise through official legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryHJR 143 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Albertville High School Cheer Team on winning the 2026 National High School Cheerleading Championship. It formally commends the team for their championship victory in the Large Gameday Division, along with their previous state and regional titles. The resolution specifically recognizes the team members and coaches who achieved this milestone. As a symbolic gesture, it has no policy impact or binding effect - it solely offers formal legislative praise.

Maddy summaryHB 194 increases the annual salary for Marshall County's revenue commissioner from $67,500 to $106,781, effective July 1, 2026. The bill amends Alabama Code Section 45-48-241.05 to replace the current salary figure and establish the new amount as payable in monthly installments from the county's general fund. This directly affects the Marshall County revenue commissioner, who is responsible for collecting and managing county tax-related fees and commissions.

Maddy summaryHB 283 creates a "safe harbor" to protect health savings account (HSA) qualified plans in Alabama from state regulations that might conflict with federal rules. It ensures that if a state cost-sharing requirement (like copays or deductibles) would disqualify a plan as a high-deductible health plan under federal law, that requirement only applies *after* the federal minimum deductible is met. This directly affects Alabama residents enrolled in HSA-qualified health insurance plans, preserving their eligibility for tax-advantaged health savings accounts. The bill updates state insurance code references to incorporate this coordination mechanism, preventing state laws from unintentionally disrupting federal HSA program compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 284 revises Marshall County's procedures for handling abandoned and stolen property recovered by the sheriff's office. It requires the sheriff to sell unclaimed property (including firearms) at public or online auctions after 12 months, with notice published in local newspapers or posted at the courthouse. The bill adds specific rules for firearms: sheriffs must maintain permanent records of recovered firearms, attempt to locate owners (notifying neighboring counties), and sell only to licensed dealers via sealed bids, with proceeds going to the sheriff's office. This directly affects Marshall County residents who may have unclaimed property and the sheriff's office managing these sales.

Maddy summaryHB 193 modifies Marshall County's election procedures by changing who selects the voting tabulator custodian (requiring the presiding circuit judge, circuit clerk, and presiding district judge to serve on the selection committee) and clarifying the custodian's specific responsibilities. These duties include testing voting machines, ensuring ADA-compliant equipment functions properly, managing equipment delivery/pickup, and conducting public tests. The bill also significantly increases the custodian's annual salary from $8,900 to $27,000, effective July 1, 2026, with potential future increases. This bill directly affects Marshall County election staff and operations, focusing on standardizing and funding the custodian role.

Maddy summaryHB 334 prohibits future employees of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) from joining the Teachers' Retirement System of Alabama (TRSA) starting October 1, 2026. Current AHSAA employees already enrolled in TRSA or hired before that date will continue to be covered under the system. The bill amends Alabama Code Section 16-25-7 to explicitly bar new hires from TRSA participation based on their AHSAA employment, while preserving existing benefits and service credit for current participants. This change affects only future AHSAA hires, not current or past employees.

Maddy summaryHB 333 requires Alabama athletic associations to adjust public high schools' sports competition classifications based on the number of English language learner (ELL) students enrolled at each school who do not participate in interscholastic athletics. This change directly affects public high schools with significant ELL populations, as their athletic classifications for competitions would be recalibrated to reflect these enrollment numbers. The law mandates that athletic associations update classifications starting with the 2028-2029 school year, following rules to be adopted by the State Board of Education. The policy aims to align athletic competition structures with school demographics without altering ELL student participation rates.