Rep. David Standridge

Maddy summaryHB 2 proposes renaming the Gulf of Mexico "Gulf of America" for all state and local government purposes in Alabama. It requires state and local entities and their employees to use the new name in all new maps, documents, websites, and communications starting October 1, 2025, and to update existing materials where practical without causing financial or operational hardship. Public schools and universities may still use "Gulf of Mexico" in historical academic contexts. The bill would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 331 increases Blount County's lodging tax from 4% to 5% of room charges for short-term stays (under 30 days) and authorizes an additional $3 per room per night tax. It affects hotels, motels, and similar lodging businesses in Blount County that rent to transients. The tax will be collected like the state lodging tax, with proceeds deposited into the county tourism fund to support tourism promotion, park maintenance, beautification projects, and covered bridge upkeep. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 313 is a proposed constitutional amendment for Blount County, Alabama, that would allow residents aged 65 or older to claim a property tax exemption on their primary residence. To qualify, homeowners must have owned and lived in a single-family home as their main residence for at least five years prior to claiming the exemption, which would freeze the property's assessed value as of October 1, 2026. The exemption requires written application to the county revenue commissioner between October 1 and December 31, 2027, and does not affect homestead exemptions or millage rate changes. This amendment must be approved by voters in a future election to become part of Alabama's constitution.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 83) commending Mitchie Clegg Neel for her 48-year career in the Blount County School System. It honors her service as an elementary teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and Executive Director of the Blount County Education Foundation, noting her role in raising over $15 million for student and teacher support. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely a formal expression of appreciation from the Alabama Legislature for her retirement. It directly affects no individuals or policies beyond recognizing her contributions.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposes allowing Blount County's Judge of Probate (if licensed to practice law in Alabama) to handle certain cases involving fairness and justice (like property disputes) concurrently with the circuit court. It applies only to cases originally filed in Blount County's Probate Court, treating them identically to circuit court cases under standard civil procedures. The amendment requires the probate judge to be a licensed attorney and would take effect only after voter approval. It does not change existing court structures but expands jurisdiction for qualified judges in one specific county.

Maddy summaryHB 441 sets specific minimum educational qualifications and supervision requirements for speech-language pathology assistants in Alabama, affecting those seeking to register for this role and the licensed professionals who supervise them. It requires assistants to complete at least 30 semester credit hours in speech and hearing sciences, including dedicated hours for language and speech disorders, and 100 clinical practicum hours for those in associate degree programs. Assistants must practice under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist, who must meet specific experience criteria and can supervise a maximum of three assistants. The bill also defines acceptable work settings for assistants without a bachelor's degree and outlines annual registration renewal.

Maddy summaryHB 247, titled the "Gulf of America Act," renames the Gulf of Mexico for all official purposes within the state. Beginning October 1, 2025, state and local government entities and employees would be required to use this new name where practicable. Compliance is not mandated if it imposes an operational or financial burden on the entity. Public K-12 schools and universities are permitted to continue using "Gulf of Mexico" for historical academic instruction.

Maddy summaryHB 534 increases Blount County's lodging tax by adding a 1% tax to the existing 4% base rate, creating a total 5% tax on short-term hotel/motel stays. It also authorizes a new flat $3 per room per night tax for stays under 30 days, while exempting longer stays and certain previously taxed services. The collected revenue must be deposited into the county tourism fund to support tourism promotion, park maintenance, beautification projects, and county covered bridge upkeep. This bill directly affects hotels, motels, and short-term rental businesses operating in Blount County.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 3% excise tax in Blount County on the retail sales of vaping devices, vapor products, and alternative nicotine products. The tax applies to any business selling these items within the county and requires sellers to collect and remit the tax to the county. Revenue generated from this tax must be used exclusively by the county sheriff's department to fund school resource officers, drug task force officers, patrol cars, and related equipment. Additionally, the bill sets a $250 civil penalty for businesses that fail to collect or properly report the tax. The legislation took effect on October 1, 2024.

Blount County