HB121 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew SorrellAuditor

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

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

Summary

HB 121 would prohibit Alabama governmental entities, including public colleges and local school systems, from using public funds to advocate for or against ballot measures.

What This Bill Does

It would prohibit using public funds to advocate for electors to vote in favor of or against statewide or local ballot measures. It defines 'governmental entity' broadly to include the state, its departments and agencies, and public colleges and local boards of education. It bans activities such as presenting or distributing political literature and placing signs on government property to promote a ballot measure, while allowing neutral information about ballot issues. It also says the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts must report violations to the Chairs of the relevant Senate and House committees, and the act becomes law on the first day of the fourth month after passage and governor approval; it allows non-advocacy activities and does not bar dues to trade associations.

Who It Affects

• State government and local governments (state agencies, boards, commissions, authorities, and related entities) would be restricted from spending public funds to advocate for or against ballot measures.
• Public colleges and universities and local boards of education (and the schools under them) would be subject to the same restrictions on using public funds for ballot measure advocacy.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits governmental entities from expending public funds to advocate for or against statewide or local ballot measures.
• Defines 'governmental entity' to include the state, political subdivisions, and any department, agency, board, commission, or authority, plus public colleges and universities and local boards of education.
• Prohibits activities such as presenting or distributing political literature and placing signs or posters on government property to advocate for or against ballot measures.
• Allows neutral information about ballot issues that does not advocate a specific voter action.
• Allows contributions or dues payments to trade associations in which the public entity is a member.
• Requires the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts to report violations to the chairs of the relevant legislative committees.
• Takes effect on the first day of the fourth month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education