HB26 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joseph C. Mitchell

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Elected officials authorized to solicit funds for private nonprofit organizations, Sec. 36-25-1 am'd.

Summary

HB26 would allow Alabama elected officials to solicit funds for nonprofit organizations and add an exception to conflict-of-interest rules for such fundraising.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 36-25-1 to create an explicit exception to the definition of conflict of interest for elected officials engaging in fundraising for governmental or tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. The exception applies when the official solicits funds from a non-registered lobbyist and does not receive personal gain for themselves or a family member from the fundraising activity. This change means fundraising by elected officials for nonprofits would not be treated as a conflict of interest under these conditions, while other ethics rules still apply.

Who It Affects

• Elected public officials in Alabama, who would be allowed to solicit funds for nonprofit organizations without it counting as a conflict of interest, provided the donor is not a lobbyist and there is no personal gain.
• Governmental or tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that receive fundraising efforts from elected officials, potentially benefiting from these authorized solicitations.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 36-25-1 to provide an exception to the definition of 'conflict of interest' for elected officials engaging in fund-raising activities for nonprofit organizations.
• Adds an exception (8) stating that an elected official soliciting funds from any person (not a registered lobbyist) on behalf of a governmental or tax-exempt nonprofit organization without personal gain is not a conflict of interest.
• Effective date: becomes effective immediately upon passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Ethics