HB151 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Alan Harper

Republican

Co-Sponsors

John MerrillDonnie ChesteenWes LongEd HenryChad FincherJoe HubbardMike BallMac McCutcheonMike HillJohn RobinsonJames E. BuskeyGreg Burdine

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Fair Campaign Practices Act, campaign finance disclosure reports, monthly reports of contributions and expenditures, Secretary of State to maintain searchable electronic database of election documents, political action committees to include Section 527 organization, disqualification of candidate for noncompliance, Secs. 17-5-2, 17-5-8, 17-5-18 am'd.

Summary

HB151 would move Alabama campaign finance disclosures to an online, publicly searchable system, treat Section 527 groups as PACs, require monthly reporting, and immediately disqualify noncompliant candidates, starting with the 2014 elections.

What This Bill Does

Starting with the 2014 elections, the Secretary of State would maintain an electronic, publicly accessible database of all required campaign finance filings. The bill defines Section 527 organizations as political action committees for purposes of the Fair Campaign Practices Act. Principal campaign committees and political action committees would be required to file monthly reports of contributions and expenditures. Any candidate who fails to comply with these reporting requirements could be immediately disqualified.

Who It Affects

• Candidates for state and local offices — could be immediately disqualified for not filing required reports.
• Principal campaign committees — must file monthly reports of contributions and expenditures (and annual reports), with specific timing tied to elections.
• Political Action Committees, including Section 527 organizations — defined as PACs and subject to monthly reporting and disclosures.
• Secretary of State and the general public — Secretary must implement and maintain an electronic filing system and a public searchable database accessible by name.

Key Provisions

• Defines Section 527 organizations as political action committees for purposes of the Fair Campaign Practices Act.
• Requires monthly reports of contributions and expenditures by principal campaign committees and PACs.
• Imposes immediate disqualification for candidates who do not comply with the reporting requirements.
• Beginning in the 2014 election cycle, requires electronic filing of statements and reports and creates a public, searchable electronic database of all filings.
• Amends Code Sections 17-5-2, 17-5-8, and 17-5-18 to implement these changes.

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

Subjects

Elections