HB191 Alabama 2011 Session

Under Section 17-16-4, Code of Alabama 1975, the State reimburses counties for all sums expended by the counties in payment of expenses incurred in holding and conducting an election in which only candidates for federal or state office are nominated or elected. Section 17-16-2 of the Code defines these reimbursable expenses to include such items as the costs of ballots, supplies and materials furnished to election officials, the per diem and mileage provided to election officials, and the cost of preparing and furnishing lists of qualified electors.

The list of reimbursable expenses does not include the cost of advertising and media expenses, or telephone, computer, and communications operations expenses which are authorized by Section 17-13-100, as amended by Act 2007-461, to be expended by counties that recognize Mardi Gras as a county holiday to implement additional election provisions when the date of the presidential preference primary election is also Mardi Gras.

This bill would make legislative findings regarding these expenses.

In addition, the bill would include these expenses into the list of election expenses reimbursable by the State retroactive to the February 2008 presidential preference primary election.

Regarding election expenses; to make legislative findings; to amend Section 17-16-2, Code of Alabama 1975, to clarify that certain expenses incurred by counties that recognize Mardi Gras as a county holiday when the date of the presidential preference primary is also Mardi Gras are reimbursable by the State; and to provide for a retroactive effective date.