SB305 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Ethics, define the term de minimis, Sec. 36-25-1 am'd; Act 2010-764, 2010 First Sp. Sess., am'd

Summary

The bill would define 'de minimis' as a gift of less than $25 in Alabama's ethics law.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 36-25-1 to define 'de minimis' as a gift of less than $25. This definition is used in the ethics code, including the 'THING OF VALUE' provisions that refer to 'de minimis value' gifts. It clarifies what counts as a very small gift in evaluating ethical rules and may affect how gifts are reported or restricted for public officials and public employees. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Public officials and public employees: gifts under $25 would be treated as de minimis, potentially affecting how these gifts are handled under ethics rules.
• Lobbyists and principals: the de minimis definition affects how gifts are evaluated within ethics and lobbying provisions, particularly in relation to 'THING OF VALUE' and related limits.

Key Provisions

• Defines DE MINIMIS as a gift of less than twenty-five dollars ($25).
• Amends Section 36-25-1 to include the de minimis definition and reference to 'de minimis value' in the ethics framework (notably within the THING OF VALUE provisions).
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

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