Rep. Ben Robbins

Maddy summaryHJR 51 establishes the Study Commission on Artificial Intelligence and Children's Internet Safety to examine how AI, social media, and internet access affect children. The commission, composed of diverse members including legislators, state officials, mental health representatives, and industry stakeholders, will study these impacts, research other states' approaches to child safety online, and develop legislative recommendations. It must submit a final report with findings and proposed legislation to the Alabama Legislature by November 1, 2026. This resolution creates a research body - not a law - and directly affects future policy discussions about children's online safety in Alabama.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HJR 120) passed by the Alabama legislature to honor Ronnie Dell Joiner, a Coosa County Commissioner, Army Reserves veteran, and community leader who died on February 2, 2026. The resolution formally records the legislature's "profound sadness" over his death and celebrates his life, including his 34 years of military service, 50-year construction career, and work establishing Coosa County's first ambulance service and extending water access. It expresses condolences to his family and recognizes his contributions as a founding town council member, historian, and advocate for community service. As a purely ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any group.

Maddy summaryHB 264 simplifies the process for moving estate administration and will contest cases from probate court to circuit court in Alabama. It allows these cases to be transferred without requiring special equity jurisdiction, making it easier for parties to request removal to circuit court. The bill directly affects individuals involved in will disputes or estate management, such as heirs, executors, or contesting family members. It updates court procedures with minor technical changes to modernize the existing legal code, effective October 1, 2026. This is a procedural change focused on streamlining court transfers, not altering substantive estate law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that local governments in Alabama, including municipalities, counties, and public industrial authorities, must obtain approval from the Secretary of Commerce and the Governor before granting tax abatements for the state portion of certain taxes on industrial property. Under current law, local entities could abate both state and local taxes independently, but this legislation adds a state-level review process specifically for state tax abatements. The bill mandates that local governments submit written requests with details about the proposed tax reduction, duration, and financial analysis to the Secretary of Commerce, who will evaluate the project's return on investment and check for any prior defaults on economic agreements before recommending the abatement to the Governor. This change applies to abatements for construction-related transaction taxes and ad valorem taxes on private use industrial property, with specific provisions for data processing centers and technical corrections to existing tax abatement procedures. The new requirements take effect on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 173 requires online platforms (like social media) to restrict algorithmic recommendations and content prioritization for minors under 18 unless parental consent is obtained or age is verified. It limits notification hours for minors, sets default platform settings to restrict access during certain times, and mandates tools for parents to enable stricter controls. Platforms must annually disclose specific data and face penalties under Alabama’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act for violations. The bill directly affects minors using covered platforms and the operators of those platforms.

Maddy summaryHB 174 requires video game manufacturers selling 25+ copies in Alabama to ensure games receive an age rating from the ESRB or a similar organization before sale. Manufacturers must display the rating visibly on physical packaging or at point-of-sale, and provide detailed rating explanations on a consumer-accessible website. Violations would be treated as deceptive trade practices under Alabama law, subjecting manufacturers to existing penalties. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, directly affecting game sellers operating in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 327 is a consumer protection bill prohibiting businesses from using a person's voice or image in a digital replica for commercial purposes without their written consent. It creates a private right for individuals to sue if their likeness is used without authorization, while allowing exceptions for news, commentary, satire, and short, non-commercial uses. The law also establishes that rights to control digital replicas last 10 years after a person's death (with possible 5-year renewals) but cannot exceed 50 years total. This directly affects individuals whose likenesses might be replicated and businesses creating or using such digital representations.

Maddy summaryHB 470 allows retired state employees covered by the Employees' Retirement System or Teachers' Retirement System to return to work without income limits after being retired for at least 12 months. It requires them to commit to three consecutive years of employment and pay a percentage of their earnings to cover retirement system administration costs. The bill explicitly prohibits these returning employees from accruing new retirement benefits during their reemployment. This change directly affects retired state workers seeking part-time or full-time roles with participating employers, while maintaining their existing pension payments.

Maddy summaryHB 175 creates a state income tax credit for Alabama farmers and food establishments that donate safe-to-eat farm products (like fruits, vegetables, dairy, or meat) to qualifying food banks. Donors can claim a credit equal to 15% of the donated food's value (capped at $5,000 per year), calculated using federal tax rules for charitable food donations. The credit is limited to $2 million total statewide annually and expires after the 2031 tax year, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the cap is reached. The bill takes effect in 2027 and aims to encourage food donations without requiring recipients to pay for the donations.

Maddy summaryHB 265 creates criminal penalties for unauthorized use of DNA or genetic data in Alabama. It defines three levels of offenses: selling DNA without permission (Class C felony), submitting DNA for testing or disclosing genetic data without consent (Class D felony), and collecting DNA without consent or hacking systems (Class A misdemeanor). The law applies to individuals and entities handling DNA samples or genetic data, but excludes law enforcement use, court-ordered disclosures, genetic testing companies following existing rules, and de-identified data. It requires explicit consent for DNA use and prohibits unauthorized sharing or analysis, with exceptions for research at educational institutions. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, if passed.