Rep. Terri Collins

Maddy summaryHB 239 would increase salaries for Alabama public education employees by 2% starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It applies to K-12 teachers, support staff (including bus drivers), and employees at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB), as well as two-year postsecondary education staff. The bill requires all affected employees to receive this automatic increase regardless of experience level, with local salary schedules adjusted to reflect the change. The pay increase is mandated to be applied in addition to any existing step increases or local adjustments.

Maddy summaryHB 379 amends Alabama's Entertainment Industry Incentive Act of 2009 to create a new rebate program for small film productions spending $100,000-$499,999 in the state, offering a 45% rebate on payroll paid to Alabama residents. It extends the deadline for the Department of Commerce to contract an outside review of the incentive program until the first day of the 2028 legislative session. The bill also clarifies that payments to "loan-out companies" (entities handling payroll for freelancers) qualify for the rebate only if the production company properly withheld and remitted Alabama taxes on those payments. This directly affects small film productions and Alabama-based crew members seeking tax incentives under the existing program.

Maddy summaryHB 380 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a formal process for merging county school boards in public K-12 education. It requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules and conduct an impact study before any consolidation, and creates a procedure for boards to propose mergers while allowing protests from affected communities. The bill would make consolidation plans binding on the merging county boards and authorize the legislature to pass implementing laws. If enacted, this would directly affect county school districts considering consolidation, students, and local education stakeholders by changing how board mergers are managed and approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Accountability Council in Alabama to oversee and improve the state's educational accountability system. The council will consist of a diverse group of appointed members, including government officials, education leaders, business representatives, and experts, who will work together to review current student performance metrics. Its primary duties involve analyzing the existing state report card, conducting a return-on-investment study to measure student success beyond graduation, and offering recommendations to enhance college and career readiness. The council is authorized to dissolve after submitting its final report to the Legislature by November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Accountability Council to review Alabama's public K-12 education accountability system and recommend improvements focused on closing achievement gaps and ensuring long-term student success. The council will be led by an elected chair and include members appointed by the Governor, legislative leaders, education officials, and various stakeholder groups representing business, schools, and higher education. Additionally, the bill requires the Alabama Workforce Board, along with the State Department of Education and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, to develop a system for measuring student performance data related to college and career readiness indicators. This data collection system will track outcomes such as postsecondary enrollment, industry credentials, income within six years of graduation, and employment in high-wage sectors to assess the return on investment of the education system. The council will meet annually to review current report cards, analyze the new data, and provide recommendations to state officials for revisions to the accountability system.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the timeline for a study commission that was originally created to examine ways to improve after-school and summer educational programs for students. The commission, which was set to dissolve in 2026, will now continue its work until November 1, 2026, to develop recommendations for enhancing these educational opportunities. The legislation requires the commission to submit its final report to the state legislature by the new deadline and mandates that the commission notify the Secretary of State about its meetings and final documents. This procedural measure does not change any existing programs but allows the study group more time to complete its analysis before the commission is officially dissolved.

Maddy summaryHB 125 lowers the minimum age for Alabama's ReEngage Alabama Grant Program from 25 to 22 years old, expanding eligibility to younger adult learners. It also creates a new eligibility path for students who previously earned an associate degree, took a two-year break from college, and are now pursuing their first bachelor's degree without having received a grant before. The bill does not change the grant amounts ($3,000 per semester for universities, $1,500 for community colleges) or other core program rules. This directly affects Alabama residents aged 22-24 who are returning to college for their first bachelor's degree after an associate degree and a two-year gap. The bill is scheduled to take effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 124 renames Alabama's AMSTEP program to the LASEA Program (Loan Assistance in Support of Educators in Alabama) and expands eligibility to include educators certified in any subject designated as having an acute shortage by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE). The bill provides standard loan assistance to educators certified in shortage subjects and adds supplemental payments for those teaching in public K-12 schools or systems identified as having acute educator shortages. ACHE, in consultation with the State Department of Education, determines which subjects and school locations qualify as "acute shortage" areas. The program aims to attract and retain teachers in high-need fields and schools through targeted financial support.

Maddy summaryHB 122 amends Alabama's TEAMS program to allow school districts to offer mathematics and science teachers with over 20 years of service (who meet advanced contract criteria) a contract for "up to five years" instead of requiring a mandatory five-year contract. This change, effective October 1, 2026, modifies Section 16-13-334(e) of the Alabama Code. The bill directly affects experienced math and science teachers participating in the TEAMS program who hold the required specialized certifications. It does not alter certification requirements or professional development rules but adjusts contract term flexibility for eligible veteran teachers.

Maddy summaryHB 378 adds Alabama Certified Licensing Administrators to a list of tax professionals who receive an annual $1,200 payment from the Alabama Department of Revenue. This payment is provided to individuals who successfully complete the department's Professional Education and Training Program and hold the "Alabama Certified Licensing Administrator" designation. The bill amends existing law (Section 40-1-46) to include this new certification category under the current compensation structure. The change would take effect on October 1, 2026, for those meeting the certification requirements.