HB406 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dexter Grimsley

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Voting, automatic voter registration, process established

Summary

HB406 would automatically register or update voters during driver’s license or nondriver ID transactions and lets state agencies set implementing rules.

What This Bill Does

During driver’s license or nondriver ID transactions, officials would collect voter-eligibility information and other required data. If the applicant does not opt out, the information is sent to the Secretary of State and then to the county boards of registrars to register or update the voter. If the applicant opts out, only basic identifying information is transmitted with a clear opt-out notice. The act also sets up confidentiality protections, data handling rules, and allows rulemaking by the Secretary of State and the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.

Who It Affects

• Individuals applying for, renewing, or updating a driver’s license or nondriver ID in Alabama, who may be automatically registered to vote or have their registration updated unless they choose to opt out.
• County boards of registrars, the Secretary of State, and the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, who would process automatic registrations/updates, manage data, and establish implementing rules and confidentiality protections.

Key Provisions

• License issuing officials must collect enumerated data from every applicant during issuance, renewal, or update of a driver’s license or nondriver identification card.
• If the applicant does not opt out, the collected information is forwarded to the Secretary of State and then to the county board of registrars to create or update voter registration.
• If the applicant opts out, only basic identifying information is transmitted with a notice of opt-out, and the registration is not created or updated.
• The Secretary of State and the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency may adopt rules to implement these provisions.
• Changes of address or name updated through the license transaction automatically update voter registration and may cancel prior registrations where applicable.
• Information obtained is not a public record and must be kept confidential under a retention policy, with unsigned forms retained for at least four years.
• Completed voter registration or change-of-address forms received by license officials must be forwarded within five days to the appropriate authorities.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and 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

Voter Registration