SB295 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew JonesSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Chris ElliottSam GivhanClay ScofieldTom Whatley

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

SB295 would require timely filing of a principal campaign committee statement and disqualify candidates from the ballot if they fail to file.

What This Bill Does

Candidates must file a statement naming a principal campaign committee of 2-5 people (or declare themselves as chair and treasurer) within five days of becoming a candidate, with the committee's acceptance or consent. If good cause is shown, certifying officials may grant up to five additional days to file. If a candidate fails to file, the certifying official must immediately disqualify the candidate and remove their name from the ballot. The rule applies to statewide, county, legislative, municipal, and independent candidates, and it also sets rules about committee duties and funds.

Who It Affects

• Candidates for statewide, county, legislative, and municipal offices (including independent candidates) must file the principal campaign committee statement on time or be disqualified from appearing on the ballot.
• Certifying officials (Secretary of State or city clerks) are responsible for enforcing the filing rule, may grant extensions for good cause, and must disqualify candidates who fail to file.

Key Provisions

• Within not more than five days after becoming a candidate, the individual must file with the Secretary of State a statement naming 2-5 people to serve as the principal campaign committee, with written acceptance or consent; the candidate may name themselves as chair and treasurer.
• If good cause is shown, the certifying official may grant up to five additional days to file the statement appointing the principal campaign committee.
• The certifying official shall immediately disqualify any candidate who has not filed the required statement, and the candidate's name shall not appear on the ballot.
• If a vacancy occurs on the principal campaign committee, the candidate may fill the vacancy or the remaining members shall discharge and complete the duties; the committee controls all funds and must account for and disburse them.
• If a candidate serves as their own principal campaign committee, they must designate a person responsible for dissolving the committee upon death or incapacity; funds must be disposed of as specified in existing law.
• No candidate may expend money in aid of nomination or election except by contributing to the principal campaign committee.
• The Secretary of State may adopt rules to implement these provisions.
• The act becomes effective 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