HB207 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Elections, political contributions, limited to certain amount per election that the candidate's name is on the ballot, Sec. 17-5-8 am'd

Summary

HB207 would cap campaign contributions to candidates at $500 per election and overhaul campaign finance reporting in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

Sets a $500 per election limit on contributions to any candidate whose name appears on the ballot, from individuals and various entities. Expands and tightens reporting requirements for principal campaign committees and PACs, including new filing schedules, potential daily/weekly reports, and a shift toward electronic filing by 2014 (with exceptions). Requires detailed disclosures of donors, loans, expenditures, and debts, and imposes annual reporting; includes church exemptions and an exemption for smaller contributors regarding electronic filing thresholds.

Who It Affects

• Individuals, corporations, business groups, unions, political parties, or other entities that contribute to candidates (they would be limited to $500 per election).
• Principal campaign committees, political action committees, and elected officials who must file enhanced reports and move toward electronic filing, with specific timing and disclosure requirements.

Key Provisions

• Contributions to candidates on the ballot are capped at $500 per election, regardless of contributor type.
• Enhanced reporting requirements for principal campaign committees and PACs, including more frequent filings and detailed disclosures of donors, loans, expenditures, and debts.
• Electronic filing becomes mandatory starting with the 2014 election cycle, with paper filing permitted only for certain early years or exceptions; electronic filings must be public on the Secretary of State's website.
• An exemption exists for electronic filing where committees/officials receive $10,000 or less per election cycle; churches are exempt from disclosure unless expenditures are used to influence elections and church members’ identities or donations are not disclosed.
• Annual reporting is required by January 31 of the year following the reporting year; various deadlines and forms are established for ongoing filing.

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

Subjects

Campaign Finances