HB53 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Voting rights restoration, application requirement eliminated, Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine eligibility to receive Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, indigent individual's voting rights to be restored if individual is in compliance with approved payment plan for payment of fines, court costs and fees, Secs. 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31 am'd.

Summary

HB53 would change how Alabama restores voting rights for people with past convictions by letting the Board of Pardons and Paroles decide eligibility for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, removing the application step, and allowing indigent individuals to restore rights through approved payment plans or community service.

What This Bill Does

It removes the need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote and makes the Board of Pardons and Paroles responsible for determining eligibility for those who lost voting rights due to conviction and have been pardoned or released. It sets eligibility criteria, including no pending felony charges and meeting payment or community service requirements for a period of time. It also creates a Community Service Program for indigent individuals, requires monitoring and annual reporting, and authorizes suspension of voting rights for noncompliance until updated plans are followed. Certain serious offenses remain ineligible, and the process involves notifications to the Secretary of State and local registrars when certificates are issued or rights are suspended or reinstated.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who lost the right to vote due to a conviction will have eligibility for restoration determined by the Board of Pardons and Paroles rather than by filing an application.
• Indigent individuals whose voting rights were lost may have them restored if they comply with an approved payment plan or a community service plan (in conjunction with or instead of a payment plan).

Key Provisions

• Eliminates the application requirement for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote; the Board of Pardons and Paroles determines eligibility for those who lost voting rights due to conviction and have been pardoned or released.
• Eligibility criteria include: no pending felony charges, and either full payment of fines, costs, and restitution or at least one year of compliance with an approved payment plan or a community service plan for payment of fines, costs, and fees; the individual must also have been released upon completion of sentence, pardoned, or completed probation/parole.
• The Board may issue a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote within 14 calendar days after a favorable eligibility report; if not eligible, the applicant is notified with reasons.
• A new Community Service Program will be created to allow indigent individuals to satisfy payment obligations through service in lieu of or alongside payment plans; the program requires guidelines, annual reporting, and participant monitoring.
• Voting rights may be suspended for noncompliance with the plan and remain suspended until an amended plan is followed for one year; suspensions are reported to the Secretary of State and county registrars.
• Certain offenses (details include various serious crimes such as murder, rape, treason, etc.) are listed as ineligible for restoration under this section.
• The act takes effect immediately upon the governor's 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

Voters and Voting