Maddy summaryThis resolution (HJR 189) is a non-binding legislative expression of support for increased funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Alabama. It urges the Alabama Legislature to appropriate an additional $150 million in the 2026 session to expand CTE programs, building on prior funding of $100 million allocated for regional career technology centers. The resolution highlights that 34% of Alabama jobs by 2031 will require post-high school education below a bachelor’s degree, and CTE prepares students for key industries like bioscience and advanced materials. It directly affects Alabama’s public school districts and students participating in CTE programs by advocating for future state funding to support infrastructure and training. As a resolution, it does not allocate funds but formally recommends this action to the Legislature.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 521 updates Alabama's election administration rules for county board of registrars. It requires all registrar candidates to undergo criminal background checks (including fingerprinting), increases their daily pay rate to $115, and mandates state payment for registrars during county/state/federal emergencies or holiday closures when courthouses are shut. The bill also specifies that registrars must be treated as state employees for accessing emergency relief funds (like pandemic or disaster aid) and clarifies their qualification standards (e.g., high school diploma, computer skills). These changes directly affect county election officials, county commissions managing payroll, and the state treasury funding these positions.
Maddy summaryThis bill would reinstate a tax exemption for the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, allowing it to avoid paying state sales and use taxes on capital purchases like equipment and building materials through September 30, 2028. The legislation also permits individual counties and municipalities to choose whether to extend similar exemptions for the zoo at the local level. Currently, the zoo's tax exemption expired in September 2022, and this measure would restore that benefit to help the nonprofit organization manage its financial operations. The zoo would continue to pay all other applicable taxes and must submit annual reports to the state Department of Revenue regarding its tax-exempt sales.
Maddy summaryHB 300 requires all health insurance plans sold in Alabama that cover breast exams to provide screening and diagnostic mammograms without charging deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. It directly affects Alabama residents with health insurance, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary breast screenings under the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines. The bill covers both routine screening exams (for high-risk individuals) and diagnostic exams (to evaluate abnormalities), but excludes limited policies like dental-only or Medicare supplements. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryHB 377 expands Alabama's veterans' educational benefits to include graduate-level courses in medical fields for eligible dependents, such as children, spouses, and widows of veterans who were killed, disabled, missing in action, or prisoners of war. Previously, benefits covered only undergraduate studies, but this bill extends them to graduate medical programs without altering existing tuition limits. The bill maintains current caps of $400 per semester hour for tuition and $1,000 per semester for books/fees for private school students, with the change taking effect July 31, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 66) formally commends Richard Dayton for his service as a Foley, Alabama City Council member (District 3) from 2020 until his death in August 2025. It recognizes his work on infrastructure projects, library and civic center upgrades, and community safety initiatives during Foley's growth as a fast-developing city. The resolution expresses the Alabama House of Representatives' condolences to his family and honors his legacy of dedicated public service. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on residents or laws.
Maddy summaryHB 528 expands Alabama's consumer protection laws concerning pricing during declared emergencies. Currently, it is unlawful to charge excessively high prices for commodities or facility rentals during these times. This bill amends existing law to include the "provision of any service" under this prohibition. This means that during a state of emergency, businesses and individuals would also be prohibited from imposing unconscionable prices for services, protecting consumers from inflated costs. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 527 limits the civil liability of individuals or entities operating off-roading parks for injuries or deaths sustained by participants. Under this bill, operators are generally not liable for incidents resulting from the inherent risks of off-roading. However, this immunity does not apply if the operator engaged in certain actions, such as providing a faulty vehicle, failing to assess a participant's ability, or acting with willful disregard for safety. To benefit from this limited liability, operators must post specific warning signs, include warnings in contracts, and maintain at least $1 million in liability insurance per occurrence. This bill directly affects off-roading park operators and participants.
Maddy summaryHB 575 authorizes any municipality in Baldwin County to operate automated photographic speeding enforcement systems. These systems can detect and record speeding violations exclusively within designated school zones and construction zones. The bill allows for civil fines up to $195, with a portion allocated to school resource officers, school safety plans, or zone safety programs. It also outlines requirements for municipalities to post warning signs and conduct public awareness campaigns, and establishes procedures for notifying vehicle owners of violations and contesting fines in municipal court.
Maddy summaryHB 546 reinstates an exemption for the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo from certain sales and use taxes. Specifically, it exempts The Zoo Foundation, Inc., which operates the zoo, from state, county, and municipal sales and use taxes related to capital expenditures. This exemption, which had expired in 2022, would be extended until September 30, 2027. The bill requires the zoo to report annually to the Department of Revenue on the sales for which the exemption is granted, and any county sales and use tax exemption must be authorized by a county commission resolution.