Sen. Shay Shelnutt

Maddy summarySB 281 defines and regulates "earned wage access services," which allow employees to access their earned but unpaid income before their scheduled payday. The bill clarifies that platforms providing these services are not considered lenders, money transmitters, or debt collectors, provided they meet specific consumer protection standards. These standards require providers to disclose all fees, offer a no-cost option for accessing funds, allow consumers to cancel services, and reimburse consumers for overdraft fees caused by the provider. It also prohibits providers from using civil suits to compel repayment of outstanding funds or fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing law regarding unclaimed motor vehicles. Currently, a person in possession of an unclaimed vehicle must report it to the Department of Revenue within five calendar days after it is considered unclaimed. This bill would allow towing companies to report a motor vehicle as unclaimed immediately after towing it. This change provides an expedited reporting option specifically for vehicles handled by towing services.

Maddy summarySB 302 amends existing law regarding motorcycle helmet use in Alabama. It authorizes individuals aged 18 years or older to operate or ride a motorcycle without wearing protective headgear. This exemption applies only if the individual is covered by a health insurance plan that provides medical benefits for injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash. The bill maintains requirements for wearing shoes and existing rules for juveniles.

Maddy summarySB 151 is a technical bill designed to correct outdated internal references within the Code of Alabama 1975. It specifically updates citations in existing laws related to insurable interest and life insurance policy loans, ensuring they accurately refer to the correct sections of the code.

Maddy summarySB 229 mandates that all Alabama local school boards must adopt policies allowing K-12 students to earn elective credit for attending off-campus religious instruction during school hours, directly affecting students, parents (who must provide written consent), and school districts. The bill requires specific conditions: private religious groups must handle transportation and liability, no public funds can cover instruction (only minimal administrative costs), and students cannot miss required core classes. It builds on existing law by making the policy mandatory for all school boards, rather than optional, while ensuring constitutional compliance as affirmed by the Zorach v. Clauson Supreme Court case. The bill is pending committee review and would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summarySB 204 requires Alabama dental insurers to allow policyholders to carry over unused dental benefits from one year to the next, instead of losing them at year-end. It sets a cap, limiting the rollover amount to twice the previous year's annual benefit maximum. This change applies to both standalone dental plans and health plans that include dental coverage, directly affecting all Alabama residents with such insurance policies, effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 203 requires Alabama dental insurance companies to spend at least 85% of collected premiums on actual dental care claims for policyholders. Insurers failing this threshold must refund the excess to customers, and must annually report financial details to the Insurance Commissioner for public disclosure. The bill also prohibits premium increases exceeding the cost of dental services inflation and mandates rate review hearings if insurers challenge commissioner decisions. This applies to standalone dental plans and dental coverage within broader health plans, directly affecting insurers and policyholders in Alabama. The bill is pending in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee after its first reading on February 27, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 182 prohibits the sale of any beverage containing psychoactive cannabinoids (including delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC derived from hemp) in Alabama, with exceptions only for products under medical cannabis laws. It directly affects beverage manufacturers, retailers, and distributors by banning these products in all non-medical contexts. The bill adds a new legal section requiring beverages to contain no psychoactive cannabinoids, imposing Class B misdemeanor penalties for violations. This applies to all such beverages, not just specific types, and takes effect October 1, 2025. The law clarifies that delta-9 THC is explicitly included in the definition of prohibited compounds.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation to operate the Alabama Farm Center, a facility designed to promote agricultural education, business, and workforce development. The corporation will be governed by a five-member board appointed by various state officials and agricultural groups, with specific rules to ensure diversity and prevent conflicts of interest. Key provisions allow the center to consume alcohol on its premises, exempt the corporation from most municipal ordinances and certain taxes, and enable local governments to sell property or transfer public funds to support the project. Additionally, the bill designates the center as an economic development organization, making it eligible for state incentives under the Growing Alabama Act.

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