Sen. Matt Woods

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution honors Miss Prestley Skelton for winning the 2026 American Legion Department of Alabama Oratorical Contest. The bill formally recognizes her achievement in delivering a speech about artificial intelligence and the First Amendment, which earned her a scholarship and a spot in the national finals. It expresses the legislature's commendations for her success but does not create any new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes naming both bridges on Interstate 22 that cross Mulberry Fork in Walker County, Alabama, as the Senator Greg Reed Bridge to honor the former state senator. The legislation would direct the Alabama Department of Transportation to coordinate with local officials to designate the bridges and install appropriate signage. The bill highlights Senator Reed's long service in the Alabama Senate, his leadership roles, and his contributions to workforce development and rural enhancement. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a commemorative resolution to recognize his legacy.

Maddy summarySB 31 increases penalties for making terrorist threats in the first or second degree. It requires school officials to immediately contact law enforcement when a student makes a terrorist threat, and establishes procedures for student suspensions, readmittance, and restitution for victims. The bill directly affects individuals making threats (facing harsher criminal penalties), schools (mandating immediate reporting), and students involved in such incidents (subject to suspension and restitution requirements). Key provisions include enhanced criminal penalties, mandatory law enforcement notification by schools, and defined processes for student suspension and victim restitution. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee and does not specify exact penalty amounts or detailed suspension procedures in the provided context.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally congratulates the Alabama State Chiropractic Association on its 100th anniversary. It recognizes the organization's century of service to Alabama residents and its role in advancing chiropractic care standards. The resolution expresses appreciation for the association's work in promoting patient access to noninvasive health care and does not create any new laws or policy changes. It is a ceremonial measure intended to honor the organization's leadership and contributions to the state's healthcare community.

Maddy summarySB 241 authorizes Walker County's elected probate judge to appoint temporary lawyers from the county to handle probate court duties during periods of high caseloads, complex cases, or scheduling delays. Temporary judges can serve up to 90 days per appointment (with a yearly maximum of 200 days) and have full authority to make decisions that are legally binding like those of the elected judge. The bill specifies they must be paid $50 per hearing from the judge's discretionary funds, with no additional pay if they are already court employees. It also clarifies that the elected judge and their bond are not liable for actions taken by temporary judges during their service.

Maddy summarySB 210 removes two specific requirements for Alabama's chiropractic board members and license applicants. It eliminates the need for board members to have graduated from a chiropractic school requiring actual attendance, and removes the requirement that license applicants must come from schools teaching only in-person courses with a four-year curriculum. The bill also updates outdated language in the licensing code to current style. These changes directly affect chiropractors seeking board service or state licensure in Alabama.

Maddy summarySB 212 proposes a constitutional amendment for Fayette County, Alabama, to allow residents aged 65 or older who own and live in their primary single-family home for at least five years to claim a property tax exemption. The exemption would freeze the property’s assessed value from the year before claiming it, reducing annual tax bills. To qualify, seniors must submit a written application to Fayette County’s Revenue Commissioner between October 1 and December 31, 2027, and maintain the home as their primary residence. The amendment requires voter approval to take effect and does not affect millage rates or other exemptions.

Maddy summarySB 160 adopts the Athletic Trainer Compact, allowing licensed athletic trainers in Alabama to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects athletic trainers seeking to work across state lines and patients who gain easier access to care. The bill establishes a Compact Commission to manage mutual recognition of licenses, streamline disciplinary procedures, and share licensing information among member states. Key provisions include requiring uniform licensing standards, enabling telehealth services, and supporting military families relocating across states. This reduces administrative burdens for trainers and enhances public access to athletic training services.

Maddy summarySJR 54 is a resolution passed by Alabama's legislature urging Congress to include in the 2026 Water Resources Development Act a requirement for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a reliability report on Alabama's Marine Highway 65 waterway system. This system includes the Tennessee River, Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, and other connected rivers, which are critical for moving goods like agriculture and energy across Alabama and the Southeast. The report would specifically assess aging infrastructure, including recent lock failures at Demopolis, Holt, and Wilson locks, to evaluate risks and guide future maintenance. The resolution seeks to address concerns about infrastructure vulnerabilities that could disrupt regional commerce and economic activity.

Maddy summarySB 155 establishes the Coal-Impacted Communities Economic and Workforce Development Grant Program to provide funding for job training, infrastructure, and community development projects in areas historically dependent on coal mining. It creates a dedicated fund using revenues from federal coal lease payments (starting January 1, 2027), with grants targeting specific communities like Fayette, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties. The program requires local development organizations - such as counties, nonprofits, or economic development boards - to use funds for workforce programs, public services, or community resilience projects. An advisory committee, appointed with representation from affected counties and coal industry stakeholders, will review grant applications and recommend allocations.