Sen. Rob Stewart

Maddy summarySB 171 establishes Alabama's first state minimum wage at $10.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2027. It directly affects most employers by requiring them to pay this rate, but exempts small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. The bill sets a clear threshold for the exemption and aligns with the current federal minimum wage of $7.25. This legislation will take effect on October 1, 2026, with the wage requirement beginning in 2027.

Maddy summarySB 161 expands access to post-conviction DNA testing in Alabama by allowing individuals convicted of **any offense** (not just capital cases) who are serving prison time to request testing. It removes all existing time limits for filing such requests, which previously required motions within 12 months of a 2009 law or under specific court rules. To qualify, applicants must still prove the evidence exists, wasn’t previously tested, and could demonstrate factual innocence if results are exculpatory. The bill does not change the core requirements for requesting testing but makes the process available to a broader group of incarcerated individuals.

Maddy summarySB 135 creates the Alabama Retirement Savings Program to help private sector employees at small businesses (with 500 or fewer employees) save for retirement. The program allows eligible employees to voluntarily contribute to retirement savings through payroll deductions into Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), without requiring employers to offer or mandate participation. Administered by the Alabama Department of Workforce, the program uses existing IRA structures to provide a low-cost, portable savings option, with contributions held in a separate state fund that cannot be commingled with public monies. Employees directly benefit by accessing retirement savings tools they might otherwise lack, while employers avoid significant administrative or financial burdens.

Maddy summarySB 173 establishes the Alabama Retirement Savings Program, a state-facilitated initiative designed to help private sector employees save for retirement. This program targets Alabamians whose employers, specifically those with 500 or fewer employees, do not currently offer a retirement plan. It allows eligible employees to voluntarily contribute to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA) through automatic payroll deductions. The Alabama Department of Workforce will administer the program, which includes managing a dedicated fund and potentially contracting with private financial institutions. Participation in the program is not mandated for employers or employees.

Maddy summarySJR 80 establishes the Alabama Statewide Reentry Task Force, which builds upon the work of a previous commission. This task force aims to reduce recidivism and improve the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society. It will include members from various state agencies, legislative bodies, local governments, and community organizations, including individuals with personal experience in the criminal justice system. The task force is responsible for developing strategic plans, promoting partnerships, and advising the Legislature on expanding access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities for those returning from incarceration. It will submit annual progress reports and a final report by the 2030 Regular Session, at which point it will dissolve.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 262 permits pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast past events and live horse and dog races exclusively within Lowndes County. The bill establishes conditions for this wagering and implements a tax on the revenue generated. Funds collected from this tax are designated for distribution to several programs. Specifically, portions are allocated to Education, the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (BBUWP), and a local council.

Maddy summarySJR 62 is a resolution that mourns the death and celebrates the life of State Trooper Justin Jemel Williams, who served for 19 years and was part of Governor Kay Ivey's security detail. It expresses deep sadness at his passing and extends heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Maddy summarySJR 50 is a resolution that officially recognizes the month of April as "Second Chance Month" in the State of Alabama. This resolution commends the work of Reentry Alabama and its partners, acknowledging the importance of supporting formerly incarcerated individuals in rebuilding their lives and contributing to their communities.

Maddy summarySB 104 amends Alabama law to expand the membership of the Alabama Job Creation and Military Stability Commission by adding the chairs of two specific legislative committees: the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety Committee. This change directly affects the commission’s composition, which currently includes 13 members representing legislative bodies, military leadership, state agencies, and community stakeholders. The bill’s key mechanism is a simple addition to the membership list in Section 31-14-3 of the Code of Alabama, requiring no new funding or programs. The commission’s purpose remains studying military resource stability and economic impacts, with the new members providing direct legislative committee perspective. The bill does not alter the commission’s duties, funding, or existing membership structure beyond these two additions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 1, 2025, as "Alpha Phi Alpha Day" at the Alabama State Capitol. It commemorates Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated - the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for African Americans, founded in 1906 - recognizing its 118-year history, over 200,000 members, and community contributions including 1 million+ service hours and $2.5 million in scholarships. The resolution honors the fraternity's national programs and Alabama's local chapters participating in the "Alpha Day at the Capitol" event. As a symbolic gesture, it has no policy impact or direct effect on residents or laws.