SB 102

This bill would prohibit public colleges and universities, local boards of education, and public schools from expending public funds to advocate in favor of or against statewide and local ballot measures

Relating to public funds; to prohibit public colleges and universities, local boards of education, and public schools from expending public funds to advocate in favor of or against statewide and local ballot measures.

Section 1

(a)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a public institution of higher education, a local board of education, or any school under the jurisdiction of a local board of education may not expend any public funds from any source for activities to advocate for electors to vote in favor of or against a statewide or local ballot measure, even if it has been determined that the expenditure serves a public purpose. (2) For the purposes of this subsection, the activities prohibited are those enumerated in Section 17-17-5(b)(1), Code of Alabama 1975, if the purpose is to advocate for electors to vote in favor of or against a statewide or local measure. (b) Providing information pertaining to ballot issues which does not advocate a specific voter action is not a prohibited activity under subsection (a). (c) Nothing in this section shall prevent a contribution or dues payment to a trade association in which the public entity is a member.

Section 2

This act shall become effective on the first day of the fourth month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.