Rep. Matt Simpson

Maddy summaryHB 41 would reclassify rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and sexual torture as capital offenses when the victim is under 12 years old. It would also require individuals convicted of these crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 30 years before becoming eligible for parole. The bill amends Alabama’s criminal code to add these offenses to the existing list of capital crimes, which currently includes murder under specific circumstances. This legislation directly affects individuals convicted of sexual violence against children under 12 and would increase penalties for such crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 20 would amend Alabama law to add a new capital offense: murder committed when the defendant knowingly creates a great risk of death to multiple people. This change would expand the list of capital murder charges (under Section 13A-5-40) and also add this scenario as an aggravating circumstance in sentencing hearings (under Section 13A-5-49). The bill directly affects defendants charged with murder who intentionally cause widespread danger to multiple victims, such as in mass casualty incidents. It does not change existing penalties but specifies that this new category must be considered in death penalty eligibility determinations. The bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 196 requires Alabama public high schools to designate one fall semester day annually for military recruiters to administer the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) career aptitude test to students on campus. Participation remains voluntary for students, and schools must provide appropriate testing accommodations. The bill amends existing law to mandate this specific access, granting military recruiters equal campus access as employers. It applies to all city and county public high schools and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 78 allows judges in Alabama's Twenty-eighth Judicial Circuit (covering Baldwin County) to hold nonjury court proceedings in branch courthouses in Foley and Fairhope, up to 175 days per year in each location. For jury trials, the bill requires a standing order from the presiding judge and additional approvals from court officials (circuit clerk, sheriff, district attorney, and judge) before such trials can occur in branch locations. This bill directly affects Baldwin County residents who use these branch courthouses for court matters, particularly for nonjury cases and jury trials requiring specific approvals. It clarifies procedural rules for court operations without changing substantive law or creating new legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 446 proposes to alter and extend the boundary lines of the City of Daphne in Baldwin County. This bill specifically adds several defined territories, identified as A through E, into the corporate limits of the municipality. These territories are detailed by specific parcel numbers and geographic descriptions. The legislation directly affects the residents and property owners within these designated areas by bringing them under the City of Daphne's jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryHB 56 proposes that all public and nonpublic K-12 schools, including private and religious institutions, would be prohibited from refusing to transfer a student's records. This applies to students who are transferring to another school. The bill specifies that a school cannot withhold these records solely because there is an unpaid balance owed by the student to the transferring school. This measure aims to ensure that a student's financial debt does not prevent the transfer of their academic records.

Maddy summaryHB 55 proposes to exempt individuals from needing a fishing license when fishing in waters experiencing a "jubilee." A jubilee is defined as a natural occurrence, primarily in Mobile Bay, where low-oxygen water forces fish and shellfish towards the shore. This bill directly affects fishers in Alabama by removing the licensure requirement during these specific events. However, all other regulations concerning the number and size of fish and shellfish that can be taken would still apply.

Maddy summaryHB 115 is a procedural bill that continues the existence and functioning of the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors. This board, which regulates electrical contractors in the state, was reviewed under the Alabama Sunset Law. The bill extends the board's operations until October 1, 2026, allowing it to continue its current responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 116 proposes to continue the existence and functioning of the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board. This bill extends the board's operational period until October 1, 2027, preventing its termination under the state's sunset law. The measure follows a recommendation from the Alabama Sunset Committee, which periodically reviews state agencies. This ensures the board can continue its regulatory activities concerning professional bail bondsmen in Alabama.

Maddy summaryHB 117 continues the Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy, an agency responsible for licensing and regulating marriage and family therapists, until October 1, 2027. The bill modifies the board's composition requirements. Specifically, it mandates that, beginning June 1, 2025, when new members are appointed, no two board members shall reside in the same congressional district. This change aims to ensure a broader geographic distribution among the board's five members.