SB164 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hinton Mitchem

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

T.D. “Ted” Little

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Ethics, lobbyist, definition expanded to include persons seeking to obtain contract with governmental entity on behalf of third party, Sec. 36-25-1 am'd.

Summary

SB164 would expand Alabama's ethics rules by adding third-party contract seekers to the definition of lobbyist.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 36-25-1 to expand the definition of lobbyist to include a person seeking to obtain a contract with a governmental entity on behalf of a third party. This would subject that person to lobbying rules, registration, reporting, and ethics standards. The bill also adds and clarifies related terms (like principal, public official, and public employee) and strengthens gift and disclosure rules, with various exemptions. It becomes effective immediately upon passage.

Who It Affects

• Individuals or firms seeking to obtain government contracts on behalf of a client, who would now be considered lobbyists and must register, report, and follow lobbying ethics rules.
• Public officials, public employees, and the entities that hire lobbyists (principals), who would face expanded disclosure requirements, conflict-of-interest considerations, and reporting related to gifts, travel, and hospitality.

Key Provisions

• Expands the definition of lobbyist to include a person seeking to obtain a contract with a governmental entity on behalf of a third party (amending Section 36-25-1).
• Under the lobbyist definition, adds categories such as: (1) compensation or reimbursement to lobby, (2) regular lobbying as part of employment, (3) expenditures over $100 for lobbying, (4) consultants, (5) staff who regularly communicate with legislators during session, (6) persons seeking third-party contracts to influence government, with certain exceptions for utility-contracts.
• Defines 'principal' as the person or business employing or retaining a lobbyist and allows a principal to act as their own lobbyist.
• Provides exemptions from the chapter for certain roles (e.g., legislators acting on official duties, professionals drafting bills, reporters, and citizens not lobbying for compensation).
• Expands definitions for key terms including 'public official', 'public employee', 'regulatory body', and 'governmental corporations and authorities', noting hospital employees are exempt from the provisions.
• Sets detailed gift and value reporting rules (things of value, thresholds like $100 and $250, reporting timelines, and what must be reported) and requires reporting to the State Ethics Commission.
• Effective date: immediate after passage.

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