Sen. Gerald Allen

Maddy summarySB 211 expands sick leave options for public education employees in Alabama. It allows direct sick leave donations between employees at different schools or institutions (like K-12 districts and public colleges), removes limits on how much extended medical leave an employee can donate, and requires the State Board of Education to create a model policy for this. All public education authorities (including local school boards and colleges) must adopt this policy, including provisions for sick leave banks and direct donations. The bill affects teachers, support staff, and administrators working in Alabama’s public education system.

Maddy summarySJR 112 is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally commends the University of Alabama Women's Wheelchair Basketball Team for winning the 2026 National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Championship. The bill recognizes the team's achievement of securing their sixth consecutive national title and highlights their season performance under Head Coach Ryan Hynes. This legislative action serves as an official expression of praise and congratulations to the players and coaches rather than creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors the life and legacy of Lee Roy Jordan, a legendary football player from Alabama who passed away. The resolution acknowledges his achievements as a standout athlete at the University of Alabama and a 14-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, where he helped win a Super Bowl. It expresses the state's deepest condolences to his family and recognizes his contributions to sports, leadership, and the community. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official statement of appreciation from the Alabama Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution that recognizes five law enforcement officers honored as the 2026 Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. The resolution formally congratulates Officer Will Clark, Officer Dustin Burroughs, Trooper Kadarius Blakley, Deputy Jeff Miller, and Officer Kyle Sanford for their distinguished service and achievements. It serves as an official tribute from the Alabama Legislature to these public servants, acknowledging their dedication to community safety and law enforcement. The document does not create new laws or change policies but instead expresses legislative appreciation for the officers' work.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames Alabama's Clean Indoor Air Act to honor Vivian Davis Figures and expands the smoking ban to include vaping. It prohibits the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (vaping) in all public places where tobacco smoking is already banned, such as restaurants, government buildings, hospitals, and public transit. The law applies the same rules to vaping as to tobacco, affecting businesses and public spaces that must enforce the ban. It becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all Alabama public K-12 schools to broadcast or permit school-sanctioned performances of the first stanza of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at least once weekly during school hours. Local school boards would need to adopt policies to implement this, using only Library of Congress-archived recordings or sheet music. The requirement applies directly to every public K-12 school in Alabama, with no exemptions specified. The amendment must be approved by voters in a statewide election to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally commends the University of Alabama for its upcoming construction of a Reserve Officers' Training Corps Facility and Student Veterans Center. The resolution recognizes the university's commitment to supporting military training and veteran students with a nearly 20,000 square-foot facility scheduled for completion in spring 2027. The document highlights that the new center will provide modern training spaces for Army and Air Force ROTC cadets and offer resources for student veterans to transition from military to college life. As a commemorative resolution, the bill does not create new laws or policies but instead serves as an official expression of appreciation from the Alabama Legislature to the university.

Maddy summarySB 148 requires Alabama municipalities to use a formal council ordinance - not a resolution - to impose new taxes or increase existing tax/fee rates. It mandates a 30-day public notice period before any hearing on such tax changes, including details like the tax amount, hearing date/time, and where to access the proposal. The bill applies to all cities and towns in Alabama, directly affecting local governments that need to change tax structures. Key requirements include publishing notice in local newspapers, posting online, and holding a public hearing before final adoption, with the law taking effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans "slap fighting" in Alabama, defined as unarmed combat where opponents stand at arm's length and take turns slapping each other in the face without moving or defending. It directly affects promoters, managers, and participants in such events, as well as the Alabama Athletic Commission, which now has expanded enforcement powers. The law authorizes the Attorney General to sue violators and imposes criminal penalties: Class C felonies for promoters/managers who knowingly violate the ban, and Class B misdemeanors for fighters. Violators may also face civil fines up to $25,000, with penalties applied alongside other relevant criminal laws. The bill amends existing athletic commission statutes and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 10 proposes a constitutional amendment in Alabama that would require Tuscaloosa County voters to approve any new or increased county or municipal sales and use tax through a majority vote at a referendum held during a regular general election. The amendment mandates at least two public hearings and 60 days of newspaper notice before any such tax vote. It directly affects Tuscaloosa County residents and local governments by preventing tax increases without voter consent, ensuring community input before new tax levies take effect.