Rep. Chris Sells

Maddy summaryHB 114 extends two key deadlines for businesses handling motor fuels in Alabama. It increases the filing period for new or replacement surety bonds from 30 to 60 days after notification by the Alabama Department of Revenue, affecting natural gas sellers, fuel suppliers, importers, and distributors. It also extends the payment period for assessments (fines) on illegally imported or transported motor fuels from 30 to 60 days. The bill makes no substantive policy changes but updates existing code language to reflect these extended timeframes. This applies directly to licensed entities required to maintain financial security bonds under Alabama tax law.

Maddy summaryHB 87 exempts sales of deer feed (specifically shelled corn sold for wild deer consumption) from Alabama's state sales and use taxes. It also allows counties and municipalities to choose whether to exempt deer feed sales from local taxes. The bill directly affects businesses selling deer feed and local tax authorities, changing how these sales are taxed at both state and local levels. The exemption takes effect on September 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 113 requires licensed firearm dealers in Alabama to accept returns of firearms sold with faulty conditions (such as defects impairing safety or function during normal use) within three days of purchase. Consumers can exchange defective firearms for a firearm of the same make and model, if available, and must provide video proof of the defect if it cannot be safely demonstrated in-store. The bill defines "faulty condition" to exclude damage from user abuse, modification, or accidents after purchase. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and directly affects consumers who buy defective firearms and licensed dealers who must implement this return policy.

Maddy summaryHB 180 changes Conecuh County's selection process for its superintendent of education from an elected position to an appointed one, effective June 1, 2026. The Conecuh County Board of Education will appoint the superintendent, who must meet state qualifications and perform all duties outlined in general law, with compensation set annually by the board from county school funds. The bill repeals two older local laws (1923 and 1959) that previously governed the elected role. This change directly affects Conecuh County's public school leadership structure and governance.

Maddy summaryHB 95 mandates that an unexpired manufacturer's warranty on a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system automatically transfers to the new owner upon the sale of residential real property. This ensures that new homeowners receive the benefit of the original warranty as if they were the initial purchaser. The bill prohibits warrantors from charging a fee for this transfer and clarifies that the transfer does not extend the warranty's original term. These provisions apply to property sales and warranty agreements entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 505 revises procedures for appealing tax assessments to the Alabama Tax Tribunal or circuit court. It increases the period a taxpayer has to file an appeal from 30 days to 60 days after a final assessment. Additionally, the bill changes the compensation for judges of the Alabama Tax Tribunal, stipulating that they will be paid at the same rate as administrative law judges.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 362 requires local governing bodies, including county and municipal governments and local boards of education, to audio and video record all their open and public meetings. These recordings must be made available to view online within two business days after the meeting concludes. Additionally, these bodies must post a notice on their public website explaining how to access these recorded meetings. This act, which aims to increase transparency for local government proceedings, is set to become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 296 amends current law regarding the crime of resisting arrest. This bill directly affects individuals who are arrested for intentionally preventing a peace officer from making an arrest. It establishes a new provision requiring a mandatory 24-hour temporary holding period in custody for anyone accused of resisting arrest. During this holding period, a defendant cannot be released on bond, an appearance bond, or personal recognizance. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 596 amends existing law to prohibit the transport of live catfish, specifically those harvested from public waters, out of the state. This new provision would apply to any person, firm, or corporation. Violations of this prohibition would be classified as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying a fine of not less than $2,000 per offense. The bill is designed to regulate the movement of live catfish from state waters across state boundaries.

Maddy summaryHB 426 revises the membership of the Alabama Ad Valorem Advisory Committee, which is responsible for advising on matters related to property taxes. Under current law, the committee is composed of local officials and tax administrators. This bill expands the committee's membership to include two resident taxpayers, appointed by the commissioner, who have paid taxes in Alabama for at least five years. This change aims to incorporate taxpayer perspectives into the committee's discussions and recommendations on ad valorem taxes.