Sen. Arthur Orr

Maddy summarySenate Bill 248 revises the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, specifically altering the standard for judicial review of rulings made by state administrative agencies. The bill outlines the process for individuals or entities to appeal agency decisions, including requirements for filing notices, cost bonds, and determining court venue. It establishes conditions under which a stay of an agency's decision may be granted during the review, particularly for license suspensions or revocations. The bill also sets a 30-day timeframe for filing appeals and clarifies that reviewing courts generally will not accept new evidence regarding facts already determined by the agency.

Maddy summarySB 89 requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to check for outstanding arrest warrants for inmates at several key points, including during intake, prior to work release or parole supervision, and 90 days before release. If a warrant is found, the DOC must serve it, notify the issuing authority, and facilitate virtual court hearings for the inmate when technically possible. The bill also mandates that the Board of Pardons and Paroles check for outstanding warrants when an inmate is considered for parole, providing notification to relevant authorities if a warrant exists. This aims to ensure that inmates with outstanding warrants are identified and processed while still in custody.

Maddy summarySB 87 aims to revise the powers of the Board of Midwifery, directly affecting licensed midwives and their permitted scope of practice. The bill amends specific lines of existing law to introduce a new prohibition. This change states, "A licensed midwife is prohibited from providing any" in relation to a mother's choice of licensed medical practitioner. This provision outlines a new restriction on the services midwives can offer.

Maddy summarySB 83 mandates that certain public entities install and maintain adult-size changing tables in their facilities. The bill also creates a grant program to assist these entities with the costs. Public K-12 schools and institutions of higher education are generally exempt, unless they have areas like auditoriums or gymnasiums that are frequented by the public.

Maddy summarySB 86 clarifies that Alabama courts cannot treat independent contractor arrangements as part of an employment relationship for workers' compensation liability purposes. It specifically states that factors like payment methods or control over work cannot be used to establish employment status under the Alabama Workers' Compensation Act. The bill directly affects businesses using independent contractors and workers seeking workers' compensation benefits by limiting how courts interpret contractor status. The bill is pending committee review and would take effect on December 31, 2025, if passed. (Note: The bill text provided does not address "portable benefits accounts" as mentioned in the title; the summary reflects the actual provisions described.)

Maddy summarySB 294 regulates health insurance prior authorization in Alabama by setting strict time limits for insurers to approve or deny requests (72 hours for non-urgent cases, with extensions for complex medical necessity questions). It requires insurers to use licensed physicians or healthcare professionals - not automated systems - to make coverage decisions and mandates that insurers grant "gold card" status to providers with consistently high-quality medical necessity claims, waiving prior authorization for them. The bill directly affects health insurers, healthcare providers, and patients by reducing administrative delays for routine care while ensuring decisions are made by qualified medical professionals. It aims to modernize the process without changing coverage rules, focusing on faster access to medically necessary services.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SJR 11), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally mourns the death and celebrates the life of Robert "Bob" Dare Sittason III, a Hartselle, Alabama resident and former General Manager of Hartselle Utilities, who passed away on December 14, 2024. The resolution honors his career, family, faith, and community service - including his 29 years as the voice of the Hartselle Tigers - and extends condolences to his family. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a ceremonial tribute by the Alabama Legislature.

Maddy summarySB 167 requires individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) to pay child support if their DUI causes the death of a child's parent or guardian. The bill mandates court-ordered child support payments until the child turns 19, calculated using Alabama's standard guidelines or court discretion based on the child's needs, the surviving parent's resources, and other specified factors. This applies to DUI convictions under Alabama Code §32-5A-191 and adds a new financial obligation to existing criminal penalties. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, and includes provisions for income withholding and payment plans if the offender is incarcerated.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 11) passed by the Alabama legislature to honor Robert "Bob" Dare Sittason III, a Hartselle resident and former Hartselle Utilities General Manager who died on December 14, 2024. It formally records the legislature's "profound sorrow" over his death while celebrating his life, career, and community service - including his 29 years as the voice of the Hartselle Tigers and 38-year marriage. The resolution offers "heartfelt sympathy" to his family and serves as a formal legislative tribute, with no policy changes or direct effects on laws or constituents. It was introduced and adopted by voice vote on February 6, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 84 authorizes specific nonprofit agricultural organizations (those meeting strict criteria like pre-1940 founding and 501(c)(5) status) to offer health benefits directly to their members and families. The bill requires these organizations to clearly state in writing that the benefits are not insurance and to have members sign this notice before enrollment. Organizations may also contract with licensed insurers to manage risk, while explicitly avoiding classification as "health insurers" under state law. This creates a defined pathway for agricultural nonprofits to support member health without triggering insurance regulations.