HB149 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Voter registration, automatic, authorized

Summary

The bill would automatically register eligible Alabama residents to vote when they apply for or renew a driver’s license or nondriver ID, and would automatically update registrations when they move.

What This Bill Does

It creates an automatic voter registration program that uses electronic records from driver’s license and nondriver ID issuance to complete registration for people who have reached age 17 years and six months and are otherwise eligible. If eligible and not already registered, the electronic record and signature count as a registration and a county board will issue a certificate, with no registration allowed within 14 days of an election; the Secretary of State may delay providing records for those under 18 until they turn 18. If a person changes their address on renewal, the new address is sent to the appropriate registrar and a new certificate can be issued if appropriate.

Who It Affects

• Individuals applying for or renewing a driver's license or nondriver identification card will be automatically registered to vote if they are age-appropriate and otherwise eligible (with records sent to the county boards for registration).
• Electors who change their address when renewing a driver's license will have their voter registration address updated automatically and may receive a new registration certificate.

Key Provisions

• Establishes an automatic voter registration program linking the Secretary of State and the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to provide electronic records from license/ID issuance and renewal for automatic registration.
• Requires electronic records to include name, age, residence, citizenship, and electronic signature for individuals age 17 years 6 months or older; the Secretary of State may delay providing information for those under 18 until they turn 18.
• If the person is eligible and not already registered, the record constitutes a completed registration and the county board of registrars must register them, with no registration within 14 days before any election.
• Requires notice of the automatic registration program at every location where licenses and nondriver IDs are issued or renewed.
• Requires that if an elector changes their address on license renewal, the new address is sent to the registrar and a new certificate of registration may be issued.
• Preserves the authority to determine eligibility and to maintain/update voter registration lists and specifies the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage/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

Voter Registration