Rep. Patrick Sellers

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution that honors the Wenonah High School Boys Basketball Team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A State Championship. The resolution specifically recognizes the team's historic 101-40 victory over Sylacauga, which set a new record for the largest margin of victory in a title game, and acknowledges individual achievements including Brendon Davis being named Tournament Most Valuable Player. The measure formally expresses appreciation for the team, coaching staff, and community support that contributed to this achievement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution honoring Roscoe Robinson, a prominent gospel and soul music artist who passed away in Birmingham, Alabama, on February 26, 2026. The measure formally records the House's sadness at his death and celebrates his life, noting his contributions to gospel quartet music and his transition into secular soul and rhythm & blues. It highlights his career spanning over seven decades, his work with groups like The Blind Boys of Alabama, and his role as a mentor in the Birmingham gospel community. The resolution serves as a tribute to his artistic legacy and impact on American music rather than establishing new policy or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates February 14, 2026, as "Order of the Eastern Star Regional Conference Day" for Districts 13, 14, 18, and 19 in Alabama. It is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the Order of the Eastern Star organization's community service and fraternal work. The bill has no binding requirements or policy changes; it simply urges residents to acknowledge the organization's contributions. This is a symbolic gesture, not a substantive legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 65), not a substantive bill. It formally honors the life and death of Sergeant Frank Stewart Smith, Sr., a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class who served 22 years, worked at a Veterans Affairs Hospital, and was a lifelong community member. The resolution expresses the Alabama House of Representatives' "profound sadness" over his passing and records his death "with deep sadness" as a tribute to his military service, faith, family, and community dedication. It has no policy impact or effect on any laws or groups, as it is purely ceremonial.

Maddy summaryHB 72 prohibits smoking or vaping marijuana in any motor vehicle when a child under 19 is present, regardless of the driver's age. It classifies violations as a Class A misdemeanor, requires offenders to complete a virtual education course developed by the Alabama Department of Public Health, and mandates law enforcement to report violations to the Department of Human Resources. The bill also requires mandatory reporting when a child smells of marijuana, treating such reports as child abuse or neglect. Additionally, it directs the Alabama Department of Public Health to create free public education materials about the dangers of exposing children to marijuana smoke. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 19 creates a rebuttable presumption that joint legal custody and substantial parenting time with both parents is in the best interest of a child, except in cases involving domestic or family violence. If a court denies joint custody, it must provide specific written findings explaining why the presumption was overcome. The final custody order must address details like holiday schedules, communication between parents and the child, child support, and access to the child’s medical and school records. The bill also removes the requirement for parents to submit a written parenting agreement, allowing courts to establish these terms if parents cannot agree.

Maddy summaryHB 215 amends Alabama law to allow transit authorities in counties with 600,000 or more residents to form business organizations and subsidiaries for transit operations, land acquisitions, and related activities. The bill authorizes these authorities to arrange loans for such organizations but explicitly prohibits these entities from exercising eminent domain. This change provides transit authorities with greater flexibility to manage operations through business partnerships while maintaining existing restrictions on eminent domain for the authorities themselves. The bill updates the legal framework without altering core transit authority powers or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 8), not a policy bill. The Alabama House of Representatives passed it to mourn the death and celebrate the life of Donald Jones, a community member, family man, and longtime church leader. It honors his 37-year career at U.S. Steel, his work as a small business owner, and his dedication to his family and faith. The resolution has no policy impact or affected parties - it is purely a symbolic expression of respect.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) that formally commends Dr. Jacqueline W. Stewart and her organization, Huggs and Kisses, Inc. It recognizes her 40+ years of providing childcare services for sick and special needs children in Birmingham, Alabama, including her work through the Mission Hugs, Inc. scholarship program. The resolution has no policy changes, funding, or legal effect - it solely expresses legislative appreciation for her community service. It does not directly affect any laws, regulations, or specific individuals beyond the named recipient.

Maddy summaryHB 18, titled "The Good Dad Act," creates rebuttable legal presumptions in Alabama family court cases involving child custody, visitation, and support when a valid paternity acknowledgment exists. It presumes joint custody is in the child's best interest, requires equal shared parenting time if parents live within 40 miles, and prohibits moving a child out of state without the other parent's consent or court approval. These presumptions can be challenged with evidence but include exceptions for cases involving domestic violence. The bill directly affects unmarried parents who have formally acknowledged paternity through the Alabama Office of Vital Statistics. It amends Alabama Code §26-17-305 and takes effect October 1, 2026.