Rep. Chris Sells

Maddy summaryHB 618 would authorize the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections to enter into contracts with foreign nations. These contracts would allow for the confinement of Alabama inmates in public or private correctional facilities located in those foreign countries. This expands the state's current ability to contract with other U.S. states for inmate confinement. The bill specifies that these agreements with foreign governments should follow terms similar to existing interstate compacts.

Maddy summaryHR 260 is a resolution adopted by the House of Representatives to mourn the death and celebrate the life of James Merle Sasser Compton. It acknowledges her contributions to her family and community as a seamstress, cook, gardener, and long-time bank employee.

Maddy summaryHB 551 authorizes the Sheriff of Butler County to sell surplus property, including vehicles, from the sheriff's department, aiming to achieve the greatest return on investment. All funds generated from these sales must be deposited into a newly established "Sheriff's Vehicle Fund" within a Butler County bank. This fund is specifically designated for the purchase of vehicles or related equipment for the sheriff's office. The Department of Examiners of Public Accounts will audit all receipts and expenditures of this fund.

Maddy summaryHB 532 relates to Conecuh County and modifies the selection process and compensation for its county commission chair. Effective June 1, 2025, the county commission will select its chair by a majority vote of its members for the remainder of the current term. Additionally, the chair will receive an extra expense allowance of $500 per month, paid from the county's general fund. These changes, regarding both the selection process and the expense allowance, are temporary and will expire at the end of the current term on November 14, 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 531 authorizes the Conecuh County Commission to levy an additional annual fee of up to $12 on motor vehicle license and registration issuances. This fee would apply to new registrations, transfers, or renewals for vehicles in Conecuh County, commencing June 1, 2025. The proceeds collected from this fee would be distributed monthly to the Evergreen-Conecuh Health Care Authority. This act, including the fee collection, is set to be repealed on September 30, 2040.

Maddy summaryHB 550 authorizes the Butler County Commission to implement an additional annual fee on motor vehicle licenses and registrations. This fee, up to $5.25, would apply to new registrations, transfers, or renewals for vehicles in Butler County, starting January 1, 2026. The county's license issuing official would collect this fee from motor vehicle owners. The collected funds would then be distributed monthly, with one-third each going to the sheriff, the revenue commissioner, and the judge of probate.

Maddy summaryHB 549 authorizes Butler County's sheriff to host fundraising events (like rodeos) and use the proceeds for any lawful sheriff's office operations. It directly affects the Butler County Sheriff's Office by providing legal clarity for these activities. The bill also validates past fundraising efforts by the sheriff under this authority. The law takes effect June 15, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 324 specifies that Alabama sheriffs' terms of office begin at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the first Monday after the second Tuesday of January following their election, replacing the previous rule that lacked a defined start time. This change provides a clear, exact moment for when a sheriff's term officially starts, improving administrative clarity. The bill also includes a conforming adjustment to county commissioners' term expiration and start dates to align with new scheduling rules. It affects sheriffs and county commissioners in Alabama counties and will take effect on June 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 274 proposes amending Alabama's constitution to change the term length for Crenshaw County Board of Education members from six years to four years. If approved by voters, this change would take effect starting with the November 2026 election for the county's school board. The bill requires voter approval through a statewide election, as specified in Alabama's constitution and election laws. This amendment would directly affect Crenshaw County residents and school board members by altering their election cycle and term duration.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution commending Deputy Thomas E. Owen, Jr. on his retirement after 42 years in law enforcement, including 18 years with the Mobile County Sheriff's Office. The resolution honors his service, noting his career start in 1984 with the Mobile Police Department, commendations received, and 18 years of service to Mobile County residents. It does not create any new laws or policies, as it is purely a symbolic expression of appreciation. The resolution was introduced by Representative Sells and read on February 27, 2025.