Sen. Rodger Smitherman

Maddy summarySB 244 increases the fee paid when recording home loans, deeds of trust, or similar property security instruments in Alabama. The bill modifies how this fee revenue is distributed, directing all proceeds to the Alabama Housing Trust Fund instead of general state funds. This change affects anyone recording such property-related financial instruments (like homebuyers or lenders), with the new revenue specifically funding housing programs. The fee amount itself remains unchanged (30 cents per $100 of debt), but the destination of the funds is now dedicated to housing. The bill makes no changes to the fee calculation method or the instruments subject to the fee.

Maddy summarySB 313 modifies the use of available funds from the Alabama 21st Century Authority for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. The bill directs a one-time transfer of $5 million from the Alabama 21st Century Fund to the Alabama Department of Commerce. These funds are designated for establishing international offices, enhancing rural development strategies, and covering associated operational and personnel costs. It also mandates that the Alabama 21st Century Authority maintain a specific fund balance and outlines how any excess funds will be used by the State Industrial Development Authority.

Maddy summarySB 138 aims to revise existing restrictions that prevent convicted felons from obtaining occupational licenses. It also seeks to establish a certificate of employability for these individuals and provide immunity to employers who hire them. The provided bill text indicates that certain licensing boards, specifically those governed by Chapter 9, Chapter 23, or Chapter 24 of Title 34, are excluded from some of these provisions. The specific details on how restrictions are revised or employer immunity is granted are not available in the provided bill text.

Maddy summarySB 312 establishes two new types of alcoholic beverage licenses. First, an "event storage license" allows businesses with existing special event licenses to store alcoholic beverages at a permanent facility and transfer them to and from special event venues. Second, a "government venue license" authorizes businesses to sell and dispense alcoholic beverages at special events held on state, county, or municipal properties, such as parks or concert venues. The bill also sets fees for these new licenses and empowers the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to administer and enforce these provisions.

Maddy summarySB 106 revises the Alabama Small Estates Act, primarily affecting surviving spouses and other heirs of individuals who die with limited personal property. The bill raises the maximum value of an estate eligible for summary distribution without a full probate process from $25,000 to a combined amount of allowances, currently $47,000, which will be adjusted annually. It aims to streamline the procedure for settling these small estates and explicitly authorizes the Probate Court to manage this simplified distribution process. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of a "surviving spouse" in cases involving divorce, annulment, or separation.

Maddy summarySB 292 expands the investigative powers of the State Superintendent of Education. It authorizes the Superintendent to issue subpoenas to summon witnesses and compel the production of records for matters within the authority of the State Department of Education or State Board of Education. The bill also allows the Superintendent to appoint special investigators within the Office of General Counsel. These investigators would have general investigative powers, including serving subpoenas, accessing public school property, and reviewing relevant law enforcement records to aid in investigations, such as those concerning school employee misconduct.

Maddy summarySB 31 is a legislative bill that addresses firearms. It proposes to prohibit the possession of machine guns. The bill also establishes a criminal penalty for individuals who violate this prohibition.

Maddy summarySB 255 proposes to regulate the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products, defined as "novel cannabinoid products," directly affecting retailers and consumers. The bill would require the Department of Revenue to license businesses selling these products, prohibiting any business that also sells alcoholic beverages from obtaining a license. It mandates that the Department of Agriculture and Industries approve all products after third-party testing for potency, purity, and safety, along with specific labeling requirements. A six percent sales tax would be levied on these products, with proceeds, license fees, and civil penalties funding the Novel Cannabinoid Safety Fund to administer the new regulations.

Maddy summarySB 34 mandates that public K-12 students receive instruction in violence prevention, conflict resolution, and mediation. This requirement will apply to students beginning with those entering middle school in the 2026-2027 school year. Students must complete this instruction before graduating from high school. The bill also requires the State Board of Education to adopt specific standards for this curriculum.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 333, revises the monthly compensation for members of the Birmingham City Board of Education in Jefferson County. It increases the monthly compensation for each board member from $300 to $900. The bill maintains the existing $400 monthly expense allowance and specifies that these changes take effect with the next term of office following June 1, 2025. It also ratifies all compensation and expense allowance payments made to board members before May 9, 2001.