SB186 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Gerald O. DialTom WhatleyMark Slade Blackwell

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

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

Summary

The bill would allow small seasonal gifts from students or their families to teachers and other school staff, up to $100 per gift and $250 total per year, as long as there is no expectation of anything in return.

What This Bill Does

It amends the ethics law to explicitly include certain seasonal gifts as 'things of value' when given to school staff, with a per-gift limit of $100 and an annual cap of $250 per recipient, provided no quid pro quo exists. It preserves existing exclusions and definitions related to gifts and ethics. It becomes law on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Public school teachers, principals, and other local school system employees who may receive these small seasonal gifts.
• Students and parents who give seasonal gifts to school staff, as long as each gift is under $100 and the total given to a staff member in a calendar year stays under $250, with no expectation of something in return.

Key Provisions

• Provision: Defines 'thing of value' to include seasonal gifts from a pupil or the pupil's immediate family to a school staff member if each gift is under $100 and the total value to that staff member in a calendar year is under $250, and if no quid pro quo is understood or implied.
• Provision: Amends Section 36-25-1 to incorporate this new threshold into the broader definitions of gifts and values related to ethics, while maintaining existing exclusions and definitions.
• Provision: Establishes the act's effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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