HB89 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 17, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mack N. ButlerRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Elections; municipal elections, to set qualification fee amounts, to require indigent candidates to submit documentation for fee exemption
Summary: HB89 sets fixed qualification fees for Class 4 municipalities’ elections and tightens the indigent exemption with income documentation.
What This Bill Does
It allows Class 4 municipalities to set qualification fees by ordinance, with mayoral candidates paying $500 and council member or municipal board of education candidates paying $250. It changes the indigent exemption so that an indigent candidate must show gross income no more than 130% of the federal poverty level, file the most recent federal tax return, and obtain verified statements from three city electors. It requires post-election campaign expense reporting within 30 days after the election. It becomes effective immediately upon enactment.

Who It Affects
Municipal election candidates in Class 4 municipalities (mayor, council, and municipal board of education) who would face the new fixed fees and the enhanced indigent-exemption requirements.
Municipal election officials and city clerks in Class 4 municipalities who will collect fees, review exemption documentation, verify income/tax information, and enforce the new rules.

Key Provisions
Qualification fees are set by ordinance: mayoral candidates pay $500; council member and municipal board of education candidates pay $250.
Indigent exemptions require documentation showing gross income ≤ 130% of the federal poverty level, filing the most recent federal tax return with the city clerk, and verified statements from three city electors.
Campaign finance reporting remains required: within 30 days after the election, candidates must file sworn statements of campaign expenses and of contributions from donors of $100 or more.
The act becomes effective immediately.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Elections, Voting, & Campaigns