HB444 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cynthia Lee AlmondAlabama Public Service Commission

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Campaign Finance, candidates, failure to timely file statement of appointing committee, forfeits qualification to run, Sec. 17-5-4 am'd.

Summary

HB444 requires candidates to file a principal campaign committee within five days of becoming a candidate and disqualifies those who fail from appearing on the ballot, with a possible five-day extension for good cause.

What This Bill Does

Candidates for statewide, county, legislative, and municipal offices (including independents) must file a statement appointing a principal campaign committee within five days of becoming a candidate. The statement must name 2-5 committee members with acceptance, and the candidate may serve as chair and treasurer. A certifying official may grant up to five additional days for good cause. If the filing is not completed on time, the official must disqualify the candidate and remove their name from the ballot.

Who It Affects

• Candidates for public office (statewide, county, legislative, municipal, including independents) would be required to file the committee statement and could be disqualified if they miss the deadline.
• Election officials (Secretary of State, certifying party officials, and city clerks) would enforce the deadline, apply the extension, and remove noncompliant candidates from ballots.

Key Provisions

• Within five days after becoming a candidate, file a statement naming 2-5 persons as principal campaign committee with written acceptance; candidate may serve as chair and treasurer.
• Certifying official may grant an additional five days to file for good cause.
• Certifying official must immediately disqualify any candidate who has not filed, and the candidate's name shall not appear on the ballot.
• Independent candidates are subject to the same disqualification for failure to file.
• If a vacancy occurs on the principal campaign committee, the candidate may fill it or remaining members shall discharge duties; the committee controls all funds and must account for and disburse them.
• If the candidate serves as their own principal campaign committee, they must designate a person responsible for dissolution upon death or incapacity; funds must be disposed of as provided by law.
• No candidate may expend money except through the designated principal campaign committee.
• The Secretary of State may adopt rules to implement this section.
• Effective date: August 1, 2023.

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