HJR72 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Ball

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2016

Title

Code of Ethics Study Commission, created

Summary

HJR72 creates the Code of Ethics Clarification and Reform Commission to study and propose reforms to Alabama's Code of Ethics, with a report due in 2017 and the commission dissolved afterward.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a diverse commission made up of legislators, the Governor's Legal Advisor, the Attorney General, the Ethics Commission director, legal professionals, and representatives from various state groups. The commission will study and suggest reforms and clarifications to the Code of Ethics. It must report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the fifth legislative day of the 2017 Regular Session and then be dissolved. It also sets up staff support from the Senate, House, and other state offices, and allows for expense reimbursement and compensation for members as applicable.

Who It Affects

• Public officials and public employees covered by Alabama's Code of Ethics may be affected by potential reforms and clarifications proposed by the commission.
• The commission members and participating organizations (Senate, House, Governor's Legal Advisor, Attorney General, Ethics Commission, district attorneys, judges, attorneys, and representatives from counties, municipalities, and related associations) will participate and be supported by state resources.

Key Provisions

• Creation of the Code of Ethics Clarification and Reform Commission with a defined membership including legislators, the Governor's Legal Advisor, the Attorney General, the Ethics Commission, a district attorney, a circuit judge, and attorneys and representatives from various state groups.
• A diversity requirement to ensure the commission reflects racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of Alabama.
• The commission's primary duty to study and recommend reforms and clarifications to the Code of Ethics and to report to the Legislature by the fifth legislative day of the 2017 Regular Session, after which the commission is dissolved.
• Provision of staff and professional services from state offices (Secretary of the Senate, Clerk of the House, Alabama Law Institute, Legislative Fiscal Office, and Legislative Reference Service) and potential expense reimbursements for non-legislative members; legislative members receive standard compensation and travel per constitutional rules.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative