Sen. Sam Givhan

Maddy summarySB 40 amends Alabama law to allow the Contract Review Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee to recommend that the Governor not sign state contracts for personal or professional services paid from public funds. The bill directly affects state departments that enter such contracts, requiring them to submit contracts or letters of intent to the committee for review. Key provisions include adding the committee's explicit authority to recommend against signing contracts (previously only allowing comments) and setting a 45-day review deadline. This is a procedural change to the existing review process, not a new policy.

Maddy summarySB 228 renames Alabama's "Space Authority" to the "Alabama Aerospace Authority" effective October 1, 2026, and expands its membership. The bill adds the Finance Director, Secretary of Workforce, and Chief Executive of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission (as a nonvoting member) to the board. It clarifies the authority's existing duties, including promoting aerospace education, space tourism, and public-private partnerships, and enhances its power to lease property, enter contracts, and accept grants. The bill directly affects the authority's governance structure and operational capacity but does not introduce new funding or major policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 22 revises the appointment process for the Senate member on Alabama's Commission on Uniform State Laws. Currently, the Senate appoints its representative, but this bill would require the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make that appointment instead. The Commission advises the Legislature on uniform state laws, and this change only affects who selects the Senate member. The bill does not alter the Commission's purpose, membership size, or policy responsibilities. It amends Sections 41-9-370 and 41-9-371 of the Alabama Code and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Madison County residents aged 65 or older to claim a senior property tax exemption on their primary homes. The exemption would freeze the assessed value of the property at the rate before the exemption is claimed, protecting owners from future property value increases while still applying any new millage rates to the frozen value. To qualify, homeowners must have lived in the property as their main residence for at least five years before applying, and they must submit a written request to the county revenue commissioner between October 1 and December 31. The exemption can be claimed starting October 1, 2027, and would continue as long as the property remains the owner's primary residence. This change would require voter approval through a special election to amend the state constitution.

Maddy summarySB 255 exempts qualified nonprofit organizations (those using property for religious, educational, or charitable purposes) from proving property tax payments when filing a quiet title action in Alabama. This bill amends existing law to remove a requirement that nonprofits could not meet, as they typically don't pay ad valorem taxes on their properties. The change directly affects nonprofits seeking to legally establish ownership of property they use for exempt purposes. The bill makes this exemption explicit in the quiet title code while updating technical language to current style.

Maddy summarySB 231 updates Alabama's security law to cover the new State House building (bounded by Pelham Street, South Jackson Street, and Washington Avenue), its adjacent parking deck, and the park between South Union Street and the new building. It also extends security responsibilities to official legislative events held off-site within Alabama. The bill amends existing law to require security personnel to protect these specific locations, with the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency handling perimeter security. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2026, once the new complex is operational.

Maddy summarySB 201 requires Alabama public schools with JROTC programs to make those programs available to homeschool and private school students who live in the school's neighborhood district and are dependents of active-duty military parents performing specific types of military service. This includes service members on federal or state orders requiring a permanent or temporary relocation (like deployments or base changes). The bill applies to students meeting standard JROTC eligibility requirements, ensuring military-connected students have access to these programs regardless of their school type. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 230 modifies Alabama's campaign finance rules to allow campaign funds to cover specific security costs for candidates, elected officials, and their immediate families or staff. It permits using contributions for cybersecurity services (like removing personal data from data brokers), home security devices (locks, cameras, alarms - excluding property value improvements), and security personnel. The bill explicitly defines "security expenses" to prevent misuse of funds for non-security purposes. This change applies directly to political campaigns and officeholders seeking to protect themselves or their close associates. The bill is currently pending in the Alabama House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summarySB 229 revises the duties of legal positions within the Alabama National Guard's Legal Services Office by amending specific sections of state law (31-2B-4 through 31-2B-13). The bill updates responsibilities for roles including State Staff Judge Advocates, General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and other legal officers, requiring them to provide advice on military justice, contracts, administrative matters, and fiscal issues to military commanders. Key provisions clarify their roles in managing legal services, developing training programs, and producing legal policy manuals for the National Guard. This legislation directly affects the legal staff of the Alabama National Guard, ensuring their duties align with current operational needs.

Maddy summarySB 54 extends the operation of the Alabama Surface Mining Commission until October 1, 2030, under Alabama's Sunset Law process. This bill directly affects the Commission, which oversees surface mining regulations and enforcement in Alabama, allowing it to continue its work without needing reauthorization before 2030. The key mechanism is a legislative continuation of the Commission's existing authority, preserving its enabling statutes (Sections 9-16-70 to 9-16-107 of the Alabama Code). The Commission will maintain its current regulatory role for surface mining operations through 2030, with the bill taking effect June 1, 2026.