Jose Martin Islas v. State - Appeal Dismissed for Lack of Jurisdiction

The Georgia Court of Appeals dismissed Jose Martin Islas' appeal for lack of jurisdiction. The appeal was untimely, filed 67 days after the trial court's October 16, 2025 order denying his motion to correct void sentence, exceeding the statutory 30-day filing deadline under OCGA § 5-6-38(a). The Court also held that a motion for reconsideration does not extend the time to appeal.

Westchester Place HOA v. Homeowners - Emergency Motion Denied

The Georgia Court of Appeals denied an emergency motion filed by Westchester Place Homeowners Association, Inc. seeking supersedeas and stay of injunctive relief along with appointment of a receiver. The court order leaves the lower court's injunctive relief in place while the underlying dispute between the HOA and its members continues through normal appellate channels.

Bennett v. Paul - Emergency Motion Denied

The Georgia Court of Appeals denied Maryam Bennett's Emergency Motion for Immediate Stay of Enforcement in case A26E0178. The court issued a procedural order on April 9, 2026, declining to grant the requested stay. No substantive ruling on the merits of the underlying case was issued.

William Melton II v. Jacqueline Boone - Discretionary Application Denied

The Georgia Court of Appeals denied a discretionary application in the matter of William Melton II v. Jacqueline Boone (Docket A26D0404) on April 9, 2026. The court issued a one-paragraph order declining to review the appeal, with no discussion of the merits. This procedural denial concludes the appellate review process for this case.

HB247 Signed, Death Benefit for Volunteer Firefighters

HB247 Signed, Death Benefit for Volunteer Firefighters

Alabama HB533 Expands Authorized Epinephrine Use in Schools

Alabama HB533 has been enrolled by the state legislature, expanding the authorized forms of single-dose epinephrine that may be used by public schools and authorized entities. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers (105-0 in the House, 30-0 in the Senate) after referral to the House Health and Senate Healthcare committees. The legislation awaits gubernatorial action before becoming effective.

Weatherization Assistance Program - ADECA Nonprofit Contracting Authority

Alabama HB609 expands the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund and authorizes ADECA to contract with nonprofit corporations to administer the state weatherization assistance program. The bill raises household income thresholds for program eligibility, enabling more low-income residents to qualify for energy efficiency improvements. The legislation passed both chambers unanimously before enrollment.

Etowah County Personnel Board Membership Requirements

Alabama HB633 passed both chambers, amending Etowah County personnel board membership requirements. The bill modifies composition criteria for the county personnel board, affecting how members are selected and who qualifies for appointment. Both the House (94-0) and Senate unanimously approved the legislation.

Alabama Mental Health Task Force Established by HJR198

Alabama House Joint Resolution HJR198 establishes the Alabama Mental Health Task Force to study and make recommendations regarding mental health services, resources, and policy improvements across the state. The task force will review the current mental health landscape, identify gaps in services, and report findings and recommendations to the Legislature. Sponsors include Rep. Pebblin Warren, and the resolution was adopted by both chambers during the 2026 Regular Session.

SB93 Municipal Mayors Required to Break Tie Votes in Even-Numbered Councils

Alabama Senate Bill SB93 requires mayors in municipalities with an even number of council members to cast tie-breaking votes. The bill passed the Senate 29-0 and the House 104-0 and has been enrolled for presentation to the governor.