Rep. Jeremy Gray

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 256 proposes to exempt Goodwill Industries of Southern Rivers from paying state sales and use taxes. This bill directly affects this specific non-profit organization by reducing their tax obligations at the state level. Additionally, it provides counties and municipalities with the option to grant the same exemption from local sales and use taxes. For local exemptions to apply, counties and municipalities would need to pass their own resolutions or ordinances. The bill is set to become effective on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 334 amends Alabama law to require health insurance plans to eliminate cost-sharing requirements for annual prostate cancer screenings. This means no deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance would be imposed for these screenings. The bill specifically applies to men over 50 years of age and men over 40 years of age who are identified as being at high risk for prostate cancer. "Men at high risk" are defined to include African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer or specific genetic markers. These changes are scheduled to become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 181 proposes the creation of the Alabama Quantum Evaluation Task Force. This task force is established to study and evaluate quantum technology within the state, with a focus on economic development. A key provision indicates that the State Superintendent of Education, or their designee, would serve as a member of this task force, suggesting an emphasis on educational implications related to quantum technology.

Maddy summaryHB 489 allows high school student athletes in Alabama to receive paid compensation for using their name, image, or likeness (NIL), directly affecting athletes in public and private K-12 schools. Key provisions prohibit payments tied to athletic performance, school enrollment, or school-related items (like logos, uniforms, or facilities), and require athletes and parents to get professional guidance on tax and college eligibility impacts before signing contracts. Athletes must also notify school officials at least seven days before entering any NIL agreement. The bill aims to balance athlete compensation with academic and athletic integrity, with the law set to take effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Alabama's regulatory framework for sports wagering, creating the Alabama Gaming Commission to license online betting platforms and tax profits from sports betting activities. It directs tax revenue from sports wagering to fund name, image, and likeness (NIL) programs supporting high school student-athletes. The bill also creates an NIL Oversight Committee to regulate athlete compensation, sets rules for NIL agreements, and provides state income tax exemptions on NIL earnings for eligible student-athletes. These provisions aim to generate state revenue while establishing structured support and protections for high school athletes participating in NIL programs.

Resolutions

Education

LeAnna Roberts, Commended

Public K-12 schools, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act, State Board of Education to adopt guidelines about sudden cardiac arrest; certain training regarding sudden cardiac arrest, required; student removal from athletic activity if exhibiting certain symptoms, required

Millennial Action Project and Alabama Future Caucus, Recognized