HB237 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Juandalynn GivanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Moral turpitude, defined for purposes of voter qualification, Sec. 17-3-30.1 added; Sec. 15-22-36.1 am'd.

Summary

Defines moral turpitude for voting qualification and creates a formal process to restore voting rights for felons, including a list of disqualifying offenses.

What This Bill Does

Adds a formal definition of moral turpitude to identify which felonies would permanently disenfranchise a citizen and lists the crimes that count as disqualifying offenses. Creates a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote process for people who have lost voting rights due to conviction, with criteria (no pending felony charges, all fines and restitution paid, and release, pardon, or completion of sentence). Sets up an investigation and review process by the Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Executive Director, with a timeline for issuing the certificate if all criteria are met. Specifies that certain offenses listed in the bill would bar eligibility from applying for the certificate, and provides procedures for hearings if a board member objects.

Who It Affects

• Felons who have lost the right to vote and want to regain eligibility by applying for the Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, if they meet all requirements.
• Election officials and the Board of Pardons and Paroles who administer and review eligibility decisions.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 17-3-30.1 to define moral turpitude and lists disqualifying offenses (bribery, perjury, forgery, or other high crimes/misdemeanors defined as treason or abuse of public office).
• Amends Section 15-22-36.1 to create the Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote process, including eligibility requirements such as no pending felony charges and payment of fines/restitution, plus release/pardon/completion of sentence.
• Outlines the investigation by a pardons/paroles officer, reporting, and recommended findings, followed by review by the Executive Director and a senior staff member to determine eligibility.
• Provides for a Board of Pardons and Paroles hearing process if needed, with a 45-day decision window (subject to a historical 90-day exception) and the possibility to issue or deny a certificate, including notification of reasons if denied and opportunity to reapply.
• Lists offenses in subsection (g) that will prevent eligibility to apply for the certificate (e.g., murder, rape, treason, various child-sex offenses, and related serious crimes).
• Clarifies that the new process does not affect the right to seek a pardon with restoration of voting rights.

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