HB54 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Alvin Holmes
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Ethics Commission, granted subpoena power, Secs. 36-25-3 am'd.; Act 2009-225, 2009 Reg. Sess. am'd. (2010-20001)
Summary: This bill would give the State Ethics Commission authority to issue subpoenas in its investigations, with rules on when and how they can be used.
What This Bill Does
It amends the ethics law to grant subpoena power to the Commission. Subpoenas may force witnesses to testify and require production of documents, but only with written authorization from the director and a 4/5 vote of the Commission, and only after complaints have moved beyond a preliminary inquiry. Noncompliance can be punished by a court through contempt procedures. The bill also outlines how the Commission's staff (director, investigators, and legal counsel) operate and be designated as enforcement personnel to support investigations.

Who It Affects
State Ethics Commission members and staff (including the director, investigators, and counsel) who gain subpoena authority and related enforcement roles.
Individuals and organizations that are the subject of Commission investigations, who may be compelled to testify and produce documents.

Key Provisions
Grants the State Ethics Commission subpoena power under Section 36-25-3.
Subpoenas require express written authorization from the director and a 4/5 affirmative vote of the Commission.
Subpoenas can compel attendance and the production of books, papers, documents, and other evidence, in cases that have moved beyond the preliminary inquiry.
Noncompliance with a subpoena can be addressed by attachment or contempt proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction.
The director may appoint up to six full-time investigators who are designated as state law enforcement officers with police powers for Commission-related matters, usable only under court order for arrests.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Ethics Commission