Maddy summaryHB 140 allows privately owned sewer and wastewater systems that are under common ownership with systems already regulated by Alabama's Public Service Commission to voluntarily elect to come under the Commission's jurisdiction. It creates a process for these "affiliated systems" to file a notice with the Commission, after which their capital and operating costs would be combined with the regulated systems to set a single, unified rate for all customers. The bill does not apply in counties with local constitutional amendments governing wastewater utilities, and existing rates remain in effect until new rates are approved. This change directly affects private utility systems seeking streamlined regulation under the Public Service Commission.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 305 amends Alabama's theft statute to specifically criminalize taking items mailed or shipped to another person with intent to deprive the recipient. It adds a new provision (subsection 5) making it unlawful to knowingly obtain unauthorized control over such mailed or shipped property. This directly affects individuals who intercept or steal packages or mail intended for others. The bill does not change existing theft laws but explicitly covers mail and shipping theft, effective October 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHJR 4 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Frank Caskey for his retirement after over 50 years of service with the Alabama Legislative Services Agency. It commends his career as a legislative analyst, attorney, and adjunct law professor, highlighting his expertise in drafting legislation and his contributions to Alabama's lawmaking process. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any constituents - it is purely a formal tribute recognizing his professional achievements.
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Mary Sanders Ward for her 63 years of service to the Alabama House of Representatives, including her critical role in maintaining the official legislative journal and developing key computer systems like ALIS and LINX. It recognizes her work as House Journal Room Supervisor, ensuring accurate records of legislative actions, and her contributions to modernizing the legislature's technology. The resolution honors her retirement and highlights her dedication to the House, staff, and Alabama citizens. (Note: This is a commemorative resolution, not a policy bill.)
Maddy summaryHJR 5 is a ceremonial resolution commending Julie Fike Saint for retiring after nearly 40 years of service to the Alabama House of Representatives. It recognizes her career path - from typist in 1985 to supervisor of the Enrolling and Engrossing Department - and highlights her role in processing thousands of bills across 88 legislative sessions. The resolution also acknowledges her contributions as a supportive "Mama JuJu" who provided office supplies, snacks (like her signature Tiger Butter), and organized staff events. This non-binding resolution expresses the House’s gratitude and directs a copy be delivered to her as a token of appreciation. It does not create new laws or affect any policies.
Maddy summaryHB 306 proposes an amendment to Alabama's constitution requiring all public K-12 schools to broadcast or sanction the performance of the first stanza of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at least once weekly during school hours. Local school boards must adopt policies implementing this requirement, using only recordings or sheet music archived by the Library of Congress. The bill directly affects every Alabama public K-12 school and its governing boards. This policy change would standardize a weekly patriotic observance in schools, replacing any existing voluntary practices with a constitutionally mandated routine.
Maddy summaryHB 4 updates Alabama's obscenity laws by refining the definition of "sexual conduct" and clarifying which libraries are exempt from criminal obscenity provisions. It specifies that obscenity laws no longer apply to college/university libraries and their staff, but they continue to apply to public libraries and public school libraries when minors are present without parental consent. The bill makes technical revisions to modernize the legal code language without changing core enforcement. This directly affects library staff and patrons in different library settings across Alabama. The bill is pending in the House Judiciary Committee as of February 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Crimes and Offenses code to clarify that the state, counties, and municipalities retain the right to take lawful actions on their rights-of-way, even during labor disputes. The specific change removes a restriction that previously might have prevented government entities from exercising these rights while negotiating with employees. By making this adjustment, the legislation ensures that public infrastructure management is not hindered by ongoing employment conflicts. The bill was enacted into law as 2024-395 after passing through the House of Representatives.
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