Rep. Jeff Sorrells

Maddy summaryHB 343 removes a requirement that Alabama's rural electrification authorities and electric membership corporations must obtain written approval from the Department of Finance before issuing bonds. Currently, these entities must file a petition with the Department, hold a public hearing, and get written consent before selling bonds. The bill eliminates this approval process, allowing them to issue bonds without prior Department review. This change directly affects rural electric utilities that rely on bond financing for infrastructure projects.

Maddy summaryHB 230 permanently removes the expiration date for annual fees paid by nursing facilities in Alabama. Currently, nursing homes pay three separate assessments (a primary privilege assessment, a supplemental assessment, and a surcharge) per bed, which were set to expire on August 31, 2028. The bill makes these fees permanent, requiring nursing homes to continue paying them without a sunset date. Additionally, it updates Medicaid reimbursement rules to ensure these fees are included in per diem rates for nursing home care, aligning with specific administrative code changes effective May 1, 2026. This directly affects all nursing facilities operating in Alabama that participate in the Medicaid program.

Maddy summaryHB 509 addresses the management of deer (cervids) by licensed game breeders. It establishes specific conditions under which a state department may require the killing of a cervid due to disease, generally requiring detection in another animal from the same licensee or an epidemiological link. The bill mandates the department, in consultation with the State Veterinarian, to adopt rules by March 2026 allowing for the transfer of cervids from designated disease management zones. These rules must include options such as postmortem testing, specific pen standards, or various certified disease tests. Additionally, the bill prohibits the department from overriding these transfer provisions with emergency rules.

Maddy summaryHR 370 is a resolution that formally recognizes and commends the Geneva County School System. It honors the system for being ranked Alabama's top-performing county school system in 2025, acknowledging its academic achievements and the efforts of its teachers, staff, and administrators.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HJR 53) formally commends 9-year-old pianist Alice Pack for her musical achievements. It specifically recognizes her three consecutive Sonatina Festival wins, her 2023 Alabama Music Teacher's Association Outstanding State Winner title, and her invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall following a Gulf Coast Steinway Society competition. The resolution is directed at Alice Pack, a Hartford, Alabama resident, and serves as a ceremonial honor from the Alabama legislature. It does not create any new laws or policy changes, as it is a purely commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Houston County to impose a one percent lodging tax on hotels, motels, and other transient accommodations, with exemptions for long-term rentals and state-taxable sales. The tax proceeds will be collected by the state Department of Revenue and deposited into the county's general fund to finance economic development projects and recreational facilities. Because the measure requires voter approval, it will only take effect if a majority of Houston County residents vote "Yes" in a referendum held during the 2024 General Election.

Motor Vehicles & Traffic

Resolutions

Resolutions

Samson, draft beer, city council may authorize and regulate