HB9 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve McMillan

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

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

The Alabama Informed Voter Act creates a Fair Ballot Commission to provide neutral, plain-language explanations of statewide ballot measures and post them on the Legislature’s website.

What This Bill Does

Establishes the Fair Ballot Commission with designated state leaders and university partners as members, sets terms and a diversity requirement, and restricts most public officials from serving. Requires posting a Ballot Statement 60 days before statewide votes, including the measure text, sponsors, related laws, ballot placement, and a plain-language analysis of the measure’s effects and costs. If the commission cannot agree on a full Ballot Statement within 60 days, the site must show the disagreement and chair’s explanation, and the portions that can be agreed upon will be posted with appropriate links. Printed copies and public distribution of Ballot Statements are required at least 55 days before the vote, with possible printing fees; lawmakers may also post short statements supporting or opposing the measure, and the site may link to other related websites.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Alabama, who will receive neutral, plain-language Ballot Statements explaining statewide ballot measures before voting.
• State and local government offices and lawmakers, who will appoint commission members, prepare and post Ballot Statements, provide printed copies, and host external links and individual statements.

Key Provisions

• Creates The Alabama Informed Voter Act and the Fair Ballot Commission, with specified appointment rules and diversity requirements; initial and subsequent four-year terms; no more than two full consecutive terms; travel reimbursement for members; staff support from legislative offices.
• Requires Ballot Statements to be posted 60 days before a statewide vote, including text of the measure, sponsors, related implementing legislation, ballot placement, and a plain-language summary of the measure’s legal authority, effects, cost/funding, and the effect if defeated; statements must be true, impartial, and non-advantageous.
• Approval of Ballot Statements occurs by majority vote of the Commission; if no consensus within 60 days, the site will display the disagreement and chair’s explanation, with the agreed-upon portions posted and linked to other websites.
• Printed copies and distribution of Ballot Statements are handled like sample ballots; available at least 55 days before the vote at the Secretary of State’s office or probate offices, with possible printing fees to cover costs.
• The Commission’s site may include links to other relevant websites; lawmakers may post individual 300-word statements supporting or opposing measures within set deadlines and word limits.
• Act is severable and becomes effective immediately upon approval.

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