Alabama 2023 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB289

Introduced
5/3/23  
Refer
5/3/23  
Report Pass
5/10/23  
Report Pass
5/10/23  
Engrossed
5/16/23  

Caption

Relating to political action committees; to amend Section 17-5-15, Code of Alabama 1975, to permit PACs to make contributions to political parties in certain circumstances.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly impact the operations of political action committees by easing the restrictions surrounding contributions to political parties. Supporters of the bill argue that this change could lead to increased support for political parties, allowing for more robust campaigning and better electoral competitiveness. The amendment aims to provide PACs with more options for strategic alliances and funding allocations, which may enhance political engagement and fundraising efforts.

Summary

SB289 proposes amendments to Section 17-5-15 of the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically targeting the restrictions placed on political action committees (PACs) regarding contributions. Under current law, PACs have limitations on the type of entities to which they can contribute. The proposed bill seeks to allow PACs to contribute to political parties under certain conditions, expanding the financial capabilities of PACs within the political landscape of Alabama. This shift indicates a movement towards more flexible campaign financing within state regulations.

Contention

However, the bill may also raise concerns regarding transparency and the potential for increased influence of money in politics. Critics may argue that by allowing PACs to contribute more freely to political parties, the bill could lead to situations where larger PACs have disproportionate influence in political processes. This aspect of the legislation could spark debates over campaign finance reform, ethical considerations, and the balance of power in political campaigning.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB291

Fair Campaign Practices Act; transfer of funds among political parties and local or other affiliated party organizations authorized

AL HB6

Political parties; disqualifying candidate from ballot because of contributions from particular person or entity prohibited

AL HB217

Relating to gross income; to amend Section 40-18-14, Code of Alabama 1975; to exclude difficulty of care payments from gross income.

AL HB467

Taxation; to amend 40-18-14, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to overtime compensation

AL SB256

Mobile County; amend definition of municipal tax lien to authorize the inclusion of certain weed liens on a tax bill under certain circumstances; deem municipality as prevailing party in certain bid auctions resulting in a tie; authorize municipality to enter property to make repairs under certain circumstances; and authorize tax collecting official to sell a tax lien under certain circumstances.

AL SB344

Alabama Memorial Preservation Act, memorializing marker required under certain circumstances, failure of committee to act results in denial of waiver, fine revised, and duties of Attorney General specified

AL HB42

Alabama Bail Reform Act of 1993, court authorized to accept cash deposit in certain circumstances

AL HB363

Fair Campaign Practices Act; prohibit campaign contributions and expenditures from foreign nationals

AL HB68

Leasehold interests added to prohibition against acquisition of ownership interests by certain individuals, governments, political parties in agricultural, forest and other real property; adds companies, individuals on U.S. Treasury sanctions lists to sanctions list prohibition; specifies overall pertinence to property in the state

AL HB310

Fair Campaign Practices Act; authorize notifications of civil penalties by electronic mail in lieu of certified mail in certain circumstances

Similar Bills

VA SB584

Campaign finance; contribution limits, penalties.

UT SB0018

Election Fundraising Amendments

CA AB2255

Political Reform Act of 1974: candidate controlled committees: campaign statements.

OH HB250

Enact the Ohio Anti-Corruption Act

SC S0091

Campaign Bank Account Statements

CA AB1789

Political Reform Act of 1974: candidate trainings.

AR SB351

To Amend The Law Concerning Ethics And Campaign Finance; To Amend Portions Of Initiated Act 1 Of 1990; And To Amend Portions Of Initiated Act 1 Of 1996.

OH HB60

Allow use of campaign funds to pay certain child care costs