SB107 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

George M. “Marc” KeaheyBobby D. SingletonPriscilla DunnLinda Coleman-MadisonKim BenefieldLowell BarronT.D. “Ted” LittleHinton MitchemQuinton RossBobby DentonHank SandersZeb LittlePhil Poole

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Ethics Law, substantially revised, bribery of public servant, failure to disclose conflict of interest, and trading in public office, penalties increased, soliciting contributions for certain purposes prohibited, lobbyist and thing of value defined, Ethics Commission, members, compensation, online reporting, issuance of subpoenas, representation of clients by legislators limited, contracting with educational institutions limited, fees and reports of registered lobbyists, limitation on certain members of awarding authority, disclosure forms for certain travel, penalties, Secs. 13A-10-61, 13A-10-62, 13A-10-63, 17-5-7, 36-25-1, 36-25-3, 36-25-4, 36-25-10, 36-25-11, 36-25-18, 36-25-19, 36-25-27 am'd.

Summary

A Senate bill to overhaul Alabama’s Ethics Law by raising penalties, expanding lobbying rules, and reforming the ethics commission and its enforcement powers.

What This Bill Does

It raises penalties for bribery, failure to disclose conflicts, and trading in public office. It tightens who can solicit or accept campaign contributions, expands definitions and reporting for lobbyists, increases lobbyist fees, and adds online and travel-disclosure requirements. It creates a five-member State Ethics Commission with more oversight, attorney involvement, subpoena power procedures, and stronger enforcement, including hearings and potential referrals to prosecutors. It also imposes new limits on legislators contracting with certain institutions and on awarding authorities accepting gifts, while requiring competitive bidding for some contracts and detailed reporting of travel and expenses.

Who It Affects

• Public officials and public employees (and their households) who would face higher criminal penalties for bribery, conflict-of-interest failures, and trading in public office, plus new restrictions on gifts, travel disclosures, and contracting with educational institutions.
• Lobbyists, principals, political committees, candidates, and government contractors who would face higher registration fees, expanded reporting requirements, stricter limits on contributions and gifts, and new oversight and filing rules for contracts and travel.

Key Provisions

• Penalties for bribery, failure to disclose conflicts of interest, and trading in public office are increased, with Class C/A felonies and fines up to $100,000.
• Prohibits certain soliciting or acceptance of campaign contributions by candidates or public officials for specific purposes; tightens periods when contributions may be received.
• Defines lobbyist and thing of value; requires licensed attorneys to serve on the State Ethics Commission; establishes compensation, a 10-year limit for the director, and online reporting; creates subpoena procedures.
• Limits legislators from representing clients before executive departments or agencies; restricts contracting with educational institutions; requires competitive bidding for contracts with public universities and similar entities; contracts filed with the Ethics Commission.
• Increases lobbyist fees; expands and clarifies reporting for registered lobbyists and principals; requires travel-related disclosures for lobbying activities and public officials.
• Enhances enforcement powers and procedures, including a hearing panel of three judges, possible referrals to district attorneys or the Attorney General, and due-process protections; confidential handling of complaints.
• Reorganizes Ethics Commission structure and governance, including five members, appointment by top state officials, term rules, annual reporting to Legislature and Governor, and requirements to ensure minority and bar-licensee representation; prohibits certain partisan political activity by Commission members and staff.
• Adds travel disclosure requirements for public officials and employees when travel is funded by non-state resources, with forms and online accessibility for the public.

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