Senate Bill 165 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew JonesSenator

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

SB165 would set fixed candidate filing fees for Class 4 Alabama municipalities and tighten the indigent-exemption process for municipal elections.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes Class 4 municipalities to set a $500 qualification fee for mayoral candidates and a $250 qualification fee for council and municipal board of education candidates. It changes the indigent exemption by requiring documentation showing gross income not exceeding 130% of the federal poverty level and a copy of the candidate's most recent federal tax return, along with verified statements from three city electors confirming indigence. The bill updates Section 11-43B-4 to reflect these fee amounts and the new exemption requirements, and it takes effect immediately.

Who It Affects

• Mayoral candidates in Class 4 municipalities would pay a $500 filing fee; council and municipal board of education candidates would pay $250, subject to the new exemption rules.
• Indigent candidates seeking exemption must provide income documentation (<=130% of federal poverty level), submit a federal tax return, and obtain affidavits from three city electors confirming indigence; city clerks would verify and process these fees and exemptions.

Key Provisions

• Qualification fees for Class 4 municipalities: mayoral candidates $500; council member and MBOE candidates $250.
• Indigent exemption requires documentation showing gross income not exceeding 130% of the federal poverty level and a copy of the most recent federal tax return, plus verified statements from three city electors confirming indigence.
• Amends 11-43B-4 to implement these fee amounts and exemption criteria; 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