Maddy summarySB 270 requires Alabama's Public Service Commission to evaluate contracts between utilities and large data centers (defined as facilities using at least 150 megawatts) to ensure they recover the utility's additional "incremental costs" tied to serving these centers. The bill mandates that contracts must also promote "positive benefits" for other utility customers, such as potentially lowering costs, improving grid efficiency, or boosting local economic growth. This applies specifically to contracts with data centers meeting the 150-megawatt threshold and affects utilities, large data center operators, and all other electricity customers in Alabama. The law, effective October 1, 2026, adds new review criteria to the Commission's existing authority under Section 37-4-22.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 173 clarifies that only Alabama circuit and district courts have authority to prosecute violations of domestic violence protection orders. It directly affects defendants who breach these orders and the courts handling such cases. The bill changes jurisdiction by giving these courts "exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction," meaning no other courts can hear these cases. It also requires a $50 fine for violations to fund the Domestic Violence Trust Fund, as established in existing law. The bill takes effect on October 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 233 proposes to amend penalties for drivers who elude or attempt to elude law enforcement officers. It changes the classification of violations under existing law (subsections (a) or (b)), likely increasing penalties for this offense. The bill specifies that drivers must stop "at the nearest safe place," emphasizing officer and public safety during pursuits. This bill directly affects drivers who flee police and is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee.
Maddy summarySB 118 establishes the Alabama Background Check Service and the Alabama Rap Back Program, allowing employers, licensing agencies, and other noncriminal justice entities to access background checks using fingerprints and criminal history data. It authorizes the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to conduct these checks for employment, licensing, or other noncriminal purposes, set fees for the service, and provide ongoing criminal history updates through the Rap Back Program. The bill repeals existing restrictions on releasing criminal history information, updating terminology and technical details to align with current law. It directly affects businesses, organizations, and individuals seeking background checks for noncriminal purposes, such as hiring or professional licensing.
Maddy summarySB 117 allows Alabama counties to expand their existing simplified procurement programs to cover purchases of services (such as consulting or maintenance) in addition to physical goods. It also permits county commissions to consider "administrative savings" (like reduced paperwork or faster processing) alongside cost savings when evaluating these programs. The bill further enables counties to appoint someone other than the chief administrative officer to manage procurement program oversight. This update modifies Alabama Code Section 11-3-61 to provide greater flexibility in how local governments handle purchasing decisions.
Maddy summarySB 192 extends the deadline for Alabama crime victims to file compensation claims with the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission from one year to two years after the injury or death. This change directly affects individuals who suffered harm from criminal acts and seek financial assistance for medical costs, lost wages, or funeral expenses. The bill amends Section 15-23-12 of Alabama law to set the new two-year filing period, while preserving the existing exception allowing claims filed after the deadline if the commission finds "good cause" for the delay. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 277 creates a new legal framework for "decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations" in Alabama, allowing groups to form under this structure using blockchain technology and smart contracts for governance. These associations can engage in limited profit-making activities (like selling goods or services), but all profits must serve their nonprofit purpose, and they cannot distribute earnings to members except under specific rules for compensation or dissolution. The bill directly affects nonprofit groups seeking to operate transparently via digital tools, as it defines their governance rules, member rights, and administrative duties. It does not change existing nonprofits but establishes a new category for those adopting decentralized, tech-driven models.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that commends Senior Trooper Hunter Woodruff of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency for receiving the 2026 Alabama Legislative Meritorious Service Award for Law Enforcement. The resolution recognizes Woodruff's extraordinary courage and decisive action on November 12, 2025, when he assisted a fellow officer and provided life-saving first aid to a gunshot victim in Prattville, Alabama. The bill highlights Woodruff's extensive training and his specific actions during the incident, including applying medical treatment to stop blood loss and keeping the victim calm until emergency medical services arrived. This resolution serves to formally honor Woodruff's service and does not create new laws or change existing policies.
Maddy summarySB 330 authorizes Alabama law enforcement officers to swear to and issue citations for misdemeanors, traffic violations, and municipal offenses remotely using digital, video, or telephone methods, instead of requiring in-person appearances before judges or magistrates. It allows judges/magistrates to issue warrants for these offenses remotely and permits officers to administer oaths to other officers for citation purposes via approved electronic means. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers, judicial personnel, and individuals cited for non-felony violations. Key provisions eliminate the physical presence requirement for swearing citations and issuing warrants, using "reliable electronic means" as defined in the bill. It takes effect October 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution recognizing Honda for 25 years of operating its automotive plant in Lincoln, Alabama. It does not create new laws or change policies but instead formally acknowledges Honda's $3.2 billion investment, 4,500 direct employees, and broader economic contributions to the state. The resolution highlights the plant's production capacity, its role in the local economy, and Honda's community service efforts. As a symbolic measure, it requires no funding or regulatory changes and serves to honor Honda's long-term commitment to Alabama.