Rep. Jerry Starnes

Maddy summaryHJR 121 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Mary Frances Holland on her 100th birthday. It formally commends her life and legacy, recognizing her perseverance through hardships like the Great Depression, her career as an Alabama State Auditor, and her role as a single mother. The resolution specifically celebrates her centenarian milestone and her contributions to her community in Prattville, Alabama. As a symbolic gesture, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or laws.

Maddy summaryHB 341 exempts the first $5,000 of drill pay earned by Alabama National Guard members from state income tax. This directly affects part-time service members who receive compensation for training exercises (drill pay) but not active-duty military pay. The bill amends Alabama's tax code by adding a new exemption under Section 40-18-19 for this specific income, aligning with existing exemptions for other public safety personnel. It also includes minor technical updates to the tax code language for clarity, without changing other tax provisions.

Maddy summaryHJR 37 is a memorial resolution honoring the late Hannibal McNeill "Mac" Gipson Jr., a former Alabama State Representative and Administrator of the Alabama ABC Board. The resolution expresses the legislature's condolences upon his death and celebrates his life, service, and legacy as a community leader, small business owner, and public servant. This is a purely symbolic gesture with no policy, budgetary, or legal impact.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HR 68), not a policy bill. It expresses the Alabama House of Representatives' condolences upon the death of former state Representative Hannibal "Mac" Gipson, Jr., who served four terms in the Alabama House, chaired the ABC Board, and was a community leader. The resolution honors his life, service, and legacy, including his work on education budgets and his roles in business and civic organizations, while extending sympathy to his family. It has no policy impact or concrete legislative changes.

Maddy summaryHB 88 officially designates probation and parole officers of the Board of Pardons and Paroles as state law enforcement officers. The bill amends Section 36-21-40 of the Code of Alabama to explicitly include these officers in the legal definition of "Law Enforcement Officer." It also updates the definition of "Law Enforcement Agency" to include the Board of Pardons and Paroles. This change clarifies their official status and scope under state law. The act is scheduled to become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 329 requires individuals and companies to obtain local government approval before constructing tall structures, defined as over 200 feet, within two miles of a military installation. To gain approval, applicants must provide documentation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirming no hazard to air navigation or a resolution of any adverse impact on military operations. The bill also establishes specific review processes for wind energy facilities. Local governments are authorized to seek court orders to stop construction that proceeds without the required approval, aiming to protect military operations and readiness.

Maddy summaryHR 281 is a resolution from the House of Representatives of Alabama that recognizes and commends the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Incorporated (GMWA). The resolution honors GMWA for its contributions to celebrating and preserving gospel music, fostering community education, and spiritual enrichment, particularly on the occasion of its 58th Annual Convention in Montgomery, Alabama.

Maddy summaryHB 368 establishes two new fees in Elmore County: a $100 court cost (increasing by $5 annually) for most circuit court cases (excluding traffic), and a $100 booking fee (also increasing by $5 yearly) for defendants convicted or pleading guilty who are booked into the county jail. Both fees apply to all relevant cases, cannot be waived alone, and must be collected by the court clerk. Proceeds from both fees go into the "Enhance Elmore Fund," with county commission directing the funds first toward debt service for judicial complex renovations, then toward maintenance and upgrades once debt is paid. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies only to Elmore County.

Maddy summaryHB 228 would exempt the first $5,000 of annual drill pay earned by Alabama National Guard members from state income tax. This policy change directly affects part-time military personnel serving in the Alabama National Guard, specifically covering income from inactive duty training. The bill amends Alabama’s tax code (Section 40-18-19) to add a new exemption for this income, mirroring existing exemptions for firefighters and police officers but setting a $5,000 limit instead of the $8,000 used for other groups. The bill is currently pending committee review in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Alabama G.I. and Dependents Educational Benefit Act to ensure that schools receiving tuition reimbursements for veterans and their dependents handle unpaid fees in the same way as the federal government. Specifically, it requires these institutions to apply financial offsets and write-offs to outstanding balances to the same extent as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does. The law also mandates that schools provide detailed annual financial reports to the state legislature and the Department of Veterans' Affairs, while allowing the state's public accounts department to audit these institutions. These changes take effect on October 1, 2024, aiming to align state reimbursement practices with federal standards for managing student debt and financial accountability.