Rep. Andy Whitt

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies rules for tax increment districts in the state, allowing major 21st Century Manufacturing Zones to be located within these districts regardless of the district's size. It specifically expands the list of eligible industries to include ship building, medical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, computer, and aviation sectors. The legislation also permits the use of ad valorem tax revenues collected within these districts to support the designated manufacturing zones. These changes aim to provide more flexibility in economic development efforts by broadening which industries can benefit from tax increment financing.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new licensing framework for small craft distilleries, wineries, and brewpubs in Alabama by establishing the Alabama Small Craft Alcoholic Beverages Act. It authorizes the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to issue specific licenses for these businesses, allowing them to manufacture alcohol on-site and sell it for both on-premises consumption and off-premises sales under certain volume limits. The legislation also permits these facilities to offer tours of their manufacturing areas, sell alcohol at public events, and maintain off-site storage for their products. Additionally, it allows brewpubs to operate as part of larger complexes that include distilleries or wineries under a single license.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally recognizes and commends Dr. Charles L. Karr for his distinguished career in higher education and his leadership as president of The University of Alabama in Huntsville. The resolution celebrates his 30+ years of service, highlighting specific achievements such as advancing campus facilities, increasing research funding, and improving student recruitment during his tenure. It serves as an official legislative acknowledgment of his contributions rather than enacting any new policies or funding measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Study Commission on Carbon Dioxide Storage Facility Fees to examine how Alabama should set fees for underground carbon dioxide storage facilities. The commission will include representatives from the state legislature, executive branch, energy industry, and environmental groups, with an initial meeting scheduled for July 2026. Its primary task is to review how other states handle storage fees and determine what fee levels would balance economic competitiveness with environmental protection. The commission must submit a final report with findings and legislative recommendations to the Alabama Legislature by November 2026 before dissolving.

Maddy summaryHB 513 updates the Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute's (AIDT) requirement to align building projects with the statewide economic development strategic plan. It formally codifies AIDT's existing exemptions from state contract review (including legal services contracts) and state procurement rules for non-public works purchases. These changes apply to AIDT, a Department of Commerce division providing workforce training for businesses and workers. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not create new policies but formalizes current practices.

Maddy summaryHB 337 proposes a constitutional amendment for Madison County, Alabama, to bring specific privately owned sewer systems under regulation by the Public Service Commission (PSC). It applies only to private sewer operators that: (1) use public roads for their systems, (2) discharge to certain wastewater facilities, and (3) charge flat or usage-based fees. These systems would then be regulated by the PSC for rates and service standards, though counties or municipalities with existing agreements with the sewer providers can opt out of PSC oversight for those customers. The amendment requires voter approval and includes a five-year restriction if a local government later seeks to revert to PSC regulation after opting out.

Maddy summaryHB 395 clarifies how the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board calculates mark-up fees on wholesale liquor sales. It specifies that the "cost of merchandise" used to determine the fee (capped at 16.99%) includes only the amount the Board pays for liquor cases, excluding other costs. This directly affects liquor wholesalers who pay this fee on case lot purchases. The bill makes minor technical updates to the code language but does not change the existing fee cap or other provisions. The bill is pending in the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee and would take effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 359 amends Alabama's Sweet Home Alabama Tourism Investment Act to clarify that a $2.5 million annual tax rebate is supplemental to the initial award, not a replacement. It directly affects tourism companies seeking tax rebates for certified projects like resorts, attractions, or entertainment complexes. The bill requires these companies to document actual project costs through certification by an independent CPA, ensuring transparency about expenses. This change aims to verify that rebate amounts align with verified project investments, rather than estimated costs.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HR 82), not a policy bill. It formally records the Alabama House of Representatives' sorrow over the death of Jeremiah Matthew Scott, a 17-year-old Ardmore High School student and Elkmont Volunteer Fire Department cadet who passed away on November 9, 2025. The resolution celebrates his life, character, and community involvement, noting his family, faith, and aspirations to become a firefighter. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions - only a ceremonial expression of mourning and tribute to his legacy.

Maddy summaryHB 445 regulates consumable cannabinoid products derived from hemp by requiring the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) to oversee their licensure and sale. The bill prohibits selling these products to minors and bans online sales and direct-to-consumer transactions. It specifically excludes products containing psychoactive cannabinoids (like THC) from the regulated definition. This bill directly affects businesses selling hemp-derived consumable products, shifting their regulation from current frameworks to the ABC Board. The bill is currently pending committee review in the House of Origin as of March 2025.