SB36 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Del Marsh
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Ethics Law, lobbying, term legislative body defined to include members of both houses of Legislature, further restrictions of former members after term, Secs. 36-25-1, 36-25-23 am'd.
Summary: SB36 tightens ethics rules by expanding who is covered and imposing two-year lobbying bans on former legislators and other public officials in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
It expands the definition of 'legislative body' to include the Alabama Legislature (Senate and House) and their committees, as well as local government bodies. It creates a two-year cooling-off period during which former legislators cannot lobby either chamber or any government body they were elected to. It imposes similar two-year bans on elected public officials and public employees from lobbying or representing before any legislative body or any branch of government. It also restricts certain lobbying activities (such as contingent fees and soliciting gifts) and limits floor privileges for former legislators, with exceptions for non-lobbying work by judiciary members.

Who It Affects
Former members of the Alabama Legislature – cannot lobby either Senate or House or any related government body for two years after leaving office.
Public officials and public employees – after leaving office or employment, cannot lobby or represent before state or local government bodies (including executive and judicial branches) for two years, and face additional restrictions on floor privileges, contracts, and certain lobbying practices.

Key Provisions
Defines 'legislative body' to include the Legislature (Senate and House) and local government bodies and their committees.
Former legislators cannot lobby either chamber or any government body they were elected to for two years after leaving office.
Public officials and public employees face a two-year cooling-off period before they may lobby or represent before any legislative body or any branch of government, including executive and judicial branches.
No extended floor privileges for former members of the Legislature in a lobbying capacity.
Prohibits lobbying fees or compensation that are contingent on the passage or defeat of legislation; restricts certain gifts and lobbying-related activities.
Excludes former members of the Alabama Judiciary from these lobbying restrictions for non-lobbying activities.
Applies prospectively to officials elected or reelected on or after the effective date, with immediate effective 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: Ethics