SB101 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Colleges and universities, local boards of education, schools prohibited from using public funds to advocate for or against ballot measures

Summary

SB101 would bar public colleges and universities, local boards of education, and public schools from using public funds or property to advocate for or against ballot measures.

What This Bill Does

It would prohibit public entities from expending funds from any source or using public property to advocate for electors to vote for or against statewide or local ballot measures. Providing neutral information about ballot issues without urging a specific vote would not be prohibited. The bill allows contributions or dues payments to trade associations in which the entity is a member. It becomes effective on the first day of the fourth month after the bill is signed into law.

Who It Affects

• Public colleges and universities: cannot spend public funds or use public property to advocate for or against ballot measures.
• Local boards of education and the schools under them: same restriction on funds and property usage for advocacy.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits expending public funds from any source for activities to advocate for electors to vote for or against statewide or local ballot measures.
• Prohibits using public property or contributing public funds to entities for such advocacy.
• Neutral information on ballot issues that does not advocate a specific voter action is not prohibited.
• Allows contributions or dues payments to trade associations in which the public entity is a member.
• Effective date: first day of the fourth month after passage and approval (or when it becomes law).

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

Subjects

Education