SB296 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Hightower

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

State government, public funds, jurisdiction of Board of Adjustment further provided for, use of state or public funds being paid toward any claim alleging sexual harassment or sexual assault prohibited, Sec. 41-9-62 am'd.

Summary

SB 296 would remove sexual misconduct claims against state officers or employees from the Board of Adjustment and bar state funds from paying settlements for those claims.

What This Bill Does

It changes the Board of Adjustment’s authority so it cannot hear or award damages for sexual assault, sexual harassment, or other sexual misconduct claims by state officers or employees. It also prohibits the use of state or public funds to settle or pay judgments on such claims, with any exceptions tied to the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Act. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved.

Who It Affects

• State officers or employees accused of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or other sexual misconduct, whose claims would no longer be heard or compensated by the Board of Adjustment.
• Taxpayers and the state public funds, because funds could not be used to settle or pay judgments for these claims (subject to any exceptions under the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Act).

Key Provisions

• Removes sexual misconduct claims against state officers or employees from the Board of Adjustment's jurisdiction.
• Prohibits state or public funds from being used to settle or pay judgments for such claims, with an exception note referencing the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Act.
• Restricts the Board of Adjustment’s jurisdiction to the enumerated claims, clarifying it does not cover sexual misconduct claims.
• Specifies the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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

State Government