Rep. Donna Givens

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment (HB 121) to allow Alabama's legislature to revive civil claims related to child sexual abuse that were previously barred by time limits. It directly affects survivors whose lawsuits were dismissed due to statutes of limitation or other procedural deadlines, enabling them to pursue civil cases even if claims expired years ago. The amendment would let the legislature create specific procedures for these revived claims, including rules on venue, confidentiality, and protections for survivors, while excluding claims already settled or fully adjudicated. It explicitly states this change applies only to civil cases, not criminal prosecutions, and aims to align Alabama law with recognized patterns of delayed disclosure among abuse survivors.

Maddy summaryHB 44 requires Alabama's Department of Human Resources to request a federal waiver from the USDA to allow SNAP (food stamp) benefits to purchase hot rotisserie chickens. If approved, the department would permit SNAP recipients to buy these chickens at retailers. The bill mandates annual resubmission of the waiver request if initially denied, without changing federal SNAP rules directly. This affects Alabama SNAP beneficiaries who currently cannot use benefits for prepared hot foods like rotisserie chickens.

Maddy summaryHB 51 amends Alabama law to specifically protect current and former public officials from assault and harassment. It elevates assaults causing physical injury to public officials to second-degree assault (a Class C felony) instead of third-degree, and upgrades harassment or harassing communications targeting public officials to a Class B misdemeanor. The bill directly affects individuals who commit physical assault or threatening communications against public officials while they are performing their duties. These changes apply to all public officials as defined in Alabama law, including elected and appointed positions. The bill also includes minor technical updates to align the legal language with current style.

Maddy summaryHB 485 proposes to alter and extend the corporate limits of the City of Loxley in Baldwin County, Alabama. The bill specifically adds a 101.12-acre parcel of land, identified as "Bertolla Property Legislative Annexation Area 1," into the city's boundaries. Residents and property within this designated area would become part of the City of Loxley. A map detailing the proposed territory is available for public inspection at the Baldwin County Judge of Probate's office. This act is scheduled to become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 554 authorizes a distinctive license plate for motor vehicle owners who served in the United States Armed Forces and received specific combat medals or badges, such as the Combat Action Ribbon or Combat Infantry Badge. Eligible service members can apply by providing proof of their combat experience and paying an additional $3 fee beyond the regular license fee. These plates will display the service member's branch insignia and the phrase "COMBAT VETERAN." The bill also establishes a Class C misdemeanor criminal penalty for anyone who falsely obtains this special license plate.

Maddy summaryHB 323 exempts electric utilities from standard weight and width restrictions for their own equipment and commodities when transporting oversized loads. However, such loads must still follow Alabama DOT's rerouting authorization process for special routes. This directly affects electric utility companies transporting large equipment like transformers or power line materials. The bill clarifies that while weight/width limits don't apply, DOT approval for specific routes is still required. The change streamlines transport for utilities without eliminating safety review for road routing.

Maddy summaryHB 560 requires Alabama public school districts to adopt policies banning library materials deemed harmful to minors and mandates local school boards to approve all library materials before they appear in school catalogs. It creates parent-majority advisory councils to review materials for age-appropriateness and community values, and establishes a formal process for parents or residents to challenge materials, which must be removed if approved by the board. The bill also allows parents to restrict their child's access to specific library materials and requires school boards to publish catalog lists for public review 30 days before final approval. These changes directly affect school districts, library staff, parents, and students in Alabama's public K-12 schools.

Maddy summaryHB 508 proposes a constitutional amendment to define the Belforest Landmark District in Baldwin County, Alabama, covering specific parcels of land (detailed by township and range sections). It prohibits local governments from annexing any property within this district into a municipality through ordinary local law, except for cities formed after the amendment passes. The district is explicitly stated not to be a legal entity, meaning it cannot tax, zone, enforce police powers, sue, or adopt ordinances. This amendment would take effect if approved by Alabama voters in a statewide election.

Maddy summaryHB 486 proposes a constitutional amendment to continue an existing two-mill property tax (2 mills per $1,000 of assessed value) in 19 specific Baldwin County election precincts for public hospital funding. The tax would be collected annually for 20 years starting October 1, 2027, exclusively for hospital purposes within those precincts as defined on January 1, 2025. Property owners in the designated precincts would be directly affected, as the tax would fund public hospitals without requiring new legislative action. Voter approval in those precincts is required for the amendment to take effect, per Alabama constitutional procedures. This is a procedural continuation of an existing tax, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 204 modifies Alabama's truck weight and size regulations by adding specific truck types to existing exemptions from weight limits. It updates enforcement procedures for portable scales by requiring operators to verify scale accuracy and removing authority for certain officials to direct drivers to stationary weigh stations. The bill directly affects commercial truck operators and enforcement personnel by clarifying scale use and reducing administrative requirements. These changes aim to streamline compliance while maintaining safety standards, with no substantive policy shifts beyond the specified procedural updates. The bill is pending committee review as of February 6, 2025.