Sen. Sam Givhan

Maddy summarySB 206 is a procedural bill that updates Alabama's legal code by incorporating all general and permanent laws passed during the 2025 legislative session into the Code of Alabama 1975. It adopts the 2025 cumulative supplements for volumes 3-22A (general laws) and volumes 22B-22N (local laws), while making six minor technical corrections to existing code sections (e.g., fixing age references, typographical errors, or agency names). This update ensures the legal code remains current and organized, with no effect on laws passed in future sessions like 2026. The bill also specifies that the Secretary of State must maintain custody of the updated reference volumes.

Maddy summarySB 15 creates a voluntary state-level process called the Uniform Assignment for Benefit of Creditors Act, allowing distressed businesses (organizations, not individuals) to liquidate assets and pay creditors without filing for federal bankruptcy. The bill establishes a clear procedure where a business (the "assignor") transfers all assets to a third party (the "assignee"), who then distributes proceeds to creditors with valid claims. Key provisions include standardized definitions for assets and claims, requirements for filing assignments, notifying creditors, handling disputed claims, and ensuring fair distribution while avoiding federal bankruptcy court proceedings. This process directly affects struggling businesses seeking a streamlined, state-managed solution for debt resolution.

Maddy summarySB 254 modifies Alabama's parole revocation process for individuals convicted of specific serious offenses (like violent crimes, sex offenses, or firearm violations). It replaces automatic parole revocation for these cases with board discretion to consider the full circumstances of a violation and choose appropriate sanctions, rather than mandating prison time. The bill also allows the parole board to reinstate parole immediately if new criminal charges leading to revocation are dismissed, resolved as a misdemeanor, or result in an acquittal. This change directly affects parolees convicted of the enumerated offenses who face new charges or violations, shifting decision-making from automatic penalties to case-by-case review.

Maddy summarySB 194 eliminates a redundant requirement in Alabama's ethics law for candidates who already filed a statement of economic interests. Currently, such candidates must provide proof to the Ethics Commission when qualifying for office; this bill removes that step. The change directly affects candidates running for state or local office who have an existing, current economic interests statement on file. It simplifies the filing process by allowing them to qualify without submitting additional proof, while maintaining the core requirement to file the statement itself. The bill amends Section 36-25-15 of Alabama's Code to reflect this change.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally commends the Auburn University School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture and its staff for creating detailed 3D-printed models of the new Alabama State House. The resolution specifically recognizes the work of faculty members and research assistants who collaborated to produce miniature replicas of the upcoming state building and its surrounding urban complex. By passing this joint resolution, the legislature acknowledges the team's technical skill and dedication in completing these high-quality models as tokens for legislators. The measure serves as a ceremonial tribute rather than establishing new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summarySB 69 expands Alabama's existing income tax exemption for active-duty military personnel to include civilian employees of the U.S. Department of Defense and Armed Forces. It exempts their compensation from state income tax when earned while serving in a combat zone, deployed outside the U.S., or activated for emergencies by Alabama's governor or the President. This change directly affects civilian defense workers who meet these specific service conditions. The exemption applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 38 amends Alabama law to allow the Governor to remove executive officers from occupational and professional licensing boards, extending existing removal authority currently held for most executive branch appointees. The bill specifically adds these licensing board positions to the list of roles the Governor may remove "with or without cause," consistent with the current process for other state appointments. This change directly affects executives leading boards that regulate professions like nursing, law, or contracting, though it excludes individuals covered by the state Merit System. The bill does not alter the removal process but explicitly includes these board leaders under the Governor's authority.

Maddy summarySB 187 revises Alabama's Business and Nonprofit Entities Code to clarify procedures and correct technical errors. It directly affects all Alabama business corporations, nonprofits, registered agents, and their officers, directors, and shareholders. Key provisions include requiring registered agents to perform duties in person (not virtually), streamlining processes for foreign entities withdrawing from Alabama, establishing clear rules for records requests with expedited court review if ignored, and creating safe harbor procedures for resolving conflicts of interest involving officers or directors. The bill formalizes existing common law practices without creating new substantive requirements.

Maddy summarySB 11, the "Alabama Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act," requires Alabama's presidential electors to pledge before the election to vote for their party's presidential and vice presidential nominees. If an elector fails to follow this pledge (e.g., by voting for a different candidate), the bill establishes a clear process to replace them: first using a designated alternate, then selecting from remaining electors of the same party, or finally by random draw. This applies directly to Alabama's 9 presidential electors and ensures the state's electoral votes align with voters' choices. The law also mandates that the Secretary of State verify ballots match electors' pledges before certifying votes.

Maddy summarySB 271 proposes amending Alabama's constitution to require that a vacant Lieutenant Governor position be filled by election if the vacancy occurs more than 60 days before a general election where state officers are chosen. Currently, the constitution only mandates election for both Governor and Lieutenant Governor vacancies occurring in that timeframe; this bill specifically adds the Lieutenant Governor position to that requirement. The change would ensure voters elect a Lieutenant Governor to serve the unexpired term during the next general election, rather than leaving the office vacant until the following term. This directly affects Alabama voters and election processes when a Lieutenant Governor vacancy happens in the specified window. The amendment would become part of the state constitution if approved by voters.