HB404 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Jones

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Elections, disclosure of raising and spending of money to influence elections and government actions, regulation required, const. amend.

Summary

HB404 would add a constitutional amendment in Alabama requiring public disclosure of money raised and spent to influence elections and government actions, and would require state regulation of that disclosure.

What This Bill Does

Adds Section 36.05 to the Alabama Constitution, recognizing a right to public disclosure of money used for campaign activity and to influence governmental actions. Requires the state to regulate the disclosure, raising, and spending of money that may influence elections and governmental actions. The Legislature would implement and enforce these disclosure rules through appropriate legislation. An election to approve the amendment would be held under existing constitutional and state election laws, with ballot language describing the amendment.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Alabama, who would gain access to public information about campaign funding to inform their electoral choices.
• Campaign committees, donors, and groups that raise or spend money to influence elections or government actions, who would be subject to disclosure requirements.
• State lawmakers and election officials, who would be responsible for implementing, enforcing, and administering the amendment and its ballot.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 36.05 to the Constitution establishing a right to public disclosure of money used for campaigns and to influence governmental actions.
• Requires the state to regulate disclosure, raising, and spending of money that may influence elections and governmental actions.
• The Legislature shall implement and enforce these interests by appropriate legislation.
• Election on the proposed amendment would follow existing constitutional amendment procedures, with ballot language explaining the amendment and Yes/No options.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments