Sen. Bobby Singleton

Maddy summarySB 313 extends Alabama's state income tax credit for rehabilitating certified historic properties through 2032 (instead of ending in 2027) and increases the annual credit limits. It raises the credit amount for urban properties to $25,000 and lowers the threshold for rural properties to $20,000 (based on county population under 175,000). The bill directly affects property owners - individuals or tax-exempt entities - who undertake substantial rehabilitation of historic structures certified by Alabama's Historical Commission. Key provisions include updated definitions for "rural communities" and "substantial rehabilitation," ensuring the credit aligns with federal standards for historic preservation.

Maddy summarySB 285 amends Alabama's marijuana possession laws by redefining offenses based on the amount possessed. It creates a new "second-degree" offense for possessing less than one ounce (previously covered personal use only), reducing this to a fine-only violation (down from a Class A misdemeanor). For one ounce or more, it establishes a "first-degree" offense with tiered penalties: fines for first/second offenses within five years, and a felony for third or subsequent offenses. The bill also adds an expungement process for eligible cases, allowing records to be sealed if the person has no recent felony, misdemeanor, or violation convictions (excluding minor traffic offenses). This bill is pending committee review and would take effect October 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summarySB 278 requires private health insurance plans and Alabama Medicaid to cover the full cost of influenza vaccinations administered by licensed healthcare providers, including both the vaccine and associated administration fees. This applies to all settings like doctor's offices, pharmacies, community clinics, and school-based clinics, without restricting where the shot can be given. The bill explicitly preserves individuals' and parents' rights to accept or decline the vaccine and does not affect existing school immunization rules. It takes effect on August 1, 2026, and applies only to influenza shots, not other vaccines.

Maddy summarySB 284 would change how judges are elected in Alabama's Supreme Court and appellate courts. Currently, most justices and judges are elected statewide, but this bill would require associate justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the appellate courts to be elected by voters in specific geographic districts (based on State Board of Education districts), rather than statewide. It also removes the current method for selecting presiding judges of appellate courts, requiring them to be elected statewide instead of by court members or automatically by seniority. The bill modifies existing seat names (like "Place 1") to reflect the new district-based system and repeals current rules about presiding judge selection.

Maddy summarySB 283 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how associate justices of Alabama's Supreme Court and appellate court judges are elected. Currently, these judges are elected by voters within their court's territorial jurisdiction. The bill would require them to be elected by district starting with the 2028 General Election, as determined by the Alabama Legislature. This change would affect the election method for these judges and require voter approval through a statewide referendum.

Maddy summarySB 268 changes how Alabama's Public Service Commission (PSC) is governed. It shifts commissioners from elected positions to appointments by the Governor, House Speaker, and Senate President Pro Tempore (with Senate confirmation), starting after the 2026 election. The bill also expands conflict-of-interest rules to cover nonutility groups involved in PSC matters, requires quarterly public meetings with utility representatives to discuss industry trends, and prohibits utility customers from paying for lobbying expenses related to PSC proceedings. These changes directly affect PSC commissioners, utility companies, and ratepayers in Alabama.

Maddy summarySB 267 requires most Alabamians to obtain a permit to carry a pistol in a vehicle or on their person starting January 1, 2027, replacing the current no-permit requirement. Exceptions include carrying on personal property, at home, at a fixed business location, or with an unloaded pistol locked in a vehicle compartment. Violating this requirement would be a Class A misdemeanor. Existing concealed carry permits remain valid until the effective date, and the bill also revises employer property carry rules and makes minor code adjustments.

Maddy summarySJR 6 is a ceremonial resolution mourning the death of former Alabama State Representative Bryant Melton Jr. (1940-2025) and celebrating his life and service. It formally records the legislature's "profound sorrow" over his passing and honors his 24-year legislative career (1982-2006), during which he was the first Black legislator elected from Tuscaloosa County since Reconstruction. The resolution highlights his work redesigning local government structures for greater representation, sponsoring economic development bills, and his community leadership as an educator, veteran, and pastor. As a joint resolution, it has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute from the Alabama legislature to Melton's legacy.

Maddy summarySB 217 defines "mixed spirit beverages" as drinks containing no more than 7% alcohol by volume, creating a new category currently regulated like liquor (not distributed through beer/wine channels). The bill establishes a licensing system requiring these beverages to be distributed through licensed wholesalers to licensed retailers (except ABC stores), imposes an excise tax on distribution, and mandates exclusive sales territories with binding distribution agreements between suppliers and wholesalers. It also sets penalties for retailers selling to individuals under 21 and adds labeling/display requirements to prevent misleading marketing. This directly affects businesses producing, distributing, and selling these low-alcohol beverages in Alabama.

Maddy summarySB 316 establishes a new "educational tourism distillery" license for liquor distillers in Alabama. This license allows distilleries that produce over 100,000 gallons annually and offer public tours to sell their own manufactured liquor and other alcoholic beverages for both on-site and limited off-site consumption. Licensees would pay tax on their manufactured liquor at the same rate as liquor sold in state ABC stores. Additionally, the bill defines "mixed spirit beverages" (ready-to-drink, up to 7% alcohol by volume) and creates a new licensing and distribution system for them, requiring them to be distributed through licensed wholesalers and retailers and imposing an excise tax.