Sen. Gerald Allen

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally names the Troy University Athletic Directors Suite at Veterans Memorial Stadium after John David "Johnny" Williams. The resolution honors Williams, a former Troy Athletic Director and Sports Hall of Fame inductee who passed away in February 2026, by recognizing his contributions to collegiate athletics in Alabama. It highlights his role in leading Troy from Division II to Division I, his coaching achievements, and his post-Troy work founding college football bowl games in Montgomery. The measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than establishing new policy requirements or funding.

Maddy summarySB 222 prohibits the use of automated driving systems (ADS) to operate oversized vehicles that require a permit under existing Alabama law (due to exceeding weight, width, length, or height limits). The bill also clarifies that state and local governments are not required to upgrade transportation infrastructure to accommodate ADS-equipped vehicles. Additionally, it prevents local or state entities from imposing new taxes or specific operational requirements on ADS vehicles. The law will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 8 allows Alabama's Emergency Management Agency Director to use public funds for purchasing educational and promotional materials aimed at increasing public awareness of emergency preparedness. This expands the agency's existing authority under Section 31-9-4 to include materials that inform residents about emergency planning and response. The bill does not create new programs or funding streams but clarifies that current appropriations can cover these educational resources. It directly affects how the agency allocates its existing budget for public outreach, benefiting all Alabama residents through improved emergency information access.

Maddy summarySB 205 updates the definition of "excavation" to explicitly include activities like drilling, marine construction, pile-driving, and trenching before digging begins. This change directly affects contractors and utility companies working on complex projects involving underground utilities. The bill requires these parties to use the One-Call notification system before starting work that could damage buried infrastructure, ensuring safer construction practices. It does not create new obligations but clarifies which activities must follow existing notification rules.

Maddy summarySJR 56 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the 150th anniversary of the founding of AT&T (American Telephone and Telegraph Company) and the first telephone call made by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. It commends AT&T for its historical role in telecommunications innovation and its 150-year service to Alabama residents, highlighting its evolution from landline to modern broadband and wireless communications. The resolution encourages continued investment in communications infrastructure and suggests educators use the occasion to inspire student interest in STEM fields. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or policy changes - it serves solely to honor AT&T’s anniversary.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program within Alabama's Department of Education called the American History and Civics Excellence Initiative, which would offer high school teachers an online course focused on American history and civics topics. Teachers who complete the required 50-hour online course would become eligible for a special certification endorsement and could apply for a one-time $3,000 stipend if funding is approved. The State Board of Education would oversee the program and establish rules for implementation, while a program director would be appointed by the State Superintendent and confirmed by the Senate. The initiative aims to provide professional development for teachers in specific areas of American history and civic education.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 41) is a formal tribute by the Alabama Legislature mourning the death of Eddie Conyers, a longtime University of Alabama football practice referee. It celebrates his 60-year service to the program, including working with 12 national championship teams and being honored by the university. The resolution expresses condolences to his family and recognizes his legacy as a beloved figure in Alabama athletics. It does not create any new laws or policies, as it is a commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) to grant membership to Alabama's state-recognized tribes, which NCAI recently denied. It addresses NCAI's decision to exclude tribes recognized by Alabama (like the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Echota Cherokee Tribe, and others) despite Alabama's established process for tribal recognition. The resolution emphasizes that Alabama has long managed tribal relations through its Indian Affairs Commission and that state-recognized tribes deserve access to NCAI's resources and networking opportunities. It does not change laws but formally requests NCAI reconsider its membership policy.

Maddy summarySJR 16 is a ceremonial resolution mourning the death of Sam Palmer Faucett III, a Tuscaloosa, Alabama community leader who died on December 26, 2025, at age 90. It formally records the Alabama Legislature's "deep sadness" over his passing and celebrates his decades of service, including roles with the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, the Northport City Council, and his $1.45 million donation to build Tuscaloosa County High School. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely honors his legacy and offers condolences to his family. This is a standard commemorative resolution with no legislative effect.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 26) is a formal expression of mourning by the Alabama Legislature for John "Johnny" David Williams, a prominent sports figure from Tuscaloosa who died on February 4, 2025. It honors his career as a coach, athletic director (including at Troy University and the University of Alabama), and creator of college football bowl games like the Camellia Bowl. The resolution specifically acknowledges his contributions to Alabama sports, his family, and his community, offering condolences to his surviving family members. As a commemorative resolution, it does not enact any policy changes or affect any laws.