HB604 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Danny GarrettRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Elections, prohibit gambling interest or person or agent on behalf of a gambling interest from contributing money or a thing of value to any candidate for public office in this state, Sec. 17-5-15.2 added

Summary

HB604 would ban gambling interests and their agents from contributing to state political campaigns or related PACs, with a narrow exception for a candidate who works for or acts as an agent for a gambling interest.

What This Bill Does

It adds a prohibition on direct or indirect contributions by gambling interests or their agents to candidates for state nomination or election, or to PACs that spend for state campaigns. It provides an exception letting a candidate who is employed by or an agent for a gambling interest contribute to their own campaign. It defines 'gambling interest' as a business that derives any portion of its gross annual receipts from gambling activities, including sale of gambling equipment or paraphernalia. It also addresses local-funding rules under Amendment 621 and indicates the bill is exempt from those requirements because it defines a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Gambling interests and their employees or agents would be barred from contributing to state-level candidates or PACs supporting state campaigns.
• Candidates for state office who are employed by or act as agents for gambling interests would be allowed to contribute to their own campaigns.
• Political action committees that raise or spend money to influence state elections would be affected by the new prohibition on contributions from gambling interests.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 17-5-15.2 to prohibit gambling interests or their agents from directly or indirectly contributing money or a thing of value to any candidate for nomination or election to a state office, or to a PAC that makes expenditures for state campaigns.
• Allows an individual who is a candidate and who is employed by or is an agent for a gambling interest to contribute to their own campaign.
• Defines 'gambling interest' as any business that derives any portion of gross annual receipts from gambling activities, including sale of equipment or paraphernalia used in gambling.
• Section 2 provides that the bill is exempt from further requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime.
• Section 3 takes effect immediately following passage and governor's 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