Tim Wadsworth

Proposal, not law: Wadsworth introduced HB 512 in 2026 to prevent criminal penalties for nonpayment of solid-waste fees and limit collection remedies to civil action or suspension of service. It did not receive a committee vote and did not become law.

Who may be affected: Residents behind on garbage bills, sanitation departments, and local governments could be affected. The proposal would not erase the debt: local governments could still seek payment through civil collection or stop service.

Supporters say: The Southern Poverty Law Center argues that unpaid trash bills should not lead to arrest and that the criminal system should not be used to collect civil debt. September 2026 reporting described its demand letter about ongoing cases in Winston County, part of Wadsworth's district.

Collection question: Sanitation systems still need revenue to operate. Civil collection and service suspension would remain options under the proposal; ending criminal penalties is different from making garbage service free.

Official HB 512 introduced text
Alabama Reflector: Wadsworth's proposal, its outcome, and collection disputes

Action: During House consideration of SB 231 in April 2024, Wadsworth secured an amendment requiring the Department of Revenue to report companies that lose economic-development incentives under the measure. He then voted against the bill. Sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, it nevertheless became law on May 13, 2024.

Who is affected: Employers receiving state or local incentives and workers seeking union representation can be affected. The law conditions incentives on employers not voluntarily recognizing a union solely through signed authorization cards when a secret-ballot election is available. It also restricts sharing workers' contact information without consent.

Supporters of the law say: House sponsor Scott Stadthagen argued that employees at businesses receiving incentives should vote privately on union representation.

Critics say: Alabama AFL-CIO president Bren Riley argued that lawmakers were targeting union workers instead of other needs, and said voluntary recognition was rare in Alabama. Wadsworth said his amendment sought information about companies losing incentives; the reporting does not establish that Riley's arguments were his reason for voting no.

Official SB 231 enrolled text
Enactment date and bill summary
Alabama Reflector: his amendment and vote, with competing arguments
Alabama Reflector: Orr's rationale and Riley's criticism

Action: In a 2025 committee debate on HB 304, Wadsworth raised concerns about a proposal expanding vehicle impoundment for certain driver's-license violations. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Jamie Kiel, not Wadsworth. It passed the House but did not become law.

Who may be affected: Drivers with suspended or revoked licenses, vehicle owners, employers, and police could be affected. Losing access to a vehicle and paying towing or storage charges can affect how a household reaches work, school, or appointments.

Supporters say: The Republican public-safety package sought stronger enforcement tools. HB 304 proposed impoundment and additional penalties for specified license violations, rather than allowing affected drivers to continue using the vehicle.

Critics say: Wadsworth warned that the combination of losing a vehicle and accumulating fees could lead people to lose work and housing. Other committee members questioned how expanded police powers would affect residents' rights.

Official HB 304 introduced text
Bill summary and last recorded action
Alabama Reflector: Wadsworth's remarks and the committee debate

Proposal, not law: Wadsworth introduced HB 375 in 2026 to require dementia training for Department of Human Resources employees and contractors who investigate complaints involving adults needing care and protection. It remained in committee and did not become law.

Who may be affected: Adults with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, family caregivers, and investigators could be affected. The training would cover recognizing dementia, common safety risks, and ways to work with affected adults, with continuing education every two years.

Proposed approach: The bill would make dementia knowledge part of investigator preparation, rather than requiring family caregivers or every healthcare worker to take the course.

Implementation: DHR would need to develop the program and arrange training time for covered staff. The proposal did not itself fund new care facilities or guarantee an outcome in an abuse or neglect investigation.

Official HB 375 introduced text
Bill status: committee referral