Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison

Maddy summarySB 24 requires Alabama's Pardons and Paroles Board to post clear instructions and an online application form on its website by September 2026, enabling individuals who lost voting rights due to criminal convictions to request restoration. The board must also publicly list names of people whose rights are restored and notify the Secretary of State with their details. The Secretary of State then informs county election registrars, who must add eligible individuals to voter rolls and notify them of their restored voting eligibility. This bill directly affects formerly incarcerated people seeking to regain voting rights under Alabama law, streamlining the process through mandated digital accessibility and interagency coordination.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the city council of Class 1 municipalities in Alabama to set the mayor's annual salary at a minimum of $220,000, which must remain fixed throughout the mayor's term. It also establishes a monthly expense allowance of $10,000 for mayors in these municipalities, which does not require accounting and may be treated as part of retirement contributions if the mayor elects to do so. The legislation repeals previous laws that specifically set compensation for the mayor of Birmingham, replacing them with these new general rules for Class 1 municipalities. These changes directly affect mayors and city councils in Alabama's Class 1 cities by standardizing their compensation structure.

Maddy summarySB 185 allows transit authorities in Alabama counties with populations of 600,000 or more to join business organizations focused on transit operations, land acquisitions, and related activities. It authorizes these authorities to create subsidiaries and arrange loans for such business ventures. Crucially, the bill specifies that these business organizations cannot exercise eminent domain powers. The changes update Alabama law to better support transit authority partnerships while maintaining legal safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new in-person early voting system for Alabama's general and special elections, allowing voters to cast paper ballots without needing an excuse. It requires each county to set up early voting centers with specific operating hours, starting 10 days before election day and ending 5 days before, with centers open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sundays which open at 1 p.m. The legislation mandates that counties maintain at least one center per 100,000 residents and ensures proper staffing and equipment including tabulator machines. The Secretary of State must create rules to prevent duplicate voting and integrate early voting locations into the state's voter information system.

Maddy summarySB 128 extends the Alabama Sickle Cell Oversight and Regulatory Commission's existence until October 1, 2030, with key structural changes. It moves the commission into the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) as a division, requiring ADPH to provide all administrative services (like finance, legal support, and staff) and transfer all commission property to the department by October 1, 2026. The bill also modifies appointment rules, removing the need for Senate confirmation of members and changing how vacancies are filled. This directly affects the oversight of sickle cell disease programs in Alabama, ensuring continued coordination under ADPH.

Maddy summarySB 127 extends the operation of the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling until October 1, 2028, under the state's Sunset Law. This Board, which regulates the licensing and practice of counselors in Alabama, will continue its current functions without changes to its rules or procedures. The bill prevents the Board's automatic termination by extending its legal existence, ensuring uninterrupted oversight of the counseling profession until the new expiration date.

Maddy summarySB 320 would change Alabama's Public Service Commission (PSC) structure by increasing commissioners from 3 to 7, with each elected from a specific congressional district starting in the 2030 general election. This requires candidates to live in their district and ensures representation aligned with federal districts, replacing the current at-large election system. The bill also mandates the PSC hold at least one annual public meeting with utility representatives to discuss issues like costs, infrastructure, and energy trends. It updates existing legal language to reflect these changes and requires the new commission to elect a president from its members. The bill does not alter the PSC's core regulatory authority over utilities.

Maddy summarySB 115 exempts local governments in Alabama (including counties, cities, and utility boards) from requiring competitive bidding for vehicle repairs costing under $15,000. It applies specifically to repairs on vehicles weighing 12,000 pounds or less, requiring authorities to obtain and document price quotes from at least two vendors before proceeding. The exemption prevents aggregating multiple small repairs to exceed the $15,000 threshold, and authorities must reference the law in their purchase orders. This change streamlines small repair processes for local governments without altering broader bidding requirements.

Maddy summarySB 177 requires all health benefit plans sold in Alabama to cover breast cancer screening and diagnostic breast exams without charging insured individuals any deductible, copayment, or coinsurance. It directly affects Alabamians who rely on health insurance for these services, expanding existing coverage for mammograms (for women 40+) to include diagnostic imaging of breast abnormalities. The bill mandates that insurers provide these specific screenings at no out-of-pocket cost, applying to all health benefit plans (excluding limited policies like dental or accident coverage). The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 281 allocates $2 million annually from gas tax revenues to fund the maintenance, programming, and operation of City Walk Birmingham, a public space beneath I-20/59 in Birmingham. Jefferson County is responsible for $1.6 million of this total, while municipalities within Jefferson County collectively contribute $400,000 based on each municipality's proportional share of gas tax revenues. Funds will be deposited into a dedicated account managed by the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County, with strict use limited to City Walk Birmingham's upkeep and public purposes. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and requires Jefferson County to collect municipal contributions from future gas tax distributions.