Maddy summaryThis bill would allow political parties in the state to choose whether to require voters to declare their party affiliation when voting in primary elections. Under current rules, voters must register their party preference to participate in primary elections, but this legislation would give political parties the option to opt out of that requirement. If a party chooses to opt out, its executive committee must notify the Secretary of State in writing before the change takes effect. The bill also includes technical updates to the voter registration system and rules for implementing these changes. This policy affects voters who participate in primary elections and the administrative processes for political parties managing those elections.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state education employees from having labor organization dues deducted from their salaries while allowing other types of deductions like insurance premiums to continue. It also requires all state employee organizations to allow workers to cancel their membership at any time without providing a reason or facing restrictions. Under the new rules, organizations must immediately stop collecting money from employees who revoke their membership and remove them from their member lists. These changes apply to both education staff and other state employees, with specific provisions taking effect for contracts starting on or after October 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 13, titled the "Laken Riley Act," establishes procedures for Alabama state and local law enforcement to interact with federal immigration authorities. It allows officers to arrest individuals based on immigration status or federal immigration violations, requires jails to honor federal immigration detainer requests, and mandates quarterly reporting on foreign nationals held in county/municipal jails. The bill also creates standardized intake and booking processes for undocumented individuals and permits law enforcement to transport them to federal custody. These provisions directly affect law enforcement agencies, county jails, and individuals in Alabama without legal immigration status.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office to use credit or debit cards for approved purchases of property and services. It requires the sheriff to establish written policies that set spending limits, ensure secure card access, maintain purchase records, and review monthly bills for accuracy and timely payment. The sheriff must also select a card provider based on fees, rewards, and penalties, with any rewards earned deposited into the office's discretionary fund. The law explicitly states that this authorization does not allow the sheriff to spend more money than legally appropriated or create county debt.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts individuals with permanent military, veteran, or Gold Star family status from having to recertify their eligibility every five years to keep distinctive license plates. Currently, Alabama law requires these individuals to renew their qualification periodically, but this change would remove that requirement for those whose status is permanent. The legislation applies only to the recertification process and does not alter the design, fees, or availability of the plates themselves. It aims to reduce administrative burdens for eligible veterans and families while maintaining the existing system for obtaining these special plates.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates how money is managed in Lawrence County's Community Corrections and Court Services Fund by changing when surplus funds are transferred to the county's general budget and adjusting the timeline for remitting appearance bond deposits to the fund. It also clarifies when municipalities can join temporary release and related programs, requiring them to adopt a resolution that becomes effective at the start of the next fiscal quarter. The legislation repeals an older 1979 law to modernize these administrative procedures without changing the core purpose of the fund, which supports investigation, administration, and rehabilitation programs for defendants in Lawrence County.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals convicted of driving under the influence to pay child support if their offense causes the death of a child's parent or guardian. The support obligation applies until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever comes later, and begins accruing from the date of the parent's death. Courts can calculate payments using existing child support guidelines or determine a reasonable amount based on the child's needs, the surviving parent's resources, and the standard of living the child would have had. The law includes provisions for income withholding to enforce payments and allows a one-year grace period for incarcerated offenders to begin paying after release.
Maddy summaryHB 421 proposes a constitutional amendment for Lawrence County that would allow residents aged 65 or older to freeze their property tax assessed value on their primary residence. To qualify, individuals must own the home as their principal residence for at least five years and claim the exemption in writing with the county revenue commissioner between October 1 and December 31, starting October 1, 2027. The exemption freezes the property’s assessed value at the prior year’s level but does not affect homestead exemptions, millage rate changes, or taxes on future property additions. This amendment requires voter approval to become part of Alabama’s constitution.
Maddy summaryHB 12 prohibits employers, public accommodations, hospitals, health insurers, and licensing boards from discriminating against individuals who refuse certain vaccines, drugs, or facial coverings for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. It allows affected individuals to seek court injunctions and damages, while authorizing Alabama’s Attorney General to enforce the law or defend entities facing federal penalties related to compliance. The bill specifically exempts surgical masks during medical procedures and covers immunization status in healthcare and employment contexts. It directly affects workers, patients, and applicants who face refusal-based discrimination, with key provisions applying to hiring, services, medical care, and licensing decisions. The law creates a legal pathway for private lawsuits and state enforcement without requiring security deposits for filing claims.
Maddy summaryHB 500 revises the compensation structure for the Sheriff of Lawrence County, Alabama. Beginning October 1, 2025, the sheriff will receive an expense allowance to ensure their total annual compensation reaches $95,000. Effective January 19, 2026, the sheriff's base salary will be set at $95,000 per year, which replaces any prior salary or expense allowances. Thereafter, the sheriff will also be eligible for any cost-of-living increases granted to other county employees.