Ethics and Campaign Finance

SB 92 prohibits Alabama campaign committees, political action committees (PACs), and political parties from accepting internet credit card contributions unless the card's billing address is in the U.S. (with exceptions for U.S. citizens living abroad who provide their U.S. voter registration address). It requires contributors to provide the credit card verification code and a U.S. billing address, or an alternative U.S. address for overseas citizens. Financial institutions processing such payments without these requirements face fines equal to the contribution amount. The bill applies to all campaign contributions made via internet credit card transactions and takes effect October 1, 2026.

SB 194 eliminates a redundant requirement in Alabama's ethics law for candidates who already filed a statement of economic interests. Currently, such candidates must provide proof to the Ethics Commission when qualifying for office; this bill removes that step. The change directly affects candidates running for state or local office who have an existing, current economic interests statement on file. It simplifies the filing process by allowing them to qualify without submitting additional proof, while maintaining the core requirement to file the statement itself. The bill amends Section 36-25-15 of Alabama's Code to reflect this change.

SB 237 clarifies that Alabama's ethics laws do not restrict public universities from accepting grants, conducting research, collaborating with others, or developing intellectual property through technology transfer agreements. The bill directly affects public institutions of higher education and their staff by removing ambiguity that might have discouraged such activities under existing ethics rules. It specifies these exceptions apply only when activities follow the institution's own established policies. The law takes effect on June 1, 2026, and does not alter broader ethics requirements for public employees.

SB 230 modifies Alabama's campaign finance rules to allow campaign funds to cover specific security costs for candidates, elected officials, and their immediate families or staff. It permits using contributions for cybersecurity services (like removing personal data from data brokers), home security devices (locks, cameras, alarms - excluding property value improvements), and security personnel. The bill explicitly defines "security expenses" to prevent misuse of funds for non-security purposes. This change applies directly to political campaigns and officeholders seeking to protect themselves or their close associates. The bill is currently pending in the Alabama House Judiciary Committee.

HB 358 requires agents of hostile foreign principals (from designated countries like North Korea, Iran, China, and Russia) and foreign-supported political organizations engaging in political activity within Alabama to register with the Secretary of State. Registrants must disclose detailed information including funding sources, business operations, ownership, and specific political activities they perform. The bill establishes civil penalties for non-compliance, with appeals allowed to the State Ethics Commission. This directly affects foreign entities or individuals operating in Alabama’s political sphere on behalf of designated hostile governments or organizations.