Rep. Cynthia Almond

Maddy summaryHB 600 proposes to exempt specific foundations from certain taxes. This bill would relieve the Alabama School of Fine Arts Foundation and the Healthcare Sciences Foundation from paying state, county, and municipal sales and use taxes. If enacted, these exemptions would apply to transactions beginning January 1, 2021.

Maddy summaryHB 281 updates the process for appealing decisions made by municipal zoning boards of adjustment to the circuit court. It requires an aggrieved party to file a written notice of appeal with the board within 15 days of the final decision. The appeal itself must then be filed with the circuit court within 30 days of the board's decision. The bill also specifies that the zoning board's original decision remains in effect during the appeal process, unless the circuit court grants a stay. This directly affects individuals and entities challenging local zoning decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 200 revises the Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entity Code. It primarily makes technical changes and corrects existing references within the code. The bill also formalizes current practices related to electronic filing and reserving entity names. These updates directly affect businesses and nonprofit organizations operating in Alabama by clarifying and updating their governing legal framework.

Maddy summaryHB 328 establishes the Alabama National Guard Legal Services Office and the Alabama National Guard Legal Assistance Program. These new entities are designed to provide legal advice and services to the Adjutant General, the State Military Department, and members of the Alabama National Guard. The bill outlines various positions within these offices, such as state staff judge advocates and general counsel, and details their responsibilities in areas like military justice, administration, and training. Additionally, it authorizes judge advocates and paralegals to perform notary acts under specific circumstances.

Maddy summaryHB 461 amends the law governing the Alabama Educational Television Foundation Authority. Currently, the Authority is prohibited from engaging in propaganda or attempting to influence legislation. This bill creates an exception to that rule, specifically allowing the Authority to use its funds for fundraising, soliciting donations, and otherwise securing additional funding. These activities must comply with the Internal Revenue Code and relevant federal regulations. The bill directly affects the Authority's ability to seek financial support for its operations.

Maddy summaryHB 295 amends military disciplinary procedures by clarifying which officers may impose punishments and who may be disciplined. It specifies that only officers of general or flag rank can impose certain disciplinary measures, and limits the ranks of enlisted members subject to discipline to E-5 through E-9. The bill replaces specific lines in existing law to update the scope of disciplinary authority without creating new penalties. This is a technical revision to military justice code, directly affecting senior military commanders and senior enlisted personnel. The bill focuses solely on procedural wording within current disciplinary frameworks.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJR 31) requests that Alabama's Department of Transportation name a specific bridge on Interstate 20/59 over Grant Creek in Tuscaloosa County as the "Daryl Wayne Brown, Sr. Memorial Bridge." It directly affects the Alabama DOT, which would need to coordinate with local officials to implement the name and install appropriate signage. The resolution commemorates Daryl Brown, a retired Alabama State Trooper and community member who died in a car accident near the bridge, honoring his 28-year service and family legacy. The bill is procedural and commemorative, not a policy change requiring new funding or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 498 amends Alabama law to give the State Superintendent of Education new authority to enforce education regulations. Specifically, it allows the Superintendent to issue subpoenas requiring witnesses to testify or produce documents related to school law enforcement, and to appoint special investigators within the Department of Education's Office of General Counsel. These investigators can serve subpoenas, access school property, interview witnesses, and review relevant records to investigate misconduct by school employees. The bill directly affects the Superintendent's ability to conduct investigations and the school employees whose conduct may be under review. It becomes effective August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 280 amends Alabama law to clarify when municipalities can sue to stop public nuisances (like harmful events or conditions affecting community health or safety). It specifically requires organizers of unpermitted events causing nuisances to pay for abatement costs - including police, traffic control, and sanitation - while protecting property owners, landlords, or business owners who didn’t help organize the event. The bill directly affects event promoters and organizers of unpermitted gatherings, making them financially liable for cleanup expenses. This changes existing rules by shifting responsibility from local governments to event organizers for costs tied to unpermitted events.

Maddy summaryHB 201 prohibits operating drones within 500 feet horizontally or 400 feet vertically of public schools without the school administrator's consent. It also bans using drones to photograph, record, or observe schools in that zone and restricts drone surveillance of individuals where privacy expectations exist. Violations are classified as misdemeanors, with drone operation near schools being a Class C offense and photography a Class A offense. The bill directly affects drone users - both recreational and commercial - flying near public schools, including those conducting photography or casual flights in school zones.