Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Alabama Balanced Instruction and Screen Use Act to limit screen-based instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms. It defines screen-based instruction as delivering educational content primarily through digital devices like laptops or tablets instead of direct teacher-led instruction. The bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt standards for screen use, including regular vision breaks and compliance with privacy laws. An Elementary Instructional Technology Task Force will be established to review research on screen use and make recommendations annually until 2030. Exceptions are made for online high school courses, summer school, and brief technology use for formative assessments during teacher-led instruction.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 78 sets age-based screen time limits for children in early childhood education settings, directly affecting licensed child-care facilities, prekindergarten programs, and public kindergarten classrooms in Alabama. It prohibits screen time for children under two, limits it to 30 minutes daily (90 minutes weekly) for ages two to four, and requires all screen use to be "high-quality" and adult-supervised. The bill mandates annual staff training on screen time guidelines and requires the Department of Early Childhood Education to develop and publicly share free, research-based guidelines for parents. Compliance is tied to facility licensure and enforced by the Department of Human Resources, Department of Early Childhood Education, and local school boards. The law aims to align with pediatric recommendations by reducing excessive screen exposure during critical developmental years.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 85), not a substantive bill. It honors the life and legacy of Dr. Neil E. Christopher, a rural family physician from Guntersville, Alabama, who died on January 22, 2026, at age 92. The resolution recognizes his career as a founding member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, his service in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War (including a Bronze Star), his leadership in establishing rural healthcare programs in Alabama, and his community contributions. It expresses the Alabama Legislature’s "profound gratitude" for his service but does not create any new laws, programs, or direct impacts on any group.
Maddy summaryHB 131 expands Alabama's veteran license tag program to include veterans exposed to radiation during operational use of atomic weapons in World War II (1944-1962). This adds to existing categories like veterans of atomic bomb testing, cleanup crews, and specific conflicts (e.g., Vietnam, Desert Storm). The bill amends Section 32-6-350 of Alabama law to explicitly cover veterans who were exposed to radiation from atomic weapons operations during WWII, without changing fees or application requirements. It directly affects eligible veterans who served during this specific period but weren't previously included under the radiation exposure criteria.
Maddy summaryHB 30 would expand an existing exemption from solid waste collection fees to include households whose sole income comes from veterans' benefits, in addition to those relying on Social Security benefits. The bill amends Alabama Code Section 22-27-3 to explicitly add "veterans' benefits" to the list of qualifying income sources for fee exemptions. Households seeking this exemption must provide proof of their income source to the county health officer annually. This change directly affects veterans and their households receiving benefits as their sole income, making them eligible for the same fee exemption previously available only to Social Security recipients. The bill is pending committee review in the Alabama House of Representatives.
Maddy summaryHB 180 amends existing Alabama law concerning solid waste collection fees. This bill exempts households whose sole source of income is veterans' benefits from paying these fees. To receive the exemption, affected households must annually provide proof of income to their local county commission or municipal governing body. This exemption applies as long as veterans' benefits remain the household's only income source, similar to existing exemptions for Social Security recipients.
Maddy summaryHB 604 expands the eligibility for distinctive motor vehicle license tags for veterans. Currently, only veterans exposed to radiation from atomic bomb and weapon testing between 1944 and 1962 are eligible for this tag. This bill would include additional categories of veterans who were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation, such as those who directly participated in atomic weapon detonation or cleanup, or were exposed to ionizing radiation from operational use of atomic weapons during World War II. This allows more veterans who experienced radiation exposure during their service to receive a distinctive license plate.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 156), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette's 1825 visit to Alabama, which included stops in Montgomery, Mobile, and other locations. The resolution "commends" Alabama organizations hosting related educational events (March 30-April 8, 2025) and directs that each host receive a copy of the resolution. It has no binding effect or new funding - it is purely symbolic recognition of historical events.
Maddy summaryHB 102 requires all Alabama public school districts (local education agencies) to allow high school students to enroll in approved dual enrollment courses offered by community colleges or universities, regardless of whether the school district has a partnership with those institutions. It mandates that school districts award high school credit for passing these courses, even if they don’t include them in their standard curriculum. Students must consult with a counselor and college staff to select appropriate courses, and school districts cannot be financially responsible for course costs unless otherwise specified. The bill takes effect August 1, 2025, and aims to expand access to college-level coursework for all eligible high school students statewide.