HB254 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Will AinsworthLt. Governor
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Elections, Secretary of State authorized to share voter lists with other states free of charge, state agencies and Dept. of Public Safety to provide information and data to Secretary of State to maintain voter registration database, Sec. 17-4-38 am'd.
Summary: HB254 would allow the Secretary of State to share statewide voter lists with other states at no charge, require state agencies to provide data to maintain the voter registration database, and establish data-sharing, confidentiality, and address-verification rules.
What This Bill Does
It amends the law to let Alabama share the statewide voter list with other states for free, with certain access and reciprocity rules and no resale. It adds a new requirement that state agencies (including the Department of Public Safety) provide information to the Secretary of State for the statewide voter registration database, with confidentiality protections. It creates a framework for sharing data with other states, counties, and courts, and requires address verification by counties when data indicates an out-of-county residence, funded from the voter registration fund; it also authorizes the Secretary of State to issue rules to implement these changes and to enter into data-sharing agreements.

Who It Affects
State agencies, including the Department of Public Safety, which must provide information and data to the Secretary of State for the statewide voter registration database, with confidentiality protections.
County boards of registrars, other states' chief elections officers, the Administrative Office of Courts, and the Secretary of State's office, which will handle electronic statewide lists, reciprocity agreements, address verification, and related costs.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 17-4-38 to allow the Secretary of State to share the statewide voter list with other states free of charge, set reasonable reproduction costs, provide access to lists (excluding Social Security numbers), prohibit resale, and allow the Secretary to enter into information-sharing agreements with other states.
Adds Section 17-4-38.1 requiring state agencies (including DPS) to provide data to the Secretary of State on a schedule to maintain the statewide voter registration database, while protecting confidential information; allows sharing with other states and with county boards of registrars for legitimate governmental purposes.
Requires county boards of registrars to mail verification notices to electors when the address shown is outside the elector’s county, and outlines related mailing costs and funding from the voter registration fund.
Funding and cost provisions authorize the costs of agreements and mailings to be paid from the voter registration fund, and authorize the Secretary of State to promulgate rules to implement the section.
Effective date states the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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: Secretary of State