SB68 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Trip Pittman
Republican
Co-Sponsors: J.T. Waggoner Rusty Glover Harri Anne Smith Bryan Taylor Gerald O. Dial Arthur Orr Tom Whatley Paul Bussman Cam Ward
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Fair Ballot Commission created, membership and terms provided for, require Secretary of State provide explanation of measures and post on website, Alabama Informed Voter Act created
Summary: SB68 creates The Alabama Informed Voter Act and a Fair Ballot Commission to provide fair, plain-language explanations of statewide ballot measures and post them on the Legislature's website.
What This Bill Does
It creates The Alabama Informed Voter Act and a 15-member Fair Ballot Commission to prepare Ballot Statements that explain what a yes or no vote means for statewide measures. These statements must be posted 60 days before a statewide vote on the Legislature's website and must include the measure text, related legislation, ballot placement, and a plain-language summary that covers authority, effects, and tax impact. If the commission cannot reach agreement on a Ballot Statement, the site will show that, include an explanation from the chair, post the agreed portions, and allow links to other websites and individual pro/con statements. Ballot Statements approved by the commission, or the portions that can be agreed upon if not, must be printed and distributed at least 55 days before the vote, with offices allowed to charge printing fees.

Who It Affects
Voters in Alabama: will see impartial Ballot Statements explaining statewide measures and their fiscal effects, posted online and in printed form before elections.
State leaders and appointees: the Fair Ballot Commission is made up of 15 members including the Governor, Lt. Governor, and other top officials who appoint attorneys and private citizens to serve.
Commission members and staff: consist of appointed individuals with terms, diversity requirements, travel reimbursement, and clerical support arrangements; some roles are non-voting advisors.
County election offices and printers: responsible for printing and distributing Ballot Statements and may charge printing costs to cover expenses.
Legislators and measure sponsors: may submit short pro/con statements to be posted on the website.

Key Provisions
Creation of the Fair Ballot Commission (15 members) with specified appointing officials, terms, diversity requirements, travel reimbursements, and support staff; includes non-voting legislative advisors.
Requirements for Ballot Statements: content must include the measure text, sponsors, related legislation, ballot placement, a plain-language summary, tax impact, and funding details; statements must be posted 60 days before the vote and be true and impartial; if consensus fails, the site must display a disagreement and chair's explanation, with any agreeable portions posted and links to other sites.

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