Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public high school students in Alabama to complete a course on violence prevention, conflict resolution, and mediation before graduating, starting with the 2027-2028 school year. The instruction must cover topics such as responsible decision-making, causes of school violence, nonviolent conflict resolution techniques, and the relationship between drugs, alcohol, and violence, and must be taught to students in grades six through twelve. The State Department of Education is tasked with developing instructional standards and materials by June 30, 2027, and assisting local schools in training teachers to deliver this curriculum. Local school boards will have the authority to determine the specific curriculum used to meet these requirements. The bill takes effect on October 1, 2026.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 239 amends Alabama's child custody law to change how temporary emergency custody orders become final. Currently, courts must explicitly state that such orders become final. This bill removes that requirement, instead making temporary emergency custody determinations automatically final after six months if no other court takes jurisdiction. It directly affects parents and courts in Alabama handling urgent child safety cases under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), streamlining the process when no further action is taken by other states. The change takes effect October 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 243 sets a $7.50 annual fee for pistol permits in Jefferson County, with a $37.50 fee for five-year permits. The bill specifies how these fees are split: $4.50 goes to a retirement system, $0.50 to the sheriff's fund, and $2.50 to a new Jefferson County Legislative Delegation Office Fund. If the Legislative Delegation Fund exceeds $120,000, excess funds must be distributed to public schools based on student enrollment (using 2013-2014 data) for school operations and security. The bill affects Jefferson County pistol permit holders and county finances, with no changes to permit eligibility or requirements.
Maddy summaryThis Alabama bill (SB 195) simplifies the process for moving certain probate cases to circuit court. It allows individuals involved in will contests or estate administration to request removal to circuit court without needing to prove the probate court has "special equity" jurisdiction, provided the two courts don’t share concurrent jurisdiction. The bill primarily affects heirs, executors, and contesting parties in decedent estate cases who seek to transfer proceedings. It updates existing law with technical revisions to clarify the removal procedure and filing requirements.
Maddy summarySJR 53 is a ceremonial resolution commending Alicia Cannon for 50 years of service to Alabama's judicial system. It recognizes her career with the Administrative Office of Courts (AOC), starting as a Clerk and Stenographer in 1976, and her progression to roles including Purchasing Director and Assistant Director of the AOC Finance Division. The resolution highlights her stewardship of public funds, mentorship of staff, and contributions to court operations across Alabama. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely as a formal expression of legislative appreciation.
Maddy summarySB 200 renames Alabama’s "Office of Minority Affairs" to the "Office of Civic Engagement" and updates related legal references throughout state code. The bill makes no changes to the office’s duties, purpose, or funding - it continues to advise the Governor on issues affecting minorities (including women) in areas like education, health, and economic opportunity. It only adjusts terminology in statutes to reflect the new name, such as changing "Minority Affairs" to "Civic Engagement" in sections governing the office’s structure and advisory committee. This is a purely procedural renaming with no substantive policy shifts.
Maddy summarySJR 45 is a ceremonial resolution commending Alicia Cannon for 50 years of service to Alabama's judicial system. It honors her career as a Court Clerk and Stenographer (beginning 1976), her rise to Assistant Director of the Administrative Office of Courts Finance Division, and her role in managing court finances, saving state resources, and mentoring staff. The resolution expresses the legislature's gratitude for her "distinguished, impactful service" and "unwavering commitment" to Alabama's courts. As a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes, it does not affect laws, regulations, or any specific group.
Maddy summarySB 305 allows Alabama public K-12 schools and charter schools to accept volunteer campus chaplains, but only if local school boards or charter governing bodies vote to permit it. To serve, chaplains must complete a recognized training program, pass a criminal background check, and cannot have been convicted of a sex offense requiring registration. Chaplains would provide services at the request of teachers, not as a school mandate. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not require state certification for chaplains.
Maddy summarySB 311 appropriates $121 million from Alabama's Education Trust Fund to the State Department of Education for the 2026 fiscal year. It directly provides $1 million to each school designated as a "priority school" on the 2024-2025 AAA Priority School List. The funds are intended to support these specific schools, with the allocation calculated as $1 million per qualifying school. The bill becomes effective June 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 262 increases the annual salary for Jefferson County's sheriff to $225,000 starting with the next term of office, replacing previous compensation levels. It temporarily sets a base salary of $160,000 and adds a $40,000 annual expense allowance (payable monthly from county funds) until the higher amount takes effect. The bill also requires the sheriff to receive cost-of-living adjustments matching those given to deputy sheriffs in Jefferson County. This legislation directly affects the Jefferson County sheriff's compensation and is specific to that county's payroll structure.