Rep. Rick Rehm

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 366, also known as the Lakyn Canine Act, authorizes emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to provide emergency medical care to police dogs injured in the line of duty. It also permits EMS personnel to transport these injured police dogs to veterinary facilities, provided no human requires medical attention or transport at that time. The bill grants immunity from criminal or civil liability for EMS personnel who provide such care in good faith. Additionally, it provides immunity for EMS personnel who choose to refuse treatment or transport for an injured police dog. This act is set to become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 165 proposes to add Juneteenth as an official state holiday. The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to include Juneteenth in the list of recognized state holidays. If enacted, all state holidays, including Juneteenth, would be observed by the closing of state offices. This change would directly affect state government operations and employees.

Maddy summaryHB 608 is a local bill that authorizes the Henry County Commission to provide support for the county coroner's office. It allows the commission to furnish the Henry County coroner and deputy coroner with a vehicle for official duties, equipped with necessary items like a stretcher and radio. The bill specifies that the county would cover fuel, oil, and repairs for these vehicles, and may issue a gas card for fuel costs. Additionally, the commission may reimburse the coroner and deputy coroner for expenses related to attending state-mandated training or continuing education. This act will become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 609 authorizes the Henry County Sheriff's Office and Henry County Task Force to sell, use, or destroy abandoned, stolen, and unclaimed personal property. After a minimum of six months, unclaimed property can be sold at public auction, with specific federal licensing and transfer requirements for firearms. Owners can claim their property before sale or the sale proceeds within six months, minus recovery and storage costs. Unclaimed proceeds, after expenses, are deposited into the Sheriff's Fund for law enforcement purposes, and unclaimed firearms may be used by the Sheriff's Office or destroyed if unsafe. This act applies only to Henry County.

Maddy summaryHB 592, relating to Henry County, abolishes the Southeast Alabama Human Development Council. This bill transfers all duties previously held by the council to the Alabama Department of Youth Services. It also repeals the specific section of the Code of Alabama that originally established the council, with an effective date of June 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 591 amends existing law concerning the county lodging tax in Henry County. This bill allows the Henry County Commission to levy a privilege or license tax, not exceeding four percent, on businesses that rent rooms, lodging, or accommodations to transients. The tax applies to various establishments such as hotels, motels, and recreational vehicle parks. It clarifies exemptions, including charges subject to state sales tax, rentals for 30 continuous days or more, and accommodations intended as a principal residence. This act is scheduled to become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 195 expands eligibility for Alabama's disabled veteran license plates to include veterans with a physical disability of at least 50%, rather than requiring a disability exceeding 50%. This change directly affects disabled veterans who currently meet the 50% disability threshold but were previously excluded under the existing "exceeds 50%" standard. The bill amends Alabama law to allow these veterans to apply for special plates displaying "Disabled Veteran" and their branch of service, with a $5 registration fee (covering plate costs) and requiring proof of eligibility. The plates are non-transferable and must be applied for through the county judge of probate. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.

Henry County

Houston County

Motor Vehicles & Traffic