Sen. Will Barfoot

Maddy summarySenate Bill 158 (SB 158) prohibits the use of an Alabama driver's license issued to a foreign national as valid photo identification for voting purposes. Currently, the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency issues driver's licenses to foreign nationals, defined as individuals who are not citizens of the United States. This bill amends existing law to specifically prevent these particular driver's licenses from being accepted when a voter is required to present photo identification at the polls. This change directly affects foreign nationals holding such licenses who might otherwise use them to meet voter identification requirements.

Maddy summarySB 210, titled "Hospital liens, to limit," primarily defines what constitutes a "clean electronic claim" and a "clean written claim" in health care billing. These definitions specify that a clean claim must include all necessary data for accurate processing, without requiring additional information from the health care provider or a third party. The bill clarifies that health care payors, including insurers and government programs, cannot demand data beyond standard forms for an initial claim to be considered clean. These standardized definitions replace previous language regarding "accurate and properly coded claims" in the context of claim submission and payment timelines.

Maddy summarySB 282 proposes to exempt virtual currency, also known as cryptocurrency, from ad valorem taxation in Alabama. This means that individuals and entities owning virtual currency would no longer be subject to property taxes on these digital assets. The bill achieves this by amending Section 40-9-1 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which lists various types of property that are currently exempt from ad valorem taxes.

Maddy summarySB 157 allows inmates to participate in their parole hearings remotely, using systems like telephone or video conference, which is a change from existing law where inmates cannot attend. This directly affects inmates seeking parole and the Board of Pardons and Paroles. The bill also permits victims, their families, and other participants to attend these hearings virtually. A key provision states that inmates generally cannot hear or see victims' statements unless the victim or their family chooses to allow it. Inmates can waive their right to remote participation, and the Board of Pardons and Paroles determines the specific communication system used.

Maddy summarySB 119 revises state law concerning firearm possession and related offenses. It expands the list of individuals prohibited from possessing a firearm to include anyone convicted of any felony offense, not just specific violent crimes. The bill also prohibits firearm possession for individuals charged with certain violent or domestic violence offenses who have been released pending or during trial. Additionally, it increases the penalty for discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling to a Class A felony and mandates or allows for the revocation of parole or probation for firearm possession. Finally, it adds certain firearm-related offenses to the list for which a judge may deny bail.

Maddy summarySB 117 authorizes Class 1, 2, or 3 municipalities to enter into memorandums of understanding with county sheriffs concerning traffic enforcement. These agreements would allow for collaboration between municipal and county law enforcement on traffic matters. The bill also permits these memorandums to include provisions for additional fees for traffic violations within the municipality. These additional fees would then be distributed to the sheriff's office for general law enforcement purposes in the county.

Maddy summarySB 337 amends existing Alabama law to further define the compensation for the judge of probate in Montgomery County. The bill introduces a new provision stating that a Montgomery County Judge of Probate who has served at least six full years will receive a total salary equal to that of a circuit judge with comparable years of service. This specific compensation structure will supersede any other compensation previously provided by law for such long-serving judges.

Maddy summarySB 118 proposes a constitutional amendment in Alabama that would expand the list of offenses for which a judge can deny bail before conviction. Currently, the state constitution outlines specific crimes where bail is not guaranteed. This bill would add certain offenses related to the unlawful use or possession of a firearm to this list. Additionally, it would allow judges to deny bail for any solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses already on the list, or those added by this amendment. If passed by the legislature, Alabama voters would decide on this change in the 2026 statewide primary election.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 51), not a bill with policy changes. It formally commends the Trinity Presbyterian Varsity Girls Basketball Team for winning the 2025 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 4A Girls Basketball State Championship. The resolution highlights their 34-0 undefeated run to the title and recognizes specific players and coaches. It has no legal effect or impact on policy; it is solely an expression of legislative praise for the team's achievement.

Maddy summarySB 325 amends Alabama's Youth Residential Facility Abuse Prevention Act to strengthen oversight of facilities housing youth. It requires these facilities (including long-term care centers, boarding schools, and outdoor programs) to provide detailed registration information to the Department of Human Resources, maintain specific records, and disclose them during investigations. The bill mandates video surveillance in common areas with required retention periods and prohibits refusing law enforcement access during abuse or neglect investigations, with criminal penalties for violations. Facilities failing to comply face civil fines, directly affecting all youth residential facilities operating under Alabama law.