Rep. Mark Gidley

Maddy summaryHB 81 prohibits Alabama state government entities from using the term "West Bank" to refer to Judea and Samaria in any official documents, such as rules, press releases, or communications. It directly affects all Alabama state agencies, departments, and subdivisions that produce government materials. The bill allows the head of a government entity to waive this prohibition if they determine it serves the state's interests, but requires a written explanation submitted to the legislature or legislative council within 30 days. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 326 is a resolution that proclaims May 4, 2025, as Robert Shwartzman Day in the State of Alabama. This designation recognizes Robert Shwartzman's achievements in professional motorsports and his role in inspiring young athletes.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 292 is a commemorative resolution that commends Gail Chaffin Kelley for her 54 years of contributions to education and her community. It specifically recognizes her achievements and dedication on the occasion of her retirement.

Maddy summaryHB 178 requires public K-12 schools in Alabama to display the Ten Commandments in common areas and U.S. history classrooms, starting January 1, 2026. Each display must also include a statement of context and excerpts from certain foundational U.S. historical documents. Local boards of education are not mandated to use their own funds for these displays, as compliance is contingent on the availability of donated funds or materials. The State Department of Education is responsible for identifying and publicizing free resources to assist schools in meeting this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 179 authorizes local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to vote on whether to allow volunteer campus chaplains in their K-12 schools. If approved, these chaplains would be available to provide support, services, and programs at the request of any teacher. To qualify, volunteer chaplains must complete a recognized training program and undergo a criminal history background check. The bill specifically prohibits individuals convicted of offenses requiring sex offender registration from volunteering as campus chaplains.

Maddy summaryThis Alabama bill prevents convicted abusers from gaining financial benefits from elderly victims' estates. If someone is convicted of elder abuse or financial exploitation, they lose inheritance rights under wills or intestate succession, forfeit joint property ownership (like shared bank accounts), and cannot collect life insurance or similar benefits where the victim was the obligee. The law applies to all such convictions, with courts able to use evidence for cases without a conviction. It ensures assets remain with rightful heirs rather than abusers.

Maddy summaryHB 213 authorizes Calhoun County to increase compensation for its board of registrars, who manage voter registration and election records. The bill amends Alabama law to allow the county commission to pay each registrar an additional $15 per day for board meetings, with the option to raise this amount via county resolution. This change would apply to Calhoun County registrars starting October 1, 2025, and temporary increases would be paid as expense allowances until the next election term. The bill directly affects Calhoun County's local election administration staff and their pay structure.

Maddy summaryHB 214 would allow Alabama to join the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact, enabling school psychologists licensed in Alabama to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The compact creates a standardized process for states to recognize equivalent licenses, reducing redundant requirements like multiple exams or background checks. This directly benefits school psychologists seeking to work across state lines, especially military families relocating, and helps schools address staffing shortages by expanding access to qualified professionals. States retain authority to set their own scope of practice and licensing standards, ensuring safety while simplifying cross-state mobility.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill), commending Doug Jones for returning a lost Bible to Representative Mark Gidley. The resolution states Jones retrieved the Bible after it fell from Gidley's car on Atlanta Highway and persistently located its owner. It acknowledges Jones' effort with the Bible's return, which was originally gifted to Gidley by the Christian Coalition of Alabama. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Alabama House of Representatives on February 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 25 is a ceremonial resolution commending Hokes Bluff High School students for serving as poll workers during the 2024 election. It recognizes their work at 11 polling locations across the county, including tasks like voter check-in and ballot handling, and notes their 12-hour shifts and educational experience. The resolution specifically lists 40+ student volunteers and expresses admiration for their civic engagement. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect policies.