SB11 Alabama 2012 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2012

Title

Children First Trust Fund, appropriations from for fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, use of allocation pursuant to Section 41-15B-2.2 and this act, tobacco settlement revenues deposited in fund within 30 days of receipt, Finance Director to notify each agency of allocation, appropriations conditional on tobacco revenues, appropriation of additional tobacco settlement funds, audit, Children's Affairs Department to report to Legislature and Children's Policy Council

Summary

This bill would regulate phone banks and automated dialing for political campaigns by banning fraudulent misrepresentation and requiring clear disclosures that calls are paid political advertisements.

What This Bill Does

It makes it illegal for owners, employees, agents, or representatives of phone banks or automated dialing services to misrepresent themselves as speaking for any candidate or political group. It requires that any political call clearly state that it is a paid political advertisement and identify who paid for it, both at the start and end of the call. The Attorney General would have the power to investigate and enforce violations, and violators could be charged as a Class A misdemeanor.

Who It Affects

• Owners, employees, agents, and representatives of phone banks and automated dialing services, who must avoid misrepresentation and must include paid-ad disclosures or face penalties.
• Political candidates, principal campaign committees, political action committees, and political parties, who would be affected by the new disclosure requirements and protections against fraudulent calls.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits fraudulent misrepresentation by phone bank or automated dialing service representatives on behalf of political candidates or committees.
• Requires that any such communication include at the beginning and end a notice that it is a paid political advertisement and clearly identify the payer.
• Gives the Attorney General authority to investigate and enforce violations.
• Imposes a Class A misdemeanor penalty on violators (owners, employers, agents, or representatives) upon conviction.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following passage/approval.

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

Subjects

Children First Trust Fund