SB102 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

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

Summary

SB 102 would stop public colleges, universities, and K-12 school systems in Alabama from using public money to advocate for or against ballot measures.

What This Bill Does

It bans public institutions from spending public funds on activities that urge voters to support or oppose statewide or local ballot measures. Providing information about ballot issues that does not advocate for a specific vote would still be allowed. The bill does not block dues or contributions to trade associations in which the public entity participates. If enacted, the law would take effect on the first day of the fourth month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Public colleges and universities in Alabama (they would be barred from using public funds to advocate for or against ballot measures).
• Local boards of education and the schools under their jurisdiction (they would be barred from using public funds to advocate for or against ballot measures).

Key Provisions

• Public funds from any source may not be used to advocate for electors to vote for or against statewide or local ballot measures.
• The prohibited activities are those listed in Section 17-17-5(b)(1), if they are used to advocate for a ballot measure.
• Non-advocacy information about ballot issues is allowed.
• Contributions or dues payments to a trade association in which the public entity participates are not prohibited.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the fourth month after its passage and governor's 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

Education