SB348 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg J. Reed

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Mark Slade BlackwellRodger SmithermanCam Ward

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Public officials, rewards for exemplary public service from a third party not considered using his or her position for personal gain, Sec. 36-25-5 am'd.

Summary

SB348 creates an exception allowing a public employee to accept a third-party reward for exemplary public service without it counting as personal gain, under specified conditions.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 36-25-5 to permit accepting third-party rewards for exemplary public service without being treated as personal gain if the reward is unsolicited and the employee's service goes beyond normal duties. Before the reward is issued, the rewarder must notify the Ethics Commission in writing with the employee's name, the exemplary service, and the reward amount. If the reward is $250 or more, the Ethics Commission must approve it by majority vote within 60 days of notification; if less than $250, the director may pre-certify the reward. The change works alongside existing conflict of interest and use of official resources rules and applies to public officials and employees.

Who It Affects

• Public officials and public employees who might receive third-party rewards for exemplary service would be able to accept such rewards without it being treated as personal gain if conditions are met.
• Ethics Commission and related ethics staff would oversee rewards, requiring notice before award and, for larger rewards, a majority vote of approval within a set time frame.

Key Provisions

• Adds a new exception in Section 36-25-5 allowing third-party rewards for exemplary public service to not be treated as personal gain if conditions are met.
• Conditions: (1) exemplary public service beyond normal duties; (2) reward is unsolicited; (3) rewarder believes the service was exemplary; (4) Ethics Commission is notified in writing with the employee's name, the exemplary service, and the dollar amount prior to the reward.
• For rewards of $250 or more, the Ethics Commission must approve by majority vote within 60 days of notification.
• For rewards less than $250, the director may pre-certify the reward pursuant to subparagraph (34)b.15. of Section 36-25-1.
• Effective date: becomes law immediately after governor's approval.
• Name of act: Rewarding Exemplary Service by Public Employee Act.
• The act complements existing laws on conflicts of interest and use of public property.

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

Subjects

Ethics