Maddy summarySenate Bill 305, titled the Renewing Alabama's Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) Act, establishes a new program to provide additional funding for public K-12 schools across Alabama. This funding is specifically designed to address the educational needs of students and improve academic outcomes. The bill creates the RAISE Fund to distribute these resources, requiring local education agencies to submit student data and accountability reports on how the funds are used. Additionally, it mandates the State Department of Education to develop a unified application system to streamline the process for schools to apply for and report on all state and federal funding programs. The act also includes mechanisms for review committees and an accountability board to monitor the program's effectiveness and progress.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 85 (SJR 85) commends the Cook Museum of Natural Science for its educational contributions to residents and students in North Alabama. The resolution also officially designates the museum to serve as the North Alabama STEM Center, partnering with schools in the region.
Maddy summarySJR 78 is a Senate Joint Resolution that reaffirms Alabama's declaration as a "State of Character," a declaration previously made in multiple years. The resolution appeals to various partners and leaders across schools, businesses, homes, and community groups to collaborate in developing and implementing character-building strategies.
Maddy summarySJR 83 is a resolution that commends the Alabama Center for the Arts and the Alabama Arts Hall of Fame for their contributions to the arts in Alabama. It officially designates the Alabama Center for the Arts as the host and site for the Alabama Arts Hall of Fame.
Maddy summarySB 159 proposes to exempt specific essential items from state sales and use tax. This bill would directly benefit consumers by removing the sales tax on purchases of baby formula, baby bottles, baby wipes, breast milk pumping equipment, and diapers for personal use. It would also exempt maternity clothing and various menstrual hygiene products, such as tampons and menstrual cups, when bought for personal use. The legislation defines each of these product categories to clarify what qualifies for the exemption. If enacted, these changes would take effect on September 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 303 amends the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act by revising definitions related to the eligibility of principals and assistant principals for annual stipends. The bill expands the definitions of "Assistant Principal" and "Principal" to include Career and Technical Education Building Administrators and Alternative School Administrators. To be included, these administrators must be housed full-time at a standalone facility, oversee its daily operations, and supervise teachers there. This clarifies which school administrators qualify under the act, impacting their eligibility for associated annual stipends.
Maddy summarySB 217 modifies the process for counties and municipalities entering into bond financing agreements. The bill requires bond financing agreement documents to include a schedule of all existing debt obligations for the entire maturity period of the new debt. It mandates that the chair of the county commission and the bond underwriter's signatory sign an acknowledgment confirming that all debt obligations and payment schedules have been presented and explained to the commission before bonds are sold. Additionally, the bill extends these same requirements, including the use of a bond financing review form, to municipalities. These forms must be submitted to the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts and made publicly available.
Maddy summarySB 164 expands the existing crime of unauthorized entry into critical infrastructure facilities, which include sites like power plants, pipelines, and airports. The bill specifies that operating an unmanned aircraft system (drone) without authority within 200 feet vertically of such a facility constitutes unauthorized entry. Violations are classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties escalate to a Class C felony if critical infrastructure property is damaged, operations are interrupted, or if the drone is equipped with a weapon. The bill clarifies that it does not prevent lawful assembly, peaceful protest, or labor disputes.
Maddy summarySB 195 amends existing law concerning the Public Education Employees' Health Insurance (PEEHIP) Board. Currently, the PEEHIP Board is required to renegotiate contracts for health benefit plans every three years. This bill specifically changes that requirement for Medicare retiree health benefit plans, mandating their renegotiation every five years instead. This means contracts for health benefits provided to Medicare-eligible retired public education employees would be re-evaluated on a five-year cycle.
Maddy summarySB 160 establishes new conditions for counties and municipalities to adopt or rescind local sales and use tax exemptions. Under this bill, state-level sales tax exemptions would not automatically apply at the local level unless local governments pass a specific resolution or ordinance. These local resolutions must include an effective date of September 1 and a specified duration, with notice provided to the Alabama Department of Revenue by July 1. The bill also requires existing local exemptions to comply with these new conditions by September 1, 2025, or they will cease.