HB499 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Ball

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Candidates for public office, required to file statement of economic interests with the Ethics Commission, Sec. 36-25-15 am'd.

Summary

HB499 would require candidates for public office to file their statements of economic interests directly with the Ethics Commission on the same day they file qualifying papers, instead of filing with a local election official who forwards it.

What This Bill Does

The bill changes when and where candidates file their economic interests, moving the filing to directly with the Ethics Commission on the qualifying date (or independent candidate qualification date). Election officials must forward the statements to the Commission within five days, unless an independent candidate uses the separate timing. If a candidate fails to file, their name cannot appear on the ballot (with a possible five-day extension for good cause); the Commission will be notified of new candidate filings, and if a current statement is already on file, a new filing is not required. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Candidates for public office, who must file their statements of economic interests with the Ethics Commission on the qualifying/independent-qualifying date rather than with local election officials.
• Election officials and the State Ethics Commission, who must forward, receive, and verify the statements within specified timeframes and ensure candidates are properly qualified.

Key Provisions

• Requires candidates to file a completed statement of economic interests for the previous year directly with the State Ethics Commission on the date they become a candidate or on the date they file qualifying papers, whichever comes first.
• Election officials must forward the candidate's statement to the Ethics Commission within five days of receipt or nomination (or as required for independent candidates).
• If a candidate does not submit the required statement, the candidate's name shall not appear on the ballot, with a possible five-day extension for good cause; if not filed, the candidate is deemed not qualified.
• If a current statement is already on file, no second filing is required; the act provides an effective date after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elections