Sponsor(s): Senator Orr
Summary/Synopsis: To amend Section 17-5-8, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the filing of campaign finance disclosure reports; to require the filing of campaign reports at more frequent
intervals for the 2012 and 2014 election cycles; to require Section 527 political organizations that contribute to a state or local election or campaign to file campaign finance disclosure reports; to provide for the filing of large contributions in addition to other filings; to require electronic reporting beginning with the 2014 election cycle, with limited exceptions; commencing with the 2014 election cycle, to require the Secretary of State to establish and maintain an electronic searchable public database of all campaign contributions and expenditures required to be filed with the Secretary of State; to allow the Secretary of State to promulgate rules for implementing and administering the act; and to provide for a supplemental appropriation of $1,500,000 from the State General Fund to the Secretary of State for fiscal year 2011-2012.
LWVAL Action and Justification: LWVAL supports SB136. The League supports transparency in government, including the election process, and “believes that the methods of financing campaigns should ensure the public's right to know, combat corruption and undue influence.”
Bill Progress in Legislature:
3/1/2011: 1st Reading and referred to
3/8/2011 2nd Reading and place on the calendar with 2 amendments (126590-2 and 126903-2); pending third read on day 4 Favorable from CCFE&E.
5/5/2011: 3rd Reading; Orr 1st Substitute (129142-1) offered; Motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to read a 3rd time and Pass adopted (27-0-0); Engrossed
5/24/3011: 1ST Reading in House and referred to House Committee on Constitution, Campaigns and Elections
5/25/2011: Referred from CCE to
5/31/2011: On E&CF committee schedule, 12:30 PM, State House Room 622.
5/31/2011: 2nd Reading and placed on calendar with 1 Amendment
6/2/2011: 3rd Reading passed
E&CF Amendment (131446-2) offered; Motion to Adopt adopted
Wren Amendment (13798-1 offered; Motion to Adopt adopted
Motion to Read a 3rd Time and Pass adopted
(79-14-0)Concurrence Requested
Senate: Marsh motion to Non Concur and Appoint Conference Committee adopted; P&PO appoints
Conference Committee requested.
House: Ball motion to Accede adopted; House appoints Ball, Greer and Todd
Conference Committee Report
Conference Committee on SB136 2011RS 1st Substitute (132827-2) offered
Senate: Orr motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted
(32-0-0) Conference Report Concurrence Requested
House: Ball Motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted (82-1-4)
Signature Requested; Forwarded to Governor at 3:36 p.m. June 9, 2011.
Notes: SB136 and SB96 are substantially the same.