SB308 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bryan Taylor

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Jerry L. FieldingGerald O. DialPhillip W. WilliamsDel MarshScott BeasonGreg J. ReedTom WhatleyShadrack McGillCam WardGerald H. AllenClay ScofieldArthur OrrTrip PittmanMark Slade BlackwellBill HoltzclawDick BrewbakerJimmy HolleyJ.T. Waggoner

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Elections, crime of paying for or accepting payment for a vote reclassified from Class C misdemeanor to Class C felony. Sec. 17-17-34 am'd.

Summary

SB308 would reclassify the crime of paying for or accepting payment to influence a vote from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class C felony.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill makes it illegal to pay, offer to pay, or accept payment to vote, withhold a vote, or vote for or against a candidate, and violators would be charged as Class C felons. This raises the severity of penalties for vote-buying. The bill also notes that, although it involves a new or increased local-funding effect, it is exempt from local-funding approval requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Offenders: Individuals who pay, offer to pay, or accept payment to vote or influence how others vote would face Class C felony charges if convicted.
• Law enforcement and the courts: Prosecutors, police, and judges would handle and adjudicate these felony cases and enforce the new penalty structure.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: Amends Section 17-17-34 to make paying, offering to pay, or accepting payment to vote, withhold a vote, or vote for/against a candidate unlawful and to classify the offense as a Class C felony.
• Section 2: States that the bill is excluded from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Section 3: Establishes the act’s effective date as the first day of the third month after its passage and governor's 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

Secretary of State