Rep. Terri Collins

Maddy summaryHB 123 exempts the Cook Museum of Natural Science and the McWane Science Center from paying state sales and use taxes. Local counties or municipalities may also choose to exempt these institutions from local sales and use taxes, following existing tax exemption procedures. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2026, providing tax relief for these specific educational institutions. This policy change directly affects the two museums' operational costs by removing a financial burden related to sales and use taxes.

Maddy summaryHJR 46 is a ceremonial resolution commending Cathy Waller McGowin for her eight years of service on the Alabama Women's Commission. It recognizes her nursing career, community volunteerism (including work with Camp Rap-A-Hope and the Junior League), and leadership as Commission Chair since 2020. The resolution formally honors her contributions to advancing initiatives like the 211KNOW text program and the Lunch and Learn series. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws or policies, as it solely expresses legislative appreciation for her public service.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 18), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally commends the Alabama chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) for their historical preservation, educational support, and community service. The resolution highlights their work, including operating the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School and supporting veterans, but contains no new laws or funding. It does not affect any individuals or policies; it is purely a symbolic expression of legislative appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 91) formally commends Cathy Waller McGowin for eight years of service on the Alabama Women's Commission, including her role as Commission Chair since 2020. It highlights her nursing career, community volunteer work (such as with Camp Rap-A-Hope and the Junior League of Mobile), and leadership in initiatives like the 211KNOW text program. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses legislative appreciation for her contributions to women's and family services in Alabama.

Maddy summaryHB 396 revises Alabama's public school grading system to create separate evaluation formulas for schools with and without 12th grade. Schools without 12th grade use weighted metrics focused on academic achievement (40%), growth (40%), and growth for low-performing students (20%). Schools with 12th grade include additional college and career readiness indicators (30%) and graduation rates (10%), such as ACT scores, dual enrollment, or industry credentials. The bill requires the Alabama Workforce Board and State Department of Education to develop a system for tracking student outcomes related to these readiness metrics, and creates an Accountability Council to review the grading system. This directly affects all Alabama public K-12 schools through their annual accountability ratings.

Maddy summaryHB 50 would create the Imagination Library of Alabama Program to provide free monthly books to children aged birth to five in participating counties. The state program would coordinate with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, requiring the Department of Early Childhood Education to contribute 50% of the program's costs (with local partners matching the other 50%). This directly affects Alabama families with young children in participating areas, as it provides books at no cost to families while establishing a state fund to accept donations and manage funding. The bill requires the state to adopt rules for administration and publicly report program enrollment and impact annually.

Maddy summaryHB 245 is a procedural amendment to the Rural Hospital Investment Program, specifically modifying administrative language related to appointment procedures for oversight roles. It replaces technical references in the bill text to clarify that certain appointments must be made "pursuant to subdivisions (a)(6)(5) and (a)(7)(6)" within the Department of Revenue's oversight structure. The bill does not create new funding or services but adjusts how appointments for program oversight are handled. It remains pending in the House Committee on Ways and Means Education, with no substantive policy changes enacted yet.

Maddy summaryHJR 47 is a resolution supporting the creation of a bicameral Alabama legislative caucus focused on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It does not fund or change existing laws but establishes a formal forum where Alabama legislators (Senate and House members) can collaborate on HBCU-related issues. The resolution outlines four guiding principles for the caucus: advocating for fair funding, partnering to create opportunities, informing lawmakers about HBCU challenges, and promoting HBCUs' economic value. This caucus would be open to any interested state legislators and would meet to advance HBCU interests, though it has no authority to enact legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 581 revises how Morgan County distributes certain funds it receives from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). It amends current law to change the percentages of these funds allocated to the Morgan County Legislative Delegation Fund and the Morgan County Rescue Squad. The bill increases the share for the Legislative Delegation Fund, which supports a legislative office, staff, and allows for grants, and also slightly increases the share for the Rescue Squad. Furthermore, it details the allocation of remaining TVA funds, including amounts for debt service, the Morgan County Economic Development Fund, and other local governments based on population.

Maddy summaryHB 365 creates the Alabama STEM Council within the Department of Workforce, defining its membership and responsibilities. The bill expands the list of STEM fields covered to include life science, accounting, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and earth science, directly affecting Alabama's K-12 and higher education systems, workforce development programs, and employers seeking skilled workers. Key provisions establish the council to coordinate STEM education initiatives, workforce training, and industry partnerships across the state. The bill is currently pending in the House Education Policy Committee as of March 2025.