Rep. Rolanda Hollis

Maddy summaryHB 357 amends tax code definitions to explicitly include "heated tobacco products" and "snuff" under tobacco product regulations. It adds a new provision (§40-25-25) stating that possessing more than 30 packages of unstamped cigarettes or heated tobacco products is presumed to be for evading taxes. This directly affects tobacco sellers and distributors who must stamp products to comply with tax requirements. The bill clarifies enforcement standards for tax evasion related to unstamped tobacco items, without changing tax rates or creating new taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 225 revises the regulation of real estate education and licensing in Alabama, affecting the Alabama Real Estate Commission, schools, instructors, and real estate professionals. The bill differentiates between prelicense and continuing education schools, establishing specific requirements for each, and sets new approval criteria for prelicense instructors. It also modifies requirements for obtaining and renewing salesperson and broker licenses, including changes to deadlines and fees. Additionally, the bill allows for the approval of synchronous distance education and revises the commission's disciplinary authority.

Maddy summaryHB 138, known as the Alabama Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education (CARE) Act, establishes new procedures for pregnant women in the criminal justice system. It requires pregnancy testing upon jail admission and mandates that courts release pregnant women on bail if they are not deemed a significant threat to themselves or others. For pregnant women sentenced to incarceration, the bill requires a term of pre-incarceration probation, allowing them to defer their sentence until 12 weeks after childbirth. During this supervised probation, fines are suspended, and women must self-surrender 12 weeks postpartum, with failure to do so resulting in criminal penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 612 proposes a constitutional amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022. Currently, the state constitution prohibits the Legislature from reviving any legal right or remedy that has expired due to a lapse of time or statute. This bill would amend the constitution to specifically allow the Legislature to revive time-barred rights or remedies related to child sexual abuse. If approved by voters, this change would grant the Legislature the authority to pass laws that could enable individuals who experienced child sexual abuse to pursue legal action even if the standard time limits have passed.

Maddy summaryHB 613 would allow individuals who experienced a sex offense as a minor to file civil lawsuits for damages, even if the legal deadline to do so has passed, for a period of 10 years after the bill's effective date. These lawsuits could be brought against the alleged offender and organizations, like religious institutions or schools, if they knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it. The bill also requires the Attorney General to conduct a public awareness campaign about these revived claims and prohibits retaliation against individuals who file them. This act is contingent on the ratification of a constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to revive time-barred rights and remedies relating to child sexual abuse.

Maddy summaryHB 593 revises the compensation for the Sheriff of Jefferson County, Alabama. Effective June 1, 2025, the sheriff will receive an additional annual expense allowance of $40,000, which can be treated as compensation for retirement contributions. Beginning January 18, 2027, with the next term of office, the sheriff's annual salary will be set at $248,000, replacing previous salary and expense allowance provisions. The bill also clarifies earlier provisions for an annual salary of $160,000 and cost-of-living increases.

Maddy summaryHR 109 is a symbolic resolution recognizing Mary "Honey B" Morrison, a New York Times bestselling author and female empowerment advocate. It commends her professional achievements, including her 30 published books, work as a literary coach, and advocacy for women's health, particularly regarding perimenopause and menopause. The resolution, introduced by Representative Hollis in Alabama's House, has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as an expression of appreciation for Morrison's career contributions. It does not affect any laws, regulations, or individuals' rights.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 110) passed by the Alabama House of Representatives to honor civil rights advocate Catrena Norris Carter. It formally recognizes her 35-year career, including founding nonprofits like Salute Selma and Women of Will, organizing the 2020 Black Women Led March, and leading the Bridge Crossing Jubilee reenactment. The resolution highlights her work advancing civil rights, women's leadership, and community advocacy in Alabama and nationally. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summaryHR 89 is a memorial resolution passed by the Alabama House of Representatives to honor the life and legacy of Beverly Cunningham Lester, who died on February 18, 2025. The resolution records the House's "profound sorrow" at her passing and celebrates her decades-long career as a nurse, community volunteer, and devoted family member. This procedural resolution does not create any new laws or policies - it solely serves as a formal expression of mourning and tribute to her contributions to her community and family.

Maddy summaryHB 139 would expand Alabama's anti-discrimination laws by making it unlawful to deny full and equal access to public accommodations (such as stores, restaurants, and hotels) based on race, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin. It also prohibits local school boards from discriminating against students or staff on these grounds and bans employment discrimination by employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations in hiring, pay, and workplace conditions. The bill creates a state cause of action, allowing individuals to sue violators without paying court fees and seek remedies like back pay or reinstatement. This affects businesses, schools, and employers statewide by requiring compliance with these expanded protections.