Sen. Clyde Chambliss

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally commends John R. Cooper for his long and distinguished service as the Director of the Alabama Department of Transportation. The resolution highlights his record tenure, which includes significant achievements such as overseeing major infrastructure projects and implementing key transportation legislation. While the bill acknowledges his contributions to the state's transportation system, it does not create any new laws or change existing policies. Instead, it serves as an official expression of gratitude from the Alabama Legislature to Cooper for his leadership.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens enforcement of the CHOOSE Act's athletic eligibility protections by allowing parents and students to sue interscholastic athletic associations if they are denied participation based solely on using the CHOOSE Act. It creates a private right of action that lets affected parties seek court orders to stop discriminatory policies and recover damages, with courts required to prioritize allowing students to play sports over maintaining the current situation. The law also permits prevailing parties to receive reasonable attorney fees and applies to any past or future violations by athletic associations like the Alabama High School Athletic Association. These changes aim to ensure that families using educational savings accounts can access interscholastic athletics without discrimination.

Maddy summaryThis bill would transfer responsibility for Alabama's Dam Safety Program from local emergency management agencies to the state-level Alabama Emergency Management Agency. Under the new rules, dam and reservoir owners who choose to participate in the safety program must submit construction, modification, or removal plans to the state agency for approval instead of notifying local agencies. The state agency would be authorized to create its own rules and fee structures to manage the program and must report implementation plans and budget needs to the Governor and Legislature. The legislation applies to privately owned dams that owners voluntarily elect to include in the program, while excluding small barriers and those under federal or other state jurisdiction.

Maddy summarySB 279 expands Alabama's general contractor licensing exemptions to include specific maintenance services. It adds painting, janitorial, floor waxing, pressure washing, security system maintenance, lighting/filter replacement, and maintenance of existing plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems to the list of services that do not require a general contractor license. This change directly affects small businesses and contractors providing these routine maintenance services, allowing them to operate without obtaining a general contractor license. The bill amends Alabama Code Section 34-8-7 to include these new exemptions, effective October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Alabama's Underground Damage Prevention Program by requiring utility operators to prioritize incomplete locate requests and holding them financially responsible for project delays. It mandates that operators finish any pending locate requests within 20 days before handling new ones, and imposes liability for costs if a request remains incomplete for 30 days or more. The legislation also removes the option for operators to respond to locate requests by simply providing facility descriptions or allowing record inspections, instead requiring physical marking of underground facilities. Additionally, it prohibits contract locators from closing locate requests and requires operators to verify on-site that facilities have been marked before a request can be closed. These changes directly affect utility companies, construction project owners, and design or surveying professionals who use the One-Call Notification System.

Maddy summarySB 360 proposes expanding the Public Service Commission to include representatives from congressional districts and revises commissioner term lengths, with changes phased in by the 2029 election. The bill also establishes the Secretary of Energy as a cabinet-level position and updates how electric utility rates are calculated. Additionally, it protects unclassified employees currently appointed by commissioners from losing their jobs, requiring the Secretary of Energy to work with the State Personnel Board to transition them into classified service. These changes aim to restructure state energy and utility oversight while protecting existing staff employment conditions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Maplesville High School's football team for winning the 2025 AHSAA Class 1A state championship. It recognizes their undefeated season, fifth state title, and victory over Wadley High School in a rematch of last year's championship game. The resolution offers official congratulations to the team, coach, and school without creating any new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 43) is a ceremonial tribute from the Alabama legislature to honor Mary Frances Holland on her 100th birthday. It celebrates her life, including her upbringing in Montgomery, her career as an auditor for the Alabama State Auditor's Office, and her role as a single mother. The resolution has no policy impact or effect on laws, budgets, or people - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition. The legislature formally commends her for her "perseverance, dedication, and positive outlook."

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 44), not a bill with policy changes. It formally commends the Stanhope Elmore High School Boys Bowling Team for winning the 2026 AHSAA Class 6A/7A State Championship. The resolution honors the team, coaches, and community for their achievement, specifically highlighting their championship victory, a dramatic comeback in the final game, and individual player recognitions. It has no legal effect or impact on policy.

Maddy summarySJR 14 is a symbolic resolution commending Drew and Lauren Wendland of Autaugaville, Alabama, for being named "America's Top Young Farm Family" by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The resolution recognizes their achievements as winners of the Alabama Farmers Federation's 2025 Outstanding Young Farm Family competition and their subsequent national award, highlighting their work managing Autauga Farming Company (which grows row crops, raises cattle, and operates a fertilizer business), their community involvement, and their role as fifth-generation farmers. This resolution does not create any new policies or provide funding - it is solely a formal expression of legislative praise.