SB406 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Wendell MitchellTom Butler

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Ethics law, substantially altered, statement of economic interests, categories revised, Ethics Commission, appointment and confirmation of members, complaints further provided for, definition of lobbying, family members of public employees, personal gain, confidential information, filing of electronic reports, mandatory ethics training, Secs. 36-25-1, 36-25-3, 36-25-4, 36-25-5, 36-25-10, 36-25-14, 36-25-18, 36-25-19, 36-25-20 am'd.; Act 2009-225, 2009 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Summary

SB406 would overhaul Alabama's Ethics Law by expanding reporting, training, and enforcement, and by changing how the Ethics Commission operates.

What This Bill Does

It broadens and reorganizes statements of economic interests, adds electronic filing, and expands what must be disclosed (income, assets, debt, business ties). It creates a five-member State Ethics Commission with new appointment and confirmation rules, terms, and leadership structure, and it lets four members initiate complaints. It expands lobbying to cover the executive branch, requires lobbyists to register, pay a fee, and report their activities and expenditures. It requires mandatory ethics training for public officials, employees, and lobbyists, with quadrennial sessions and enforcement procedures.

Who It Affects

• Public officials and public employees (state and local) and their family members, who would face new disclosure requirements, conflict-of-interest rules, and penalties for noncompliance.
• Lobbyists and the organizations they work for, who must register, pay fees, report expenditures and clients, and complete mandatory ethics training.

Key Provisions

• Revisions to the Statement of Economic Interests categories and disclosure requirements, including electronic filing with the Ethics Commission.
• Electronic filing and filing deadlines; detailed reporting of income, assets, indebtedness, real estate, and business relationships.
• Expanded scope and definitions: family member, personal gain, sphere of influence, confidential information.
• Ethics Commission: five members; eligibility restrictions; appointment by Governor, Lt. Governor, and presiding officers; Senate confirmation; terms; Black appointee vacancy rule.
• Complaint authority and procedures: four commission members can file complaints; hearings by a panel of three judges; due process; referrals to district attorney or Attorney General; confidentiality protections.
• Lobbying broadened: includes executive branch; lobbyist definitions expanded; registration required by January 31 each year; $100 annual fee; quarterly reporting of activities and expenditures; client category reporting.
• Mandatory ethics training: quadrennial training for legislators, constitutional officers, cabinet members, executive staff, municipal and county officials, and lobbyists; attendance required; training content.
• Enforcement and penalties: fines for late or incomplete filings; administrative fines for violations; potential Class A misdemeanor for intentional violations; advisory opinions and publication; funds handling.

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