SB389 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dick Brewbaker

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Phillip W. WilliamsJ.T. WaggonerArthur OrrDel Marsh

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Code of Ethics, definition of principal expanded, lobbyist required to identify principals that stand to benefit from lobbyist activities, Secs. 36-25-1, 36-25-18 am'd.

Summary

SB389 expands who counts as a principal under the ethics code and requires lobbyists to disclose the principal(s) who benefit from their activities, especially when the employer also lobbies.

What This Bill Does

It amends Sections 36-25-1 and 36-25-18 of the Alabama Code to broaden the definition of principal to include entities or individuals that employ or compensate a lobbyist and those who are the true beneficiaries of lobbying. When a lobbyist's employer is itself engaged in lobbying, the bill requires the lobbyist to identify the employer's principal(s) that stand to benefit from the lobbying. It clarifies that a principal is the actual or significant beneficiary of lobbying and that a principal is not a lobbyist and cannot give a thing of value. It enhances transparency by expanding the information lobbyists must report on registration forms.

Who It Affects

• Lobbyists: must disclose not only who they work for, but also the principal(s) who stand to benefit from their lobbying when the employer also lobbies.
• Entities or individuals who employ or compensate lobbyists (the principals): must be identified along with their principal(s) who benefit from lobbying activities.
• Public officials and public employees covered by the ethics code: subject to the expanded definitions and disclosure requirements.
• State Ethics Commission and registration system: responsible for enforcing the new disclosure requirements.

Key Provisions

• Expand the definition of Principal to include entities or individuals that directly or indirectly employ or compensate a lobbyist, and those who are the true beneficiaries of lobbying.
• When a lobbyist's employing entity is itself engaged in lobbying, require the lobbyist to identify the employing entity's principal or principals that stand to benefit from the lobbying activities.
• Define Principal as the actual or significant beneficiary of lobbying, clarify that a principal is not a lobbyist, and specify that principals are not allowed to give a thing of value.
• Amend Sections 36-25-1 and 36-25-18 to implement these changes and to adjust disclosure requirements for lobbyists.

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