Sen. Billy Beasley

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Henry County to collect a temporary property tax to fund public school projects in the city of Headland. The tax would apply only to taxable property located south of Sandy Creek and would be set at a rate of three mills per dollar of assessed value. Revenue from the tax would be restricted exclusively to public school purposes for Headland projects and would be collected from October 1, 2027, through September 30, 2034. The amendment requires voter approval through a special election before it can take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an 8% privilege tax on net gambling revenue from historical horse racing wagering on computerized machines in Macon County, Alabama. The tax would be collected by the Macon County Racing Commission from historical horse racing licensees and distributed according to local law. The legislation defines net gambling revenue as total wagering amounts excluding free bets, promotional credits, federal taxes, voided wagers, and prize payouts. This new tax replaces any existing local taxes on historical horse racing pari-mutuel activities but does not affect taxes on live greyhound and thoroughbred racing. The bill does not authorize any new gambling activities beyond what is currently permitted by law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Alabama Code Section 45-3-60 to set specific reimbursement rates for the Barbour County Coroner. It establishes a monthly expense allowance cap of $400 and sets mileage reimbursement at $0.50 per mile (aligned with the IRS business rate), both paid from the county general fund. The changes directly affect the Barbour County Coroner and the county commission, which must adopt these rates via resolution. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 134 creates a new permit requirement for businesses that buy tobacco products directly from manufacturers (or their affiliates) and resell them to other permitted Alabama wholesalers across state lines. It directly affects interstate tobacco resellers who operate in multiple states but do not sell directly to end consumers. The bill requires these businesses to register with Alabama’s Department of Revenue as "interstate warehousers" and imposes penalties for failing to comply. Existing rules for tobacco sellers remain unchanged for businesses operating solely within Alabama.

Maddy summarySB 256 would authorize the Alabama Department of Insurance to create two new exempt personnel positions within its Pharmacy Benefits Manager Division. These positions would not be subject to the state's standard Merit System hiring rules, allowing the Commissioner of Insurance to set their compensation directly. The bill specifies these roles are in addition to any existing exempt positions and would take effect on June 1, 2026. The bill is currently pending committee review in the Alabama Senate.

Maddy summarySB 18 would impose a new 4% state tax on net gambling revenues from historical horse racing pari-mutuel wagering operations. It applies specifically to licensed businesses running historical horse racing betting, replacing their existing privilege taxes with this single rate. The tax base excludes free bets, promotional credits, and prize payouts, while explicitly preserving current tax structures for live horse racing, greyhound racing, and simulcast operations. The bill does not authorize new gambling activities or alter existing legal gambling frameworks.

Maddy summarySB 331 changes how Barbour County's judge of probate is paid, replacing previous fees and compensation with a fixed annual salary starting October 1, 2025. The judge must receive at least 70% of the salary paid to a state district court judge with similar experience, determined by the Barbour County Commission. All previous fees, charges, and compensation for the judge will now be paid into the county general fund, and the judge must waive compensation from another state law (Section 17-3-60). The bill ensures the salary is paid monthly like other county employees and covers all prior payments for the position.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 287 establishes new requirements for individuals seeking to become or currently serving as the Sheriff of Barbour County. Starting June 1, 2025, candidates for election or appointment must meet updated qualifications, including specific residency, age, and a minimum of five years of full-time, APOSTC-certified law enforcement experience. Additionally, any individual serving as Sheriff of Barbour County must attend at least 12 hours of approved executive-level continuing education training annually. This bill aims to further define the professional standards for the county's top law enforcement officer.

Maddy summarySB 319 proposes establishing new court costs in Barbour County to fund a "Sheriff's Office Hazardous Duty Fund." This fund would provide hazardous duty payments to non-clerical employees of the Barbour County Sheriff's Office, excluding the sheriff. The new costs include a $25 fee for most civil, misdemeanor, and felony cases, and a $10 fee for small claims cases. This measure will only take effect if approved by a majority of Barbour County voters in a local referendum.

Maddy summarySB 109 appropriates $15,816,579 from the Education Trust Fund to Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. These funds are designated for the support and maintenance of the university's educational programs, including at least $2,000,000 for agricultural research and extension services, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. Prior to receiving any funds, Tuskegee University must submit an operations plan and an audited financial statement. The bill also requires quarterly reports and an end-of-year performance report detailing expenditures and accomplishments.