Sen. Josh Carnley

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 23) commemorates the life and mourns the death of Junior Harold Sorrells, a respected Opp, Alabama trucking industry leader, community advocate, and devoted family man who passed away January 15, 2026. It honors his 65-year marriage, his 15-year service on the Opp Chamber of Commerce, his leadership in the Alabama Trucking Association (including receiving the Chester Webb Award), and his lifelong support of Auburn University. The resolution, adopted by the Alabama legislature, expresses collective grief and tribute to his legacy of service without creating any new laws or policies. As a commemorative resolution, it does not affect any laws or individuals beyond this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summarySB 223 prohibits using aircraft tracking data (ADS-B) to identify planes for charging fees or other costs to owners or operators. It bans government agencies and private entities from leveraging this data to impose fees, while allowing safety-related uses like air traffic control, FAA operations, and voluntary service contracts (e.g., flight tracking for maintenance). The law explicitly exempts safety, regulatory, and operational purposes from the prohibition. Violations can be challenged in court, with penalties up to $5,000 per incident. It takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 76 would expand Alabama public K-12 schools' authority to control broadcasting of school sports events. Currently, schools can only decide which media organizations broadcast regular season games; this bill adds explicit authority for schools to determine media coverage of all post-season events, including playoffs and championships. The law gives schools sole authority to select media partners and contract for broadcasts of both regular and post-season sporting events involving their schools. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 206 establishes regulations for businesses and individuals who advise or assist veterans in filing claims for benefits, especially when they receive compensation for their services. It mandates that anyone acting as an agent or attorney for such claims must first be accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For compensated services, the bill requires written agreements and specific oral and written disclosures to clients, informing them about the business's non-affiliation with government agencies and the availability of free services. It also prohibits guaranteeing specific benefits, charging excessive or unreasonable fees, or receiving compensation for referrals, classifying violations as a deceptive trade practice.

Maddy summarySB 311 amends existing law regarding permits required for work on state-controlled public highways. This bill establishes specific processing deadlines for permits related to electric transmission facilities, requiring the State Department of Transportation (DOT) to respond to applications within 14 days and approve or deny complete applications within 42 days. If the DOT fails to act within the 42-day period, the permit is deemed issued upon the applicant posting a required deposit or bond. Additionally, the bill allows for related condemnation actions to be expedited and requires the DOT to adopt rules for the permit process.

Maddy summarySB 207 proposes to increase the maximum amount that can be assessed on the sale of a cotton bale. Currently, certified commissions representing cotton producers can levy an assessment to promote the commodity. This bill would raise the maximum permissible assessment from one dollar ($1.00) to one dollar and thirty cents ($1.30) per bale. This change directly affects cotton producers and the commissions that determine and collect these annual assessments. The bill also includes minor technical updates to existing code language.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 154, updates the requirements for real estate licensees when interacting with consumers regarding property disclosures and brokerage agreements. It mandates that consumers receive a written disclosure of brokerage services and general compensation information from a licensee before viewing a property. While consumers can choose to enter a brokerage agreement, this bill clarifies that a written agreement is not required for a licensee to show a property. Instead, a written brokerage agreement, which must include compensation terms, is only required if the licensee will list a property for sale or submit an offer on behalf of the consumer. The bill also requires referral agreements between real estate licensees to be in writing.

Maddy summarySB 180 would prohibit state and local government agencies from entering into contracts or agreements with "media monitoring organizations." These organizations are defined as companies that rate news sources for factual accuracy, misinformation, bias, or adherence to journalistic standards. The bill also prevents agencies from contracting with other companies that use the services of such media monitoring organizations, or from providing them support. Companies attempting to secure marketing contracts with an agency would be required to certify they do not use these services, and existing contractors would need to provide similar certification when modifying agreements. This act would become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 183 authorizes the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe, recognized by the State of Alabama, to employ certified police officers. These officers would be responsible for providing police protection to tribal grounds, property, employees, and residents. They would have powers similar to state police officers, including the ability to make arrests, but their authority would generally be limited to the tribe's reservation. However, they could pursue offenders or make felony arrests off-reservation if the offense originated on tribal property. The bill specifies that no state or local funds would be used to support these tribal police officers.

Maddy summarySB 212 revises regulations for real estate transactions, impacting licensees and consumers. It requires real estate licensees to provide a written disclosure form, including general compensation information, to a consumer before showing a property. A written brokerage agreement is now only mandatory if the licensee will list a property for sale or submit an offer on behalf of the consumer, and such agreements must detail compensation terms. The bill also defines the scope of operation for real estate teams and outlines penalties for certain violations.