Maddy summaryHB 247 would extend the existing line-of-duty death benefit to survivors of volunteer firefighters who die from cancer, currently only available to paid firefighters. To qualify, the firefighter must have served at least six years, passed a pre-certification physical with no cancer, been active during symptom onset, and their department must document exposure to a known carcinogen during fire suppression. The bill presumes cancer arose from service if linked to a carcinogen (shifting the burden to the state to prove otherwise), aligning with Alabama’s existing death benefit framework under Title 36. This change directly affects volunteer firefighter families by creating a new eligibility path for compensation under current state law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 11, titled "Jolee's Law," prohibits judges from granting youthful offender status to individuals aged 16 or older charged with capital murder (per Section 13A-5-40) or murder (per Section 13A-6-2(a)(1)). It directly affects defendants in these specific homicide cases, requiring them to be charged, arrested, and tried as adults rather than as youthful offenders. The bill amends Alabama law to block youthful offender status in these cases, though defendants may qualify if charges are later reduced to lesser offenses. It also adds victim notification requirements (10 days prior to hearings) and mandates courts to consider victim injury evidence before ruling on youthful offender status. The bill is pending in the House Judiciary Committee as of January 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 10 would amend Alabama law to remove specific minor offenses from the definition of "delinquent act" for 14- and 15-year-olds. Under this bill, nonfelony traffic violations (like speeding) or water safety offenses (like boating without a life jacket) committed by youth in this age group would no longer trigger juvenile court proceedings, except for offenses related to driving under the influence. This change directly affects 14- and 15-year-old Alabama residents who commit these minor violations, preventing their cases from entering the juvenile justice system. The bill targets a specific provision in Section 12-15-102 of Alabama Code, narrowing which acts qualify as delinquent for this age group.
Maddy summaryHB 320 requires counties to maintain two specific funds in separate accounts within the county treasury: the County Law Library Fund (for library operations and materials) and the Presiding Circuit Judge's Judicial Administration Fund (for court operations). This bill updates existing Alabama law to mandate this separation, ensuring these funds aren't commingled with other county funds. It does not change how funds are collected or used, only clarifies where they must be held. The bill is procedural and affects all Alabama counties managing these funds.
Maddy summaryHB 88 requires Alabama's driver's license examinations - covering written, oral, vision, and driving portions - to be administered exclusively in English, affecting all applicants for initial licenses or renewals needing an exam. The bill prohibits the use of translation tools, electronic devices, or interpreters during testing and updates existing law to mandate this language requirement. It makes minor technical revisions to align the code with current formatting but does not alter eligibility rules for license applicants. The bill is pending in the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and would take effect October 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 6 would expand a retirement benefit to include State Police Tier II Plan members in Alabama's Employees' Retirement System. Currently, certain law enforcement officers (like those in the Department of Corrections) can receive payment for up to 80 hours of unused annual leave each year beyond a 480-hour threshold. This bill specifically adds State Police Tier II members to that same provision, allowing them to cash out up to 80 hours of accrued unused leave annually. The change applies only to retirement plan members and mirrors the existing benefit for other law enforcement personnel. It does not create new leave accruals but modifies payment eligibility under existing law.
Maddy summaryHB 392 provides an annual supplemental compensation of $24,000 for the chief assistant district attorney and three assistant district attorneys in Alabama's Eleventh Judicial Circuit, which covers Lauderdale County. This additional compensation will be paid in equal monthly installments from Lauderdale County's general fund and will supersede any other local law salary supplements. The bill also specifies that these attorneys serve at the pleasure of the district attorney and have no residency requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 148 clarifies mandatory automobile liability insurance requirements, specifically addressing motor vehicles registered in a state other than Alabama. The bill specifies that for vehicles registered in another state, the liability insurance policy must conform to the requirements of that state's laws. This means operators of out-of-state vehicles must carry insurance that meets their state of registration's minimums. It also updates what constitutes valid evidence of insurance for these non-resident vehicles when operated in Alabama.
Maddy summaryHB 147 modifies the state procurement code regarding purchases made by volunteer fire departments and rescue squads. Currently, these organizations are subject to the state's general procurement regulations. This bill would exempt volunteer fire departments and rescue squads from the state procurement code. Instead, their purchases of supplies, services, and professional services would be governed by local competitive bidding laws, similar to the rules already applied to district attorneys and sheriffs.
Maddy summaryHB 492 amends the definition of a "delinquent act" within juvenile proceedings. The bill specifies that nonfelony offenses or water safety offenses committed by a child 14 or 15 years of age, excluding driving or operating a vessel under the influence, will no longer be classified as delinquent acts. This change affects how these specific actions by children in that age group are handled within the juvenile justice system.