Rep. Russell Bedsole

Maddy summaryHB 497 amends existing law concerning "weed liens" on properties in Shelby County, specifically the City of Alabaster. The bill clarifies that when a property with an outstanding weed lien is redeemed or sold by the state, the lien must be paid as part of that transaction. Upon full payment, the weed lien is extinguished. If the lien is not paid during a redemption or sale, it remains a valid and enforceable claim against the property until satisfied.

Maddy summaryHB 393 authorizes the City Council of Alabaster to establish and regulate up to two entertainment districts, each not exceeding a half-mile square. Within these designated areas, businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption can obtain a special permit. This permit allows their patrons to carry open containers of alcoholic beverages within the entertainment district's boundaries. However, patrons cannot bring outside alcoholic beverages into the district or take open containers into other licensed establishments. The City of Alabaster is responsible for enforcing these regulations and setting penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 355 proposes to extend the time limit for individuals to file claims with the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission. Currently, crime victims or their families must file a claim within one year of the injury or death upon which the claim is based. This bill would amend Section 15-23-12 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to extend this deadline, allowing claims to be filed within two years. This change directly affects individuals seeking financial compensation for injuries or death resulting from a crime in Alabama. The bill is slated to become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 162 is a resolution that commends Chief Curtis Rigney for his more than 33 years of service to the City of Alabaster Police Department, including 12 years as Chief of Police. It recognizes his career progression, educational achievements, and dedication to helping people upon his retirement.

Maddy summaryHB 376 extends the minimum validity period for all Alabama motor vehicle license plate designs from five years to ten years. This change affects all vehicle owners who renew license plates, as it delays the need for new plate designs during renewal cycles. The bill amends existing law (Sections 32-6-62 and 32-6-64) to update the required validity period, while exempting permanent plate designs. It does not alter plate fees, production requirements, or the process for distinctive license plates.

Maddy summaryHR 219 is a resolution commending Deputy Brad Bush for receiving the 2025 Alabama Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement - the state's highest law enforcement award. It recognizes his actions on February 17, 2024, when he restrained a suspect who was drawing a firearm, preventing the suspect from shooting deputies and saving a fellow officer's life. The resolution highlights Deputy Bush's quick observation of a concealed weapon and his refusal to release his grip during the struggle. This is a ceremonial resolution with no binding policy changes, solely honoring his service.

Maddy summaryHR 160 is a ceremonial resolution commending Chief Curtis Rigney for his retirement after 33 years of service with the Alabaster, Alabama Police Department, including 12 years as Chief. The resolution formally recognizes his career progression from Patrol Officer (1991) to Chief (2012), educational background, and leadership roles. It has no policy impact or effect on laws, as it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation. This resolution was introduced by several representatives and read on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 35 extends Alabama's existing line-of-duty death benefit to survivors of volunteer firefighters who die from cancer linked to their service. To qualify, survivors must prove the firefighter served at least six years, passed a pre-certification physical exam with no cancer, was actively serving at symptom onset, and had documented exposure to carcinogens during duty. The bill presumes such cancer resulted from volunteer service unless the state proves otherwise. It applies to specific cancers listed in the bill, including lung, leukemia, and skin cancer.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines a "firearm hold agreement" as a private arrangement where a federal firearms licensee (like a gun store) temporarily holds a customer's lawfully owned firearm for a set period and returns it. It provides civil immunity to licensees who follow these agreements, meaning gun owners cannot sue them for returning firearms as agreed. The protection does not apply if the licensee acts unlawfully or if the agreement involves illegal firearm transfers. The bill becomes effective June 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes the Alabama Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program as a model for handling mental health emergencies and encourages law enforcement agencies across the state to adopt it. The legislation commends the program's specialized training, which teaches officers to de-escalate situations involving individuals with mental illness or intellectual disabilities using non-force methods. By promoting this approach, the bill aims to strengthen partnerships between police and mental health providers to reduce arrests, improve officer safety, and connect people in crisis with appropriate treatment services.