SB183 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

George M. “Marc” Keahey

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

Dick Brewbaker

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Ethics, further defining "thing of value", allowing gifts to teachers, Sec. 36-25-1 am'd

Summary

SB183 would redefine 'thing of value' to allow small gifts from students or their families to public school staff under set monetary limits and without implying a quid pro quo.

What This Bill Does

It allows gifts from a pupil or the pupil's immediate family to a principal, teacher, or other local school system employee if each gift is less than $100 and the total value of gifts to that staff member in a calendar year is under $250, as long as no quid pro quo is understood or implied. It adds this threshold into the definition of 'thing of value' in the ethics law (Section 36-25-1). The change creates an exception to the broader rule that gifts with specific monetary values are not permissible, by recognizing small gifts as acceptable under these limits. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it is passed and signed into law.

Who It Affects

• Students or pupils and their immediate family members, who may give small gifts to school staff under the specified value limits.
• Public school staff (principals, teachers, and other local school system employees) who may receive such small gifts without the gifts counting as 'things of value' under the new thresholds.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'thing of value' to include gifts from a pupil or their immediate family to school staff if the gift is under $100 and the aggregate value in a calendar year is under $250, with no quid pro quo.
• Requires the circumstances to clearly show that no quid pro quo was understood or implied.
• Amends Section 36-25-1 to incorporate this new definition into the Alabama ethics statute.
• Establishes effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after it is enacted.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Ethics