Sen. Garlan Gudger

Maddy summarySB 253 updates the regulatory framework for massage therapists, establishments, and schools under the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board, which is currently overseen by the Board of Nursing. It authorizes the Board of Nursing's Executive Director to delegate duties for the board and defines "emergency orders" for immediate license suspension when public safety is at risk. The bill revises licensing qualifications, sets rules for outcall services and establishment inspections, and allows the board to establish and collect fees. It also clarifies temporary permit status, changes the board's annual meeting month, and requires a majority vote for licensee discipline.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 297 (SB 297) amends existing state law regarding the Alabama Office of Water Resources. This bill changes the employment classification for the Division Chief of the office. Currently, the Division Chief is a state Merit System employee; under this bill, the position would become an employee in the exempt service. This change directly affects the hiring and employment status of the individual serving as the Division Chief for the Alabama Office of Water Resources.

Maddy summarySB 25 modifies how tax proceeds from alcoholic beverage sales in specific community development districts are distributed. It requires counties to deposit these funds into a special county treasury fund, which must then be used to award grants for education, civic, community, and tourism activities within the same county. Instead of prior distribution methods, the bill mandates that grants be allocated based on recommendations from each legislator representing a portion of the county, weighted by the population they serve. The law takes effect on June 1, 2025, directly affecting counties with these districts and their state legislators.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 53) commends the Council of State Governments Southern Office (CSG South) for organizing the 79th Southern Legislative Conference, which will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, from July 19-23, 2025. It recognizes CSG South as a nonpartisan group that connects Southern state legislators from 15 states to discuss regional policy challenges and solutions. The resolution formally welcomes attendees - including legislators, staff, and families - to Alabama for the annual conference, which has convened for 78 years. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on constituents.

Maddy summarySB 2 revises Alabama's regulations for tobacco, e-cigarettes, and nicotine products under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. It expands the definition of "electronic nicotine delivery systems" to include battery-powered devices delivering non-tobacco substances via vapor, bans vending machine sales of these products, and requires retailers to pay one-time and annual fees. The bill also increases administrative penalties for violations, mandates warning signage at retail locations, and requires schools to adopt vaping prevention programs for K-12 students. These changes directly affect tobacco retailers, e-liquid manufacturers, and public schools, with new fees and penalties funding a Tobacco Licensing and Compliance Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers the authority to appoint the director of the Alabama Film Office and set their salary from the Governor to the Secretary of the Department of Commerce. By making this change, the legislation also clarifies that the Department of Commerce is the specific agency responsible for administering film incentive programs. The primary effect is to shift administrative control over the film office's leadership and compensation to a state department rather than the executive branch.

Maddy summaryThis bill implements the Alabama Sunset Law by replacing the existing Alabama Board of Massage Therapy with a new entity called the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board. The legislation transfers all powers, duties, and records from the old board to the new one while temporarily extending the renewal dates for any current licenses. The new board will oversee the licensing of massage therapists, regulate related touch therapy modalities, and establish standards for massage therapy schools and examinations. Additionally, the bill clarifies specific definitions regarding what constitutes massage therapy and explicitly excludes certain medical procedures like joint manipulation or diagnosis.

Taxation & Revenue

State & State Officers

Counties & Municipalities