Sen. Keith Kelley

Maddy summarySB 331 would prohibit classroom instruction about gender identity or sexual orientation for all public preK-12 students in Alabama, expanding current restrictions that only applied to grades K-5. It bans teachers and school staff from displaying LGBTQ+-related flags or symbols on school property and requires staff to use pronouns matching a student’s biological sex at birth. The bill also mandates that schools enforce these rules through state board regulations. Currently pending in the Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee, it would take effect on July 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summarySB 101 extends the operation of the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors until October 1, 2028, under Alabama's Sunset Law. This bill does not change the board's existing rules or responsibilities; it simply continues its current structure and authority as defined in Alabama Code sections 34-36-1 to 34-36-18. The measure preserves the board's existing functions for electrical contractor licensing without adding new requirements or altering oversight. This is a procedural extension, not a policy change affecting electrical contractors or the public.

Maddy summarySB 102 extends the operation of Alabama's Board of Home Medical Equipment until October 1, 2027, under the state's Sunset Law. This procedural bill directly affects the board itself, which oversees licensing for home medical equipment providers. The bill formally continues the board's existing authority without changes to its rules or responsibilities, as specified in Alabama Code sections 34-14C-1 through 34-14C-8. It requires no new regulations or funding but ensures the board remains active for future oversight of this licensing system.

Maddy summarySB 286 would allow Alabama's massage therapy licensing board to join the Interstate Massage Compact, creating a uniform licensing system across participating states. This would let licensed massage therapists practice in multiple member states without obtaining separate licenses, directly benefiting therapists who move for work or live near state borders. Key provisions include shared disciplinary records to protect public safety, streamlined background checks, and specific support for military members and their spouses relocating between states. The compact aims to improve access to massage therapy services while maintaining state-level regulatory authority.

Maddy summarySB 218 would allow off-road vehicles (ORVs) to operate on specific public roads in unincorporated county areas with a 45 mph speed limit, provided they meet registration, equipment, and insurance requirements. ORV operators must hold a valid driver's license and follow standard traffic laws for passenger vehicles, except where impractical. The bill exempts ORV use on private property (with landowner permission) and for agricultural, emergency, or official government purposes. Violating these rules would result in a traffic infraction, and counties would not be liable for injuries related to ORV operation on public roads.

Maddy summarySB 198 replaces Alabama's state licensing requirement for prosthetists, orthotists, and pedorthists with a national certification system. It requires all providers and facilities to hold certification from an approved national entity (like the American Board for Certification) starting October 2026, rather than state board approval. The bill mandates that 50% of required continuing education must be completed through the Alabama Prosthetics and Orthotics Association and authorizes the Association to collect fees into a new certification fund. Violations of the certification requirement carry criminal penalties.

Maddy summarySB 98 expands Alabama's existing educational benefits for dependents of veterans to include graduate-level medical programs (such as health care administration, physical health, and mental health fields). It limits tuition for these new graduate courses to the in-state rate at qualifying schools, maintaining the current cap for undergraduate studies. The bill directly affects eligible dependents - children, spouses, and widows - of veterans who were killed, missing in action, prisoners of war, or disabled due to service. The changes update the Alabama G.I. and Dependents' Educational Benefit Act without altering eligibility criteria for other benefits.

Maddy summarySB 81 expands the existing prohibition on custodial sexual misconduct. It makes it unlawful for any person who has professional access to individuals in the custody of the Department of Corrections, Department of Youth Services, or local law enforcement to engage in sexual conduct with them. The bill also prohibits probation and parole officers from engaging in sexual conduct with individuals under their supervisory authority. Violations are classified as custodial sexual misconduct, a Class C felony, and the consent of the person in custody or on supervision is not a defense.

Maddy summarySB 307 requires all county commissions and municipalities to publish their financial statements, audits, monthly expenditures, and budgets online. This information must be prominently displayed on the county's or municipality's official website. If an official website does not exist, the required data must be posted on the websites of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama or the Alabama League of Municipalities. This bill aims to make local government financial information accessible to the public online. The act is scheduled to become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 296 would authorize off-road vehicles (ORVs) to be operated on certain public roads in unincorporated county areas with speed limits up to 55 mph. To do so, ORVs must be registered, insured, and equipped with specific safety features like brakes, lights, seatbelts, and a roll bar, and display a restricted-use license plate. Operators must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver's license. The bill provides exemptions for agricultural use or private property operation and establishes that violations would be considered a traffic infraction.