HB44 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Polling places, proximity of persons to, distance increased, Secs. 11-46-28, 17-9-50 am'd.

Summary

HB44 would widen the no-contact zone around polling places from 30 feet to 150 feet in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It changes the law so that no person who is not a voter, not helping a voter, and not a voting official may be within 150 feet of a polling place. This includes a rule about staying 150 feet from the door of the polling place building. Voters and those helping them, election officials, watchers, and some law enforcement officers are still allowed within the 150-foot zone to vote, assist, supervise, or maintain order. The bill creates a larger buffer zone around polling places and specifies exemptions in related sections.

Who It Affects

• General public and others not listed as voters, helpers, or officials must stay at least 150 feet away from polling places, increasing the buffer from 30 feet.
• Voters, people assisting voters, election officials, watchers, and certain law enforcement officers remain allowed within the 150-foot zone to vote, assist, supervise, or maintain order.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 11-46-28 and 17-9-50 to set the prohibited distance at 150 feet from polling places.
• Distinguishes two distances: 150 feet from the polling place in general, and 150 feet from the door of the polling place building.
• Specifies exemptions: electors, persons assisting them, election officials, watchers, and certain law enforcement officers may be within the zone.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and approval by the Governor.

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