SB352 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Voting rights of convicted felons, restoration of, provided term of imprisonment is completed or on parole or probation, Sec. 15-22-36.1 am'd.

Summary

SB352 would allow felons who have finished their sentence or are on parole/probation to be eligible to have their voting rights restored by obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, subject to conditions and Board review.

What This Bill Does

It broadens eligibility to include people on parole or probation who have completed imprisonment, alongside those who have finished their sentence, as long as they have paid all fines and restitution and have no pending felony charges. The person must meet all specified criteria and go through a Board of Pardons and Paroles process to receive a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote. The board reviews investigations and can grant or deny eligibility, and a list of disqualifying crimes specifies who cannot apply. The change does not affect existing pardons that restore voting rights under a separate provision.

Who It Affects

• Felons who have completed imprisonment or are on parole/probation and have paid all fines, costs, fees, and restitution, with no pending felony charges, who want to regain voting rights.
• Individuals on probation or parole who have completed their sentence or have been pardoned and meet all eligibility criteria.
• People convicted of certain crimes listed as disqualifying who would not be eligible to apply.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 15-22-36.1 to allow eligibility for restoration of voting rights for those who have completed imprisonment or are on parole/probation.
• Requires payment of all fines, court costs, fees, and victim restitution as a condition of eligibility.
• Requires no pending felony charges and either completion of sentence or status as on parole/probation, or a pardon, for eligibility.
• Uses a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote process, including investigation by a board officer, reporting to the executive director, and board review to determine eligibility.
• Sets timelines: initial investigation and reporting within specific days; board review and potential issuance of the certificate within defined timeframes.
• Lists disqualifying crimes (e.g., impeachment, murder, rape, certain sexual offenses, treason, etc.) that make a person ineligible to apply.
• states that the act does not affect the right to seek a pardon with restoration of voting rights under another provision.

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