HB127 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew SorrellAuditor

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Campaign debt, require reporting of if contributions accepted to pay off, Secs. 17-5-2, 17-5-7, 17-5-8, 17-5-9 am'd.

Summary

HB 127 creates the Campaign Debt Clarification Act, requiring reporting of campaign debt and restricting post-election contributions to pay that debt.

What This Bill Does

If a candidate, public official, or principal campaign committee accepts contributions to pay down debt within 120 days after an election, they must report the debt to the appropriate filing official and show how much debt was reduced. The bill prohibits accepting contributions during that period that exceed the amount of debt reported, and any excess must be returned to the contributor within 10 days. It creates a formal mechanism (a qualifying campaign debt disclosure form) for itemizing outstanding debt and changes, and requires sworn affidavits with reports. The changes affect how debt and post-election contributions are reported and limited, and specify where and how these reports are filed.

Who It Affects

• Candidates, public officials, and principal campaign committees must report 120-day post-election campaign debt, file a qualifying debt disclosure form, and limit post-election contributions to the disclosed debt amount.
• Contributors/donors who give during the 120-day post-election window are limited to the amount of the disclosed debt, and any excess must be returned to them within 10 days.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Campaign Debt Clarification Act and amends Sections 17-5-2, 17-5-7, 17-5-8, and 17-5-9.
• Defines qualifying campaign debt and the 120-day post-election period for debt-related contributions.
• Requires reporting of campaign debt to the appropriate filing official within the 120-day window and requires itemized disclosure of debt outstanding and debt reductions during that period.
• Prohibits accepting contributions during the 120-day period that exceed the disclosed campaign debt; any excess must be returned to the contributor within 10 days of receipt.
• Requires a qualifying campaign debt disclosure form to be filed (and may be amended) during the 120-day period, with sworn affidavits confirming the accuracy of the report.
• Maintains and clarifies filing responsibilities with the Secretary of State or judge of probate for campaign debt reporting.

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

Subjects

Campaign Finances