Rep. Chris Blackshear

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 350 would exempt the Greater Peace Community Development Corporation from paying state sales and use taxes. It also allows counties and municipalities to choose to exempt this entity from local sales and use taxes through an adopted resolution or ordinance. This means the corporation would no longer pay state sales and use taxes, and could potentially be exempt from local sales and use taxes if local governing bodies approve. The bill is set to become effective on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 606 updates the procedures for relocating utility facilities when new public highways are constructed. It requires the Director of Transportation to obtain estimated costs for these relocations. The bill expands the definition of "utility" to include providers of electricity, gas, water, sewer, broadband, cable, and telecommunications services, whether publicly, privately, or cooperatively owned. It also prohibits the Department of Transportation from charging fees for utilities using state rights-of-way.

Maddy summaryHB 422 proposes to repeal an existing law that mandates the distribution of certain funds within Russell County. Currently, a portion of the state gasoline tax revenue allocated to Russell County is shared with its incorporated municipalities. This bill would eliminate that requirement, meaning the county would no longer be legally obligated to distribute those specific gasoline tax funds to its cities and towns. This change directly affects the financial arrangements between Russell County and its municipalities regarding this particular revenue stream, effective October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 347 relates to Russell County and abolishes the office of constable within the county. This change directly affects individuals currently serving as constables in Russell County and eliminates the position for future terms. The abolition of the office will take effect at the end of the term of the constable serving on June 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 348 relates to Russell County and modifies the assessment of a probate recording fee, affecting individuals who file documents or obtain marriage licenses in the county. It establishes an initial $5 fee for each instrument filed and marriage license issued, which the Russell County Commission can increase up to $10 by resolution. These collected fees are deposited into an account managed by the Judge of Probate and are specifically designated for modernizing the probate office's records and record-keeping. The funds cannot be used for general operational costs of the probate office unless deemed in excess of modernization needs, and the fees are levied for two-year periods requiring a county commission vote for renewal.

Maddy summaryHJR 139 is a symbolic resolution commending 5-year-old Jacks Benton for winning the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association's 13th Annual Big Buck Photo Contest. It recognizes his achievement of harvesting his first buck on family land in Russell County and highlights the contest's role in promoting outdoor recreation. The resolution expresses legislative appreciation for Jacks Benton and the organization's efforts to support tourism and economic benefits in Alabama's Black Belt region. As a procedural resolution, it does not create policy changes or affect laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 7), not a substantive bill. It formally commends the Central Phenix City Flag Football Team for winning the 2024 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Championship and being named national champions by MaxPreps and USA Today/NFL. The resolution highlights the team's undefeated 19-0 record, 37-game win streak, and the recognition of specific players and coaches. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition of the team's athletic achievements.

Gaming

Gaming

Resolutions