Sen. Sam Givhan

Maddy summarySB 291 amends the Fair Campaign Practices Act to allow political parties to transfer funds to and from their local and other affiliated party organizations. Currently, existing law treats political parties as political action committees (PACs), which generally prohibits fund transfers between PACs. This bill creates an exception, specifically authorizing these internal financial transfers within a political party's structure, including recognized local and affiliated entities. This change affects political parties and their recognized local or affiliated groups by providing more flexibility in managing and distributing funds.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 58 revises the age at which minors can consent to medical, dental, and mental health services, raising it from 14 to 18 years old. This includes consent for vaccines and school counseling, though exceptions exist for minors who are married, divorced, pregnant, emancipated, or living independently. Any minor may still consent to services related to pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and alcohol or drug dependency. The bill also establishes a parental fundamental right to make healthcare decisions for their minor child and generally prohibits denying parents access to their child's health information, with exceptions for court orders or investigations of crimes against the child. Additionally, it requires parental written permission for students under 18 to participate in ongoing school counseling services.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 225 amends current law concerning the drawing of blood in relation to traffic offenses, particularly for individuals suspected of driving under the influence. It allows qualified medical professionals, such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, and phlebotomists, to refuse a law enforcement officer's request to draw blood. This refusal is permissible unless there is a court order mandating the blood draw. The bill clarifies the procedures for collecting evidence in DUI cases by specifying the circumstances under which medical personnel may decline to perform a blood draw.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 197 revises the Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entity Code, impacting various business structures including corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. The bill makes technical corrections, codifies existing practices for electronic filing and name reservations, and formalizes the common law doctrine of independent legal significance. It clarifies procedures for approving, naming, and setting termination fees in merger agreements, and establishes a ratification process for improperly approved documents. Additionally, the bill simplifies the process for purchasing ownership interests upon the death or disqualification of a stockholder or member in professional corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, and allows for the transfer of transferable interests upon death in certain entities.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 134 (SB 134) authorizes the Board of Pardons and Paroles to share electronic monitoring GPS data with local law enforcement agencies. Currently, existing law does not permit this sharing. Under this bill, local law enforcement agencies may request this data from the Board during an active investigation. The Board of Pardons and Paroles then has the discretion to share the requested electronic monitoring GPS information. This change would become effective on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1 establishes the "Maryann Leonard Educators' On-The-Job Injury Act," creating a new program to provide compensation for work-related injuries sustained by full-time public education employees and adult bus drivers. The bill creates a dedicated board to administer this act, which will manage injury claims and reimburse employees for certain unreimbursed medical expenses, copayments, and deductibles not covered by their existing health insurance (PEEHIP). This board will also have the authority to select treating physicians and authorize independent medical examinations. The legislation outlines a formal dispute resolution process, including the use of hearing officers, for contested claims, with decisions subject to limited judicial review.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 332 expands the options available to public owners for undertaking public works projects by authorizing several new alternative delivery methods beyond the traditional design-bid-build approach. These new methods include Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) and various Design-Build models, establishing criteria for their approval and use. The bill also provides for the adoption of administrative rules, sets up protest procedures for contract awards, and establishes reporting requirements. Additionally, it creates a Public Works Advisory Council and modifies the requirements for performance and payment bonds under these new project delivery methods.

Maddy summarySB 179 amends the Alabama Code of Military Justice, revising the rules for military punishment. It modifies which ranks of commanding officers can impose disciplinary measures and details the types of punishments allowed, specifically concerning reductions in pay grade for enlisted members and officers. The bill also requires that accused individuals be informed of their right to consult counsel regarding non-judicial punishment.

Maddy summarySB 198 creates a dedicated Legal Services Office and Legal Assistance Program for the Alabama National Guard, directly serving Guard members and leadership. It establishes specific roles like state staff judge advocates to provide legal advice on military justice, personnel matters, contracts, and property issues. The bill also authorizes judge advocates and paralegals to perform notary services under defined circumstances. These provisions standardize legal support within the Guard, ensuring consistent access to legal counsel for both personnel and command.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SJR 35) honoring the late Jesse P. Evans III, a Birmingham, Alabama lawyer and legal educator who died on October 2, 2024. The resolution recognizes his 40+ year career as a trial attorney, his authorship of key legal works on Alabama property law, his teaching roles at law schools, and his service to the legal community. It expresses the Alabama legislature's condolences to his family and celebrates his professional legacy and personal life. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.