Sen. Kirk Hatcher

Maddy summarySB 208 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize members of the Montgomery City Council to participate in the Employees' Retirement System of Alabama. If approved by voters, current and future council members would be treated as city employees for retirement purposes and could join the system under the same terms as other employees. The bill also allows council members to purchase service credit for their prior time in office, provided they are not simultaneously participating in a supernumerary program.

Maddy summarySB 155 expands the types of deductions that can be made from the salaries of state employees in Alabama. Currently, deductions are allowed for membership dues, voluntary contributions, and insurance premiums. This bill would add "financial instruments offered through membership associations" to this list. It maintains that a group of at least 200 state employees must request a new deduction type, and allows the State Comptroller to collect a small administrative fee. The bill also includes technical revisions to update existing code language.

Maddy summarySB 340 prohibits electric and gas utilities from disconnecting residential customers under specific conditions. These protections apply during extreme heat (97°F or above) or cold (32°F or below), during a state of emergency, or when a household includes children under 12, elderly individuals, active military personnel, or veterans. Disconnections are also prohibited for medical hardships, for unpaid bill amounts under $100, or when a landlord is responsible for non-payment. The bill requires utilities to provide clear disconnection policies and a 10-day advance notice, and allows customers to seek civil damages and other remedies for violations.

Maddy summarySB 61 proposes the creation of an Interstate Licensure Compact for school psychologists. This compact aims to streamline the process for school psychologists to practice in multiple states, potentially making it easier for these professionals to work across state lines. While the bill's title indicates its purpose, the provided bill text only includes a minor amendment related to the jurisdiction of a commission, and does not detail the specific mechanisms or full provisions of the compact.

Maddy summarySB 286 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow members of the Montgomery City Council to join the Employees' Retirement System of Alabama (ERSA). If approved, council members could participate in ERSA under the same conditions as other city employees. Current council members would be able to purchase service credit for their past time in office, but could not participate in both a supernumerary program and ERSA. This amendment would need to be approved by a majority of voters in an election to become valid.

Maddy summarySB 222 authorizes medical clinic boards that lease property to hospitals or healthcare providers which have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to use federal bankruptcy laws to adjust their own debts. It specifically allows these boards to pursue debt readjustment under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, including filing bankruptcy cases. The bill also grants immunity to board members from lawsuits for decisions made in good faith during this process, though it does not protect against intentional misconduct. This applies only to clinic boards with tenants that have voluntarily entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 263 proposes a constitutional amendment to change the term length for Montgomery County Board of Education members from four years to two years. This would directly affect Montgomery County residents, as it would require school board elections every two years instead of every four years. The amendment must be approved by a majority of voters in a statewide election before becoming part of Alabama's constitution. The bill is currently pending review by the Senate Committee on Local Legislation.

Maddy summarySJR 32 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Alabama Legislature to commend Judge Johnny Hardwick on his retirement after 24 years as a Circuit Judge in Montgomery County. The resolution highlights his 40+ years of legal experience, including service as a judge, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and community leader, and acknowledges his roles as Presiding Judge of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit and president of the Alabama Association of Circuit Court Judges. It formally expresses the legislature's admiration for his career and contributions to Alabama's justice system and community.

Maddy summarySB 7 would automatically restore voting rights for most Alabamians convicted of felonies (excluding treason, murder, rape, and certain sex crimes) upon completing their sentences, eliminating the current application process. It would also remove specific qualifications needed to vote by absentee ballot and establish the Alabama Voting Rights Commission to review election actions for potential discrimination against protected voter groups. The bill requires the Secretary of State to maintain a public election database tracking administration details. If passed, these changes would directly affect over 100,000 people with past felony convictions and all voters using absentee ballots in Alabama. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Alabama's Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutrition Practice to join the Dietitian Licensure Compact, a multistate agreement that simplifies licensing for dietitians. Under this new framework, qualified dietitians who hold a license in their home state can practice in other member states without needing separate licenses for each location. The compact aims to improve public access to nutrition services, reduce administrative burdens, and specifically support active military members and their spouses who frequently relocate. It establishes a commission to oversee the agreement and ensures that dietitians remain accountable to the laws of the state where they are treating patients.