Maddy summaryHB 307 adds hiring preferences for military spouses in Alabama state employment by granting them five additional points on employment test scores. Specifically, spouses of active duty service members and spouses of veterans (honorably discharged) each receive five points, while surviving spouses of service members who died in action or spouses of veterans with service-connected disabilities receive ten points. The bill also allows Alabama counties, municipalities, and private employers to voluntarily adopt similar hiring preferences for military spouses and veterans. These changes apply to employment tests and promotions within the state’s classified service, aiming to support military-connected individuals in job applications.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the compensation structure for the Henry County Sheriff, directly affecting the county's law enforcement leadership. Starting June 1, 2026, the sheriff will receive an additional allowance to bring total compensation to $94,000 annually, which will later become the base salary starting January 18, 2027. The legislation also grants an automatic eight percent salary increase for each term after the first for successive terms, while repealing the previous compensation law. The sheriff will receive benefits similar to other county commission employees but will not be eligible for certain state-level compensation increases.
Maddy summaryHB 459 modifies how Henry County handles special transaction fees collected by the Judge of Probate. It sets a $5 maximum fee per transaction and requires the first $2 to be kept in a special fund for the Judge's office to cover record-keeping and equipment costs, while any amount over $2 goes directly to the county's general fund. The Judge of Probate may also transfer funds from the special fund to the general fund at their discretion. This bill directly affects Henry County's Judge of Probate office and its financial management of these specific fees.
Maddy summaryHB 460 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Henry County residents aged 65 or older to freeze their property tax assessment value on qualifying primary residences. To qualify, seniors must own a single-family home as their main residence for at least 10 years prior to claiming the freeze, and must submit a written request to the county revenue commissioner between October 1 and December 31, 2027. The freeze locks the property’s assessed value at its prior year level, but does not affect homestead exemptions, future property additions, or millage rate changes. This amendment requires voter approval to become part of Alabama’s constitution.
Maddy summaryHB 306 would create a temporary teaching certificate for military veterans seeking to teach in Alabama K-12 schools. It would allow veterans with 48 months of honorable military service to qualify for a temporary license if they have 60 college credits (2.5 GPA), pass a state teaching exam, and meet other requirements. The certificate would be valid for five years (non-renewable) and require mentorship for two years, but time teaching under it wouldn’t count toward regular certification. If passed, this bill would directly affect veterans transitioning to teaching careers in fields typically requiring a bachelor’s degree.
Maddy summaryHB 292 revises Alabama's law for disabled veteran license plates by lowering the required disability percentage from "more than 50 percent" to "at least 50 percent." This change directly affects disabled veterans in Alabama with exactly 50 percent physical disability, who previously could not qualify for the special plate but would now become eligible. The bill amends Section 32-6-130 of the Alabama Code to update the eligibility threshold, maintaining the existing $5 fee and application process without altering other provisions like plate design or transferability. It becomes effective January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryHB 203 allows Henry County Sheriff's Office and its task forces to sell, use, or destroy abandoned, stolen, or unclaimed property (like personal items or firearms) after it remains unclaimed for six months. The sheriff must publicly advertise auctions (via newspaper or courthouse notice), hold proceeds in a separate account for six months to allow owners to reclaim items, and then use unclaimed funds for law enforcement purposes. Property owners can claim items before sale by proving ownership, and firearms sold require federal licensing and must comply with federal transfer laws. Unclaimed firearms may also be used or destroyed by the sheriff's office if deemed unsafe or unlawful. This bill directly affects the sheriff's office operations, potential property owners, and how county law enforcement funds are managed.
Maddy summaryHB 204 allows Henry County to impose a tax of up to 4% on short-term lodging rentals (such as hotels, motels, and vacation rentals) for transient guests staying less than 30 days. It exempts long-term rentals (30+ days), permanent housing, and items already subject to state sales tax. Businesses must report monthly tax collections to Alabama’s Department of Revenue, with proceeds deposited into the county’s General Fund for economic development and tourism promotion. The tax applies only to temporary stays, not permanent residences or sales tax-covered services.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Henry County to provide a vehicle with necessary equipment (including a stretcher and radio) for the coroner and deputy coroner to use during official duties, cover related fuel, oil, and repair costs via a county gas card, and reimburse expenses for state-mandated training or continuing education. It applies specifically to Henry County's coroner's office operations and takes effect immediately. The bill does not create new requirements but allows the county commission to fund these existing operational needs.
Maddy summaryHB 205 abolishes the Southeast Alabama Human Development Council in Henry County, which was established under Alabama law to coordinate community services. The bill transfers all of the council's duties to the Alabama Department of Youth Services, as specified in Section 1(b) of the bill. This change repeals the original law creating the council (Section 45-34-83) and takes effect on June 1, 2026. The bill does not create new programs or funding but reorganizes administrative responsibilities within the county.