HB420 Alabama 2012 Session

Under existing law, 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.

Reimbursable expenses 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 specifically include the cost of advertising and media expenses, or telephone, computer, and communications operations expenses which are authorized by Section 17-13-100, Code of Alabama 1975, 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 day.

This bill would make legislative findings regarding these expenses.

In addition, the bill would specify that these expenses are included in 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, as last amended by Act 2011-147, to clarify that certain expenses incurred by counties that recognize Mardi Gras as a county holiday are reimbursable when the date of the presidential preference primary is also Mardi Gras day; and to provide for retroactive effect.