Rep. Shane Stringer

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal defense for defendants in civil lawsuits seeking damages for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage. It applies when the plaintiff was willfully obstructing traffic - such as standing on a road, blocking vehicle movement, or endangering safety - on public streets, highways, bridges, or roads. If proven, this defense could prevent the plaintiff from recovering damages for injuries sustained during the obstruction. The bill does not change traffic laws but modifies civil court procedures for such cases.

Maddy summaryHB 387 prohibits Alabama city water and sewer boards from restricting public recreational access to water bodies they own or control, unless they provide evidence of a "substantial public interest" at a public hearing. This applies specifically to navigable waterways within 50 miles of the Gulf of Mexico that serve as drinking water sources. Boards may temporarily restrict access for up to 90 days during emergencies without a hearing, but must hold a public hearing after that period. The bill amends existing law to clarify these requirements and ensure public access is protected unless justified by clear public need.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 107) honoring Richard Allen "Rich" Bender of Citronelle, Alabama, who died on January 28, 2026, at age 71. The resolution memorializes his life, noting his career as a carpenter, EMT, and community roles (including work at RDA and the Citronelle Memorial Library Board), his family, and his involvement with Citronelle Methodist Church. It serves as a formal legislative tribute from the Alabama House of Representatives to mourn his passing and celebrate his contributions to his community. The resolution has no policy provisions or effect beyond expressing collective respect and sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 104) honoring Robert Curtis "Bobby" Skidmore, a Citronelle, Alabama resident who died on January 19, 2026, at age 84. The resolution records the Alabama House of Representatives' "profound sorrow" over his death and celebrates his life as a devoted family man, community member, youth baseball coach, church leader, and musician. It specifically acknowledges his service to his family, Cross Point Baptist Church, and the Citronelle community, while expressing condolences to his surviving family members. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or affected constituents beyond this formal tribute.

Maddy summaryHB 418 amends Alabama's Self-Service Storage Facilities Act to modernize rental agreements and notice procedures. It allows storage facilities to use electronic delivery and execution of rental agreements, making agreements binding if occupants use the space for 30 days without signing. The bill removes the requirement for newspaper publication of sale notices for overdue property, permitting any "commercially reasonable" notice method instead. These changes directly affect self-storage operators and renters by streamlining agreements and disposal processes while setting clear timeframes for occupants to remove belongings after lease termination.

Maddy summaryHJR 332 is a resolution by the Alabama Legislature to recognize and honor the Mobile County Sheriff's Department TAPS and Honor Guard. It acknowledges their dedication, service, and commitment to honoring fallen officers, veterans, and community members in Mobile County.

Maddy summaryHJR 331 is a legislative resolution that celebrates the Lott Middle School's Seventh Grade Social Studies Champions. It commends a team of students - Chasen Lofton, Danny Reed, Bruno Simmons, Dreyton Sullivan, and Matthew Turner - and their educators for winning a school competition with a video chronicling the history of the MOWA Choctaws of Alabama.

Maddy summaryHB 473 amends existing law concerning boards of water and sewer commissioners. This bill prohibits these boards from restricting public recreational uses of water bodies they own or control, unless they can demonstrate a substantial public interest for doing so at a public hearing. The public must receive at least 10 days' notice before such a hearing. Emergency restrictions are permitted for 90 days, after which a public hearing is required, and all restrictions can be appealed to a circuit court. This measure specifically applies to navigable waterways within 50 miles of the Gulf of America that serve as sources of drinking water.

Maddy summaryHB 410 amends the state's Bail Reform Act and Bail Bond Regulatory Act, primarily affecting professional bail bond companies, sureties, and individuals involved in the bail process. The bill increases penalties for bail jumping and provides further regulations for conditional forfeitures and the qualifications of out-of-state bondsmen and property owners acting as sureties. It also modifies definitions for bail bond employees and apprentices, and establishes new licensing requirements, including a one-year residency for applicants and a late fee for renewals. Additionally, the bill forgives certain undeposited fees and increases the membership of the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board.

Maddy summaryHB 411 establishes a new affirmative defense in civil lawsuits for damages related to personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage. This defense applies if the person who sustained the injury or damage was willfully obstructing the free flow of traffic on a public road, highway, or bridge. Obstruction includes actions like impeding traffic, standing in the road, or endangering vehicle movement. The bill allows a court to pause the civil action if there is a pending criminal case related to the same obstruction. This measure does not apply to individuals lawfully working in the roadway, such as emergency responders or contractors.