Sen. Jack Williams

Maddy summarySB 159 would exempt commercial greenhouses, pivot irrigation systems, and poultry houses in Alabama from paying utility gross receipts tax and utility service use tax on natural gas or electricity used for heating or energy purposes. This directly affects agricultural businesses operating these facilities by reducing their energy-related tax burden. The bill amends Alabama’s tax code to specifically add these uses to existing exclusions, meaning these businesses would no longer pay these taxes on qualifying energy consumption. The measure is pending in the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee and would take effect on September 1, 2026, if enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to expand the official boundaries of the City of Semmes in Mobile County by incorporating six specific parcels of land into the municipal limits. The legislation uses precise legal descriptions to define the exact geographic areas being annexed, including portions of Section 21 and lands adjacent to roads like Churchill Downs and Broughton Road. Once approved, the changes will take effect on October 1, 2026, and a map showing the proposed territory will be available for public review at the Mobile County Probate Office. The bill directly affects property owners within the designated parcels and the City of Semmes government, which will gain jurisdiction over the newly included areas.

Maddy summarySB 322 amends Alabama law to remove reservoirs meeting the definition of public waters (as defined in Section 9-11-80) from the list of critical infrastructure facilities. This means unauthorized entry to such reservoirs would no longer be considered a crime under the statute governing entry to critical infrastructure facilities. The bill directly affects reservoirs managed as public waters, typically used for drinking water supply, clarifying they are excluded from this specific criminal provision. The change eliminates ambiguity about whether public water reservoirs fall under the statute’s scope.

Maddy summarySB 264 would allow any Alabama municipality, regardless of population size, to expand its city boundaries through a resolution by the governing body and a special election. Currently, only cities with 25,000 or more residents can use this method to annex new areas; the bill removes that population threshold. The key mechanism remains unchanged: a city council resolution followed by a public vote in a special election to extend corporate limits. This change would directly affect all Alabama municipalities, particularly smaller cities previously unable to expand their boundaries through this process, and takes effect on June 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 8) requests the Alabama Department of Transportation name the bridge on U.S. Highway 98 spanning Big Creek Lake in Wilmer as the "Lamar Harrison Memorial Bridge." It honors Lamar Harrison, a Wilmer resident who owned local businesses, supported community institutions like Mobile Christian School and Faulkner University, and served in the Alabama National Guard. The resolution asks the DOT to coordinate with local officials to designate the bridge and install appropriate markers, consistent with existing laws. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new law or affect policy, but formally recognizes Harrison's community contributions.

Maddy summarySB 13 would exempt Alabama poultry producers from paying state utility taxes on natural gas, propane, or electricity used specifically for heating poultry houses. The bill amends existing tax code sections to explicitly add poultry house heating to the list of exempt energy uses, removing a current tax burden on this operational cost. This change directly affects poultry farms by reducing their energy expenses for maintaining proper temperatures in housing facilities. The exemption would apply to energy purchased and consumed directly for heating purposes, effective September 1, 2026, pending legislative approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the official city limits of Semmes, Alabama, by adding two specific parcels of land to the municipality. The new territory includes areas along Schillinger Road North, Moffett Road, and Oaktree Drive, as well as sections of existing subdivisions like the West Moffett Commercial Park. Once signed into law, the changes officially take effect on October 1, 2024, updating the legal boundaries of the city.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for filling vacancies on the boards of trustees that manage Mobile County's firefighting and emergency medical services districts. It establishes a clear timeline where remaining board members must appoint a replacement within 60 days of a vacancy, such as a death or resignation. If no appointment is made within that period, the Mobile County Commission will step in to appoint a successor, and if they fail to do so within 90 days, a special election will be held. The law also clarifies that trustees serve without pay but can receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred while performing their duties.

Mobile County

Consumer Protection; Health