SB118 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Voting rights restoration, application requirement eliminated, Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine eligibility to receive Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, eliminate requirement to pay all fines, court costs and fees, Secs. 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31 am'd.

Summary

SB118 would simplify restoring voting rights for people with convictions by letting the Board of Pardons and Paroles decide eligibility and removing the upfront requirement to pay all fines, while creating options for indigent offenders to satisfy obligations through payment plans or community service.

What This Bill Does

It removes the need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote in most cases and lets the Board determine eligibility for those pardoned or released from incarceration or probation/parole. It also allows restoration of voting rights without full payment of fines, costs, and fees if the person follows an approved payment plan or completes a community service plan. The bill creates a Community Service Program for indigent offenders, requires guidelines and annual reporting, and sets procedures for issuing certificates and updating voter rolls; it also keeps certain offenses ineligible and sets administrative steps for notification to the Secretary of State and registrars.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who lost their right to vote due to a state or federal conviction and have been pardoned or released from incarceration, probation, or parole. The Board would determine whether they may receive a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, potentially restoring their rights.
• Indigent individuals who owe fines, court costs, or fees. They could have their voting rights restored if they are in compliance with an approved payment plan or participate in a community service plan, instead of paying everything upfront.

Key Provisions

• Eliminates the application requirement and lets the Board of Pardons and Paroles determine eligibility for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote for pardoned or released individuals.
• Restoration of rights can occur without paying all fines, costs, and fees upfront if the individual complies with an approved payment plan or a community service plan for the fines, costs, and fees.
• Establishes a Community Service Program for indigent offenders and requires the Board to create guidelines and report annually on the program and its use of resources.
• Requires eligibility criteria to include loss of voting rights due to conviction, no pending felony charges, and either full payment of fines/costs/fees or at least one year of compliance with a payment plan or community service plan, plus release/pardon or completion of probation/parole.
• Not eligible to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility if convicted of certain offenses listed in the bill (e.g., impeachment, murder, rape, certain sexual offenses, treason, and other listed crimes).
• If eligible, the Board issues the Certificate to the applicant and notifies the Secretary of State and county registrars of the eligibility date.
• Boards may suspend voting rights for non-compliance with payment or community service plans, removing the individual from the voter roll until reinstatement.
• Effective immediately upon passage, with additional provisions for forms and outreach timelines (e.g., posting requirements and form development deadlines).

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

Subjects

Voters and Voting