Under existing law, the State Ethics Commission has investigatory powers and the power to levy administrative fines for minor violations of state ethics laws.
This bill would revise the definition of minor violation, revise the manner in which a criminal investigation may be initiated by the State Ethics Commission, increase the size of administrative penalties the commission may impose for minor violations, and clarify that in addition to circuit courts, district courts have jurisdiction to hear cases involving potential violations of ethics laws.
Source: Alabama Legislature