Sen. April Weaver

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Alabama Rural Emergency Medical Services and Volunteer Fire Department Study Commission to examine challenges facing emergency response systems in rural areas of the state. The commission will consist of legislative members and representatives from ambulance services, volunteer fire departments, rural hospitals, local governments, and EMS training programs, with appointments designed to reflect geographic and demographic diversity. The commission will review issues such as service coverage, financial sustainability, workforce development, and coordination between emergency services and healthcare providers, then submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by November 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the types of single-dose epinephrine devices that public schools and authorized entities in Alabama can stock and use to treat life-threatening allergic reactions. Currently, only specific autoinjectable forms are approved, but this legislation would allow any FDA-approved single-dose premeasured epinephrine system to be carried and administered by students, school staff, and authorized personnel. The changes apply to students who self-administer medication under existing guidelines and to schools that maintain emergency response protocols for allergic reactions. Schools and staff members would remain protected from liability when using approved epinephrine devices in accordance with the bill's requirements.

Maddy summarySB 293 would create a new criminal offense for interfering with first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, while they are performing their duties. The law prohibits approaching or remaining within 25 feet of a first responder after being explicitly told to move away, if the person then impedes the responder’s work, threatens them with physical harm, or makes physical contact. Violating this law would result in a Class A misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine. The bill excludes actions related to obstructing an arrest and is currently pending in the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summarySB 309 lowers the quantity thresholds for felony charges related to fentanyl possession and trafficking in Alabama. It reduces the amount triggering "unlawful possession with intent to distribute" from 2-4 grams to 0.5-1 gram or 2-4 grams of fentanyl mixtures. The bill also expands "trafficking in illegal drugs" to include possession of certain fentanyl mixtures (previously limited to 1 gram of pure fentanyl). This change directly affects individuals possessing these lower amounts of fentanyl-containing substances, increasing the likelihood of felony charges for smaller quantities.

Maddy summarySB 189 extends the minimum validity period for all motor vehicle license plate designs in Alabama from five years to ten years. This change affects all vehicle owners who display standard or specialty license plates (including those for colleges, veterans, or causes), as they will no longer need to replace plates as frequently. The bill amends Alabama law to update Sections 32-6-62 and 32-6-64, ensuring plate designs remain valid for a decade without requiring reissuance. It does not alter plate fees, design rules, or the requirements for specialty plates like the Alabama Gold Star Family or college-themed plates.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a First Responder Benefits Task Force in Alabama to study and recommend solutions for protecting retirement benefits when first responders are injured or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The task force will consist of 14 members, including two state legislators from each party, representatives from various law enforcement and fire organizations, and officials from the Retirement Systems of Alabama. The group is required to hold meetings, elect leadership, and submit a final report with findings and legislative recommendations by November 1, 2026, after which it will be dissolved.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Shelby County to sell gas, minerals, and other materials recovered from its public landfill to public or private buyers. The county must use competitive sealed bidding to award contracts for these sales, with agreements limited to a maximum of 20 years. All money earned from these sales must be deposited into the county's General Fund and used for solid waste collection, landfill maintenance, and other legally permitted purposes. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally commends Peggy Sellers Benson on her retirement as Executive Officer of the Alabama Board of Nursing. The resolution recognizes her nearly three-decade career in nursing leadership, including her role in implementing new healthcare worker classifications and joining the national Nurse Licensure Compact. It highlights her professional achievements and contributions to nursing workforce development without creating any new laws or policies. The document serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of her service rather than establishing substantive legislative changes.

Maddy summarySB 274 removes makeup application and blow-dry styling services from the licensing requirements of Alabama's Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Specifically, it amends state code to define "makeup application" (including airbrushing) and "blow-dry styling" (cleansing, drying, or arranging hair without cutting or chemicals) as exempt practices. This means individuals offering these services no longer need a cosmetology license to operate, directly affecting independent makeup artists, beauty stylists, and small businesses providing these specific services. The bill updates existing definitions in the code to reflect these exemptions without changing other regulated cosmetology practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public K-12 schools in Alabama to equip designated employees with mobile emergency rapid response devices by October 1, 2030, and to train staff on their use. The devices must directly connect to emergency services and provide precise location data within school buildings and grounds. The State Superintendent of Education will create a list of approved vendors for these systems, and schools may use existing security and technology funds to purchase them. The law applies to teachers, administrators, custodial staff, coaches, and other personnel who have access to students during the school day.