Rep. Rolanda Hollis

Maddy summaryHB 55 requires Alabama financial institutions (like banks and credit unions) to allow homeowners with mortgages to choose biweekly or semi-monthly payment schedules. Homeowners could also make extra payments directly to their mortgage principal without penalties. The bill specifies that any additional payments beyond the regular amount would first cover escrow shortages (for taxes/insurance) before reducing the principal. This policy directly affects homeowners seeking more flexible payment options and lenders operating in Alabama.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new 8% state privilege tax on historical horse racing activities in Alabama, which would replace all existing local taxes on these operations. The tax applies to net gambling revenue from pari-mutuel wagers on computerized historical horse racing machines, excluding promotional credits and winnings from the taxable amount. By repealing specific local tax laws in Class 1 municipalities and certain counties, the bill ensures the state tax is the only tax levied on historical horse racing, while leaving taxes on live greyhound and horse racing unchanged. The legislation would take effect on October 1, 2026, and does not authorize any new gambling activities beyond what is currently permitted by law.

Maddy summaryHJR 110 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Tuskegee University's contributions to Alabama. It commemorates the university's legacy as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), highlighting its status as a National Historic Site, its production of over 75% of the world's African American veterinarians, and its role in training the Tuskegee Airmen. The resolution formally celebrates Tuskegee University and welcomes its representatives to the Alabama State House for Legislative Day on February 11, 2026. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding but honors the institution's educational and historical impact on the state.

Maddy summaryHB 469 creates the Municipal Firefighters' Bill of Rights for municipal firefighters in Alabama, directly affecting firefighters facing investigations or disciplinary actions. It establishes minimum standards for investigations leading to termination, demotion, or loss of pay/status, requiring written notification of pending actions, recording of interrogations, and allowing firefighters to have a witness present. The bill prohibits requiring firefighters to disclose personal financial details (like income, assets, or debts) for promotions or assignments and protects off-duty political activity. It also explicitly states firefighters cannot be penalized for exercising these rights, with the law taking effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 56 requires autocycle operators and passengers to wear protective headgear and shoes meeting motorcycle safety standards, ending an existing exemption. It directly affects owners and riders of three-wheeled autocycles (vehicles designed with a steering wheel, roll cage, and three ground wheels). The bill amends Alabama law to apply the same headgear and footwear requirements from motorcycle regulations (Section 32-5A-245) to autocycles, effective October 1, 2026. This change applies to all autocycle operation, excluding enclosed cabs. The bill is pending in the House Public Safety Committee as of January 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 54, the Alabama Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education (CARE) Act, allows pregnant women sentenced to jail to serve probation before incarceration instead of being jailed immediately. It requires jails to offer pregnancy testing within three days of intake, releases pregnant women on probation (with electronic supervision and no fines) if they pose no threat, and mandates they serve probation through 12 weeks after birth. The bill requires women to self-surrender to jail 12 weeks after giving birth, with failure to do so classified as a Class A misdemeanor. This directly affects pregnant women in Alabama facing incarceration sentences, changing their path to jail from immediate admission to supervised probation during pregnancy and postpartum.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals selling contractual rights to buy property (known as "equitable interests") for a fee to obtain a real estate license, ending a prior exemption. It mandates specific disclosures to buyers about the transaction and requires a fixed closing date in all such contracts. Violations - like failing to disclose key details or omitting a closing date - could result in fines or penalties imposed by the Alabama Real Estate Commission. The bill directly affects sellers of property through contracts (e.g., land contracts) rather than deeds, who previously could operate without a license.

Maddy summaryHB 73, the Notary Integrity and Property Protection Act of 2025, shortens Alabama notaries' commission terms from four to two years and requires all notary stamps to permanently embed the notary's full name, commission number, expiration date, and title "Notary Public, State of Alabama." This directly affects current and future Alabama notaries public, who must now use compliant stamps with embedded information instead of manually altering them. The bill adds penalties for using unapproved, altered, or fraudulent stamps, including suspension or revocation of commission and civil penalties. These changes aim to enhance document authenticity and prevent fraud in real estate and other transactions requiring notarization.

Maddy summaryHB 52, the "Light of Justice Act," revives civil claims for sexual abuse of minors that were previously time-barred under Alabama law. It allows survivors who were under 19 at the time of the abuse to file lawsuits within 10 years of the bill's effective date (January 1, 2027), directly affecting those who missed the original six-year window. The bill requires the Attorney General to run a public awareness campaign about this new filing period and prohibits discrimination or retaliation against individuals who file such claims. It also holds organizations (like schools or religious institutions) accountable if they failed to prevent abuse. The law is contingent on a constitutional amendment being ratified by voters.

Maddy summaryHB 53 proposes a constitutional amendment to Alabama's 2022 Constitution, allowing the legislature to revive time-barred legal claims related to child sexual abuse. It directly affects victims of childhood sexual abuse whose cases may have been dismissed due to expired statutes of limitations. The amendment would modify Section 95 to add an exception permitting the legislature to restore such claims through general law. This change would enable victims to pursue legal remedies for abuse that occurred years ago, even if the original time limit had passed. The proposal requires voter approval via a statewide election after legislative passage.