HB245 Alabama 2016 Session

Under existing law, a person convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude is prohibited from voting until he or she has been released upon completion of a sentence, has been pardoned, has completed probation or parole, and has paid any victim restitution. Restoration of voting rights is made through an application to the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

This bill would provide for the automatic restoration of voting rights of a person who has been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude when he or she is discharged from incarceration.

This bill would specify responsibilities of the Secretary of State concerning such voter restoration.

This bill would provide for absentee voting for persons who are eligible to vote and are incarcerated.

This bill would repeal the provisions of state law that provide the procedure for the Board of Pardons and Paroles to restore the voting rights of a convicted felon.

This bill would also establish a temporary legislative oversight committee and a task force to monitor the restoration of voting rights.

Relating to voting rights; to amend Sections 15-22-36, 17-3-31, 17-4-6, 17-4-60, 17-11-3, and 17-11-7 of the Code of Alabama 1975; to provide for the automatic restoration of voting rights of a person who has been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude when he or she is discharged from incarceration; to specify responsibilities of the Secretary of State concerning such voter restoration; to provide for absentee voting for persons who are eligible to vote and are incarcerated; to repeal Section 15-22-36.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which provides the procedure for the Board of Pardons and Paroles to restore the voting rights of a convicted felon; and to establish a temporary legislative oversight committee and a task force to monitor the restoration of voting rights.