HB191 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Yvonne Kennedy

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

James E. BuskeyRandy DavisVictor GastonChad Fincher

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Elections, presidential preference primary, counties where Mardi Gras recognized as county holiday and having special provisions, expenses reimbursable by state, retroactive effect, Sec. 17-16-2 am'd.

Summary

HB191 would expand and retroactively authorize state reimbursement for certain election expenses in counties that recognize Mardi Gras as a county holiday when the presidential preference primary falls on Mardi Gras.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds certain advertising, telephone, computer, and other communications expenses to the list of election costs the state can reimburse counties for, specifically when the PPP date falls on Mardi Gras. It retroactively applies these changes to the February 2008 PPP election. It clarifies that these expenses are eligible for reimbursement in counties that recognize Mardi Gras as a county holiday and are implementing additional election provisions related to absentee and early voting.

Who It Affects

• Counties that recognize Mardi Gras as a county holiday (such as Mobile and Baldwin) and their election offices, by making more of their election-related expenses eligible for state reimbursement.
• State government (through the Comptroller’s office) responsible for reimbursing counties, which would be required to reimburse these added expenses retroactively.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-16-2 to include advertising and media expenses, as well as telephone, computer, and other communications expenses, as reimbursable election costs for counties that recognize Mardi Gras as a county holiday when the PPP date is Mardi Gras.
• Specifies that these expenses are to be reimbursed by the State retroactively to the February 2008 presidential preference primary election.
• Adds these expenses to the existing list of reimbursable election costs (e.g., per diem, mileage, ballots, supplies, and lists of qualified electors).
• Notes that in counties using electronic voting machines, the machines themselves are not considered ballots, supplies, or materials for reimbursement purposes.
• Establishes legislative findings that support the expanded reimbursement and retroactive application.

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