HB222 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Restoration of Voting Rights, application process expedited, notification regarding procedures and eligibility required, Sec. 15-22-36.1 am'd.

Summary

HB222 would speed up and broaden how Alabama restores voting rights for people convicted of disqualifying felonies by expediting eligibility procedures and requiring facilities to post information about restoration.

What This Bill Does

It allows any person who has lost the right to vote due to conviction to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, regardless of when their sentence ended, as long as criteria are met (no pending charges, paid fines, and release/pardon/completed probation or parole). It requires specified fees be paid before applying. It sets processing timelines to complete investigations within 30 days and issue the certificate within about 14-45 days after the initial application, with board review if objections arise. It requires state and county correctional facilities to post materials about restoration requirements and procedures for those convicted of disqualifying felonies of moral turpitude.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who lost voting rights due to conviction in state or federal court and meet criteria (no pending charges, all fines/fees paid, released or pardoned, or completed probation/parole).
• Incarcerated individuals and correctional facilities, which must post information about requirements and procedures for restoring voting rights.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 15-22-36.1 to revise application procedures and expedite the Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote.
• Requires payment of specified fees prior to applying for eligibility.
• Requires each state or county correctional facility to post materials about restoration requirements and procedures for disqualifying felonies of moral turpitude.
• Expands eligibility to apply regardless of sentence date for those who lost voting rights by conviction, given they meet listed criteria.
• Specifies processing timelines: investigation within 30 days; executive director review and certificate issuance within defined timeframes (up to 45 days for board review, 14 days for issuance after positive determination).
• Maintains current list of disqualifying offenses that remain ineligible (e.g., impeachment, murder, rape, etc.).
• Effective date: becomes law 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

Elections