Sen. Will Barfoot

Maddy summarySB 142 expands Alabama's reckless endangerment law by adding a new provision for conduct creating a substantial risk of serious injury to multiple people, which would be punishable as a Class C felony. It also increases penalties for using a firearm during such an offense, elevating it to a Class B felony. The bill directly affects individuals who recklessly endanger multiple people or use weapons while committing reckless endangerment. These changes would take effect on October 1, 2026, modifying existing penalties under Alabama Code Section 13A-6-24.

Maddy summarySB 295 adjusts the annual salary for Montgomery County's judge of probate. It sets a new fixed salary of $153,725 starting October 1, 2026, replacing the previous $88,000 rate established in 1996. The bill also requires future annual increases (capped at $3,000) to mirror raises given to full-time county employees. This change directly affects the current and future holders of the Montgomery County probate judge position, with the new rate taking effect on June 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Alabama's smallest cities (Class 3 municipalities) to maintain at least two full-time police officers for every 1,000 residents, based on the 2020 census. Cities not meeting this standard by October 1, 2026, receive a five-year grace period to gradually increase staffing by at least 10% annually. If a city fails to comply after the grace period, Alabama's law enforcement agency (ALEA) can take operational control, create a correction plan, deploy state officers, or appoint a chief officer. The state may also seek reimbursement from the city for costs incurred during oversight. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes law enforcement officers in Crenshaw County to take individuals with mental illness into protective custody when they pose an immediate danger to themselves or others. The officer must transport the person to a hospital or treatment facility for evaluation, and if the individual does not consent, reasonable force may be used. The person must be released within 72 hours unless a judge orders further treatment, and the custody is not considered an arrest or criminal charge. Law enforcement officers and medical providers acting in good faith under this bill receive immunity from civil liability.

Maddy summarySB 249 increases the annual fee for volunteer and professional firefighter distinctive license plates in Alabama from $1 to $10. The bill affects firefighters who qualify for these plates, including active and retired members of paid or part-paid fire departments. The additional fees collected are distributed equally (25% each) to four specific fire service funds: the Alabama Firefighter Memorial in Tuscaloosa, the Firefighter Peer Support Program, the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, and the Alabama Firefighters Emergency Relief Fund. This change modifies existing law to adjust both the fee amount and the allocation method for these funds.

Maddy summarySJR 37 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham for being named the 2026 Ferris E. Lucas Sheriff of the Year by the National Sheriffs' Association. It formally honors him through a vote of the Alabama Legislature, highlighting his career as Montgomery County's first African American sheriff (since 2015) and his service to the community. The resolution has no policy impact or funding changes - it solely expresses legislative commendation. This is a standard recognition resolution, not a bill with substantive legislative action.

Maddy summarySJR 36 is a resolution urging Alabama's U.S. congressional representatives to seek federal funds - through grants or direct appropriations - to support Alabama's existing Logging Efficiency Grant Fund. The resolution requests that these federal funds be used specifically for repairing, replacing, or constructing rural bridges critical to the state's forestry supply chain. It references Alabama's 2023 Rural Logging Efficiency Act, which established the state fund to maintain infrastructure supporting the $36 billion annual forestry industry. The resolution does not create new law but formally asks Congress to identify and provide federal resources for this purpose.

Maddy summarySB 180 changes the start date for terms of Alabama's Board of Pardons and Paroles from July 1 to March 1. This adjustment applies to all appointments made on or after the bill's effective date of October 1, 2026, meaning new members will begin their six-year terms on March 1 instead of July 1. The bill does not alter the board's duties, appointment process, or composition. It is a procedural change to the term commencement date only.

Maddy summarySB 250 expands Alabama's Indian Affairs Commission by increasing its tribal representation from seven to nine members, formally recognizing two additional tribes (the United Cherokee Ani-Yun-Wiya Nation and Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe) for the first time. The bill authorizes the commission to seek state funding alongside federal grants, while adding specific requirements for the executive director, including salary, age, and residency rules. It also clarifies that the commission cannot be forced to share certain tribal records with membership organizations. These changes update the commission’s structure and operational authority without altering its core duties of studying Indian affairs and coordinating with government agencies.

Maddy summarySB 236 revises the structure and rules for regional mental health authority boards, which oversee mental health services in local areas. The bill mandates that executive committees of these boards must include at least one active sheriff or their representative and one active judge of probate, if those officials are already serving on the main board. Additionally, it prevents these boards from imposing extra qualifications for their directors through their corporate documents. The bill also updates the requirements for what constitutes a quorum for both the full board and its executive committee.