SB79 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 expands ethics rules to allow small seasonal gifts from students or their families to public school staff under set limits, as long as there is no implied exchange for favors.

What This Bill Does

It amends the ethics law to redefine 'thing of value' to include certain seasonal gifts to school staff from a pupil or the pupil's immediate family. Gifts must be less than $100 per gift and the total value must be less than $250 in a calendar year, and the gifts must be given in a way that clearly shows no quid pro quo. The allowed recipients are principals, teachers, or other persons employed by the local school system.

Who It Affects

• Public school teachers, principals, and other school system employees would be allowed to receive these gifts from students or their immediate families, as long as the value limits and no quid pro quo conditions are met.
• Students and their immediate family members may give these gifts to school staff, provided each gift is under $100 and the total gifts in a year do not exceed $250, with no implied expectation of favors.

Key Provisions

• Section 36-25-1 is amended to redefine 'thing of value' to include seasonal gifts from a pupil or the pupil's immediate family to a principal, teacher, or other local school system employee, provided the gift is of insignificant economic value (<$100) and the aggregate value is under $250 in a calendar year, and there is no quid pro quo.
• Gifts must be from a pupil or his/her immediate family to a school staff member (principal, teacher, or other employee) and must meet the stated value thresholds and quid pro quo condition.
• The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after its passage and 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