Rep. Craig Lipscomb

Maddy summaryHB 411 exempts the Auxiliary of Big Oak Ranch, Incorporated, from paying or collecting state sales and use taxes. It also allows Alabama counties and municipalities to grant the same local tax exemption to this specific nonprofit entity. The bill directly affects only this organization, not broader groups or general tax policy. Key provisions require state-level tax exemption for the entity and authorize local governments to follow similar rules under existing law. The exemption becomes effective September 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Alabama volunteer fire departments and rescue squads to deposit, invest, or manage their funds in federally insured banks or credit unions (like FDIC-insured banks). It requires these funds to remain separate from private money and mandates detailed three-year record-keeping for all expenditures. Departments must follow all local, state, and federal security and reporting rules for these deposits. The change applies to certified volunteer departments meeting state requirements under existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 349 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Whorton Bend Agricultural Protection Act in Etowah County, Alabama. It defines the boundaries of the Whorton Bend Community area (a peninsula along the Coosa River) and prohibits new commercial, industrial, or high-density residential development that would interfere with agriculture or environmental protections. The bill allows existing agricultural operations, farm-related businesses (like equipment storage or produce stands), and pre-existing commercial structures to continue operating, while banning new multifamily housing, apartment complexes, and projects that alter wetlands or riverbanks. This directly affects landowners and developers within the defined area by restricting future development to preserve the region's farming and environmental character.

Maddy summaryHR 365 is a resolution celebrating the Southside High School Panthers boys soccer team for winning the 2025 Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6A State Championship. It commends the team, Head Coach Randy Vice, and all involved for their athletic achievement and sportsmanship.

Maddy summaryHB 474 creates new procedures for property owners to remove unauthorized individuals, often referred to as squatters, from their dwellings. It allows owners or their agents to submit a sworn affidavit to local law enforcement, stating that an individual is unlawfully occupying the property and is not a tenant or immediate family member. Upon verification, law enforcement is directed to serve a notice to vacate and remove the unauthorized individual within a specific timeframe, typically within three business days of verification. The bill clarifies law enforcement's jurisdiction and allows them to charge a fee, not exceeding $50, for processing these affidavits.

Maddy summaryHB 521 addresses the distribution, retail sale, and taxation of mixed spirit beverages. It establishes a state tax for these products that replaces other state, county, or municipal taxes previously based on sales volume. The bill limits counties' ability to levy license or privilege taxes, stating these cannot be measured by sales volume and must not exceed one-half of the state license fee. Municipalities retain the authority to issue business licenses for mixed spirit beverage wholesalers, importers, or retailers, but these licenses also cannot be based on sales volume.

Maddy summaryHB 161 authorizes county and municipal governing bodies to establish permitting and inspection programs for non-residential buildings. It directs the Division of Construction Management to review and potentially update state building codes every six years, beginning in 2027, to align with international model building codes. The bill specifies that these provisions generally do not apply to residential buildings, certain agricultural structures, or licensed healthcare facilities, which may follow their own regulations. Additionally, it sets minimum standards for energy codes and clarifies requirements for professional seals on certain construction documents.

Maddy summaryHB 162 prohibits Alabama state and local governments, along with their law enforcement officers, from moving homeless individuals to another city or county within the state without specific permission. This includes requiring written consent from the receiving city/county (which must actually accept the person) or a court order, rather than simply relocating individuals without their agreement. Violating this law would be a Class A misdemeanor, with separate penalties for each person moved. The bill applies directly to homeless individuals in Alabama and takes effect on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules governing the Alabama Board for Registration of Architects by clarifying legal definitions and outlining the board's specific duties. It establishes clearer guidelines on what constitutes the practice of architecture and defines the level of control required for responsible oversight of architectural projects. The legislation also introduces new provisions for licensing, including a fee cap of $250 for registration and renewal, a reinstatement process for lapsed licenses, and a fee-free renewal option for retired architects over 65. Additionally, the bill grants the board authority to issue cease and desist orders to unlicensed individuals and allows for administrative fines against those who violate architectural regulations. Finally, it includes technical updates to modernize the language of the existing code.

Property & Estates