Maddy summarySB 33 expands eligibility for Alabama's distinctive veteran license tags to include more veterans exposed to dangerous radiation during military service. Currently, only veterans directly involved in atomic bomb testing (1944-1962) qualify; this bill adds additional veterans who were exposed to radiation while serving, without specifying exact service periods. The change would allow these veterans to apply for the same distinctive tag, requiring the standard $3 initial fee (or $6 for Vietnam veterans' tags) and proof of eligibility. It does not alter existing fee distributions or administrative processes for the program. The bill amends Alabama Code §32-6-350 to broaden the radiation-exposure category in the veteran tag program.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 34 proposes creating the Imagination Library of Alabama Program, which would provide free age-appropriate books monthly to children aged birth to five in participating counties through Dolly Parton's existing Imagination Library program. The bill requires Alabama's Department of Early Childhood Education to coordinate with a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization to administer the program, matching local funding at 50% to cover book costs. It establishes a special fund for donations, grants, and state appropriations to support the initiative, with funds not expiring annually. The program would directly affect Alabama children and local communities by delivering books to homes at no cost to families while requiring local partners to contribute matching funds.
Maddy summarySB 53 modifies Alabama's existing laws against concealing undocumented immigrants and human smuggling by adding specific exemptions. It exempts attorneys from criminal penalties when transporting clients to or from immigration or government facilities, and exempts educators from penalties when transporting students on official school trips. The bill directly affects attorneys and school staff during work-related travel, removing potential criminal liability for these activities. The legislation is currently pending in the Alabama House Committee on County and Municipal Government (as of February 2025).
Maddy summarySB 142 amends existing law regarding voter registration list maintenance. It removes the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) as a database that the board of registrars or Secretary of State can use to identify voters whose addresses may have changed. Instead, the bill requires the Secretary of State to conduct voter registration list maintenance using the Alabama Voter Integrity Database (AVID). This database will rely on various data sources, including information from state agencies and potentially data shared with other states. The bill maintains the process for registrars to use United States Postal Service change-of-address information to identify address changes and notify voters.
Maddy summarySB 306 requires county and municipal government agencies, boards, commissions, departments, employees, and officials with discretionary accounts to publish their fund amounts and expenditures online. This also applies to certain state officials whose accounts are maintained at the county level, such as sheriffs and judges. The information must be posted monthly on their official website or, if no website exists, on the website of a relevant state association. The Chief Examiner of the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts will set the rules for this publication.
Maddy summarySB 341 expands the eligibility for distinctive motor vehicle license tags for veterans in Alabama. Currently, specific veterans exposed to radiation from atomic bomb and weapon testing between 1944 and 1962 can receive these tags. This bill would include additional veterans who were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation due to their service. This includes those who directly participated in atomic weapon detonations, cleanup of radioactive material, or were exposed to ionizing radiation during World War II. Eligible veterans would apply through their local license official and pay the standard license fee, plus an additional fee for the distinctive tag.
Maddy summarySB 143 proposes to exempt households whose sole source of income is veterans' benefits from paying solid waste collection fees. This expands the current exemption, which is only available to households whose sole income comes from Social Security benefits. To qualify, these households would need to annually provide proof of their income to the county health officer. The bill also includes minor technical revisions to update existing code language.
Maddy summarySB 175 proposes to exempt certain aircraft and aircraft parts from state sales, use, and lease taxes. It would exempt gross receipts from the sale of specific aircraft and aircraft parts used by certified or licensed air carriers, provided the aircraft are not permanently domiciled or "hubbed" in Alabama. The bill also exempts the leasing or rental of certain aircraft parts from state lease or rental tax. Additionally, it allows municipalities and counties to choose whether to apply these same exemptions to local sales, use, and rental or lease taxes. These exemptions would be in effect from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2030.
Maddy summarySB 97 amends current law regarding the licensing requirements for nonresident surplus line brokers in Alabama. The bill removes the requirement for these nonresident brokers to file an additional surety bond when applying for a license in the state. Nonresident surplus line brokers would still be required to submit an application and pay a license fee. This change is proposed to ensure Alabama's conformance with existing reciprocity provisions for the licensing of nonresident insurance agents.
Maddy summarySB 36 revises competitive bidding and contract protest procedures for government entities. It specifies that volunteer fire departments and rescue squads will be governed by local competitive bid laws. The bill shortens the deadline for protesting a competitive bid contract from 14 days to 5 days and exempts these protest procedures from the Administrative Procedure Act. Additionally, it modifies requirements for financial disclosure statements, allowing for alternative forms, annual submissions for multiple proposals, and exempting contracts with publicly traded companies and economic development incentives.