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HB 16

RELATING TO TOURISM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Adrian Tam

HB 16 allows the Secretary of State to notify individuals of civil penalties via email, streamlining communication and cutting costs for campaign finance enforcement.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · HB 16

Summary of HB 16: Fair Campaign Practices Act Amendments

Bill Number: HB 16
Title: Fair Campaign Practices Act; authorize notifications of civil penalties by electronic mail in lieu of certified mail in certain circumstances
Introduced: June 25, 2025
Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Campaign Finance
Effective Date: October 1, 2026

Purpose and Intent

HB 16 aims to modernize the notification process for civil penalties imposed under the Fair Campaign Practices Act. The bill seeks to allow the Secretary of State to notify individuals of civil penalties via electronic mail instead of solely relying on certified mail, thereby streamlining communication and reducing costs associated with mailing.

Key Provisions

  • Notification Method Changes:

    • The Secretary of State is currently required to notify individuals of civil penalties via certified mail, regardless of the penalty amount.
    • Under HB 16, electronic mail can be used for notifications unless the penalty exceeds the cost of sending certified mail, in which case certified mail will still be required.

  • Amendment to Section 17-5-19.1:

    • The bill amends the existing law to allow for electronic notifications, making it more efficient for both the Secretary of State and the recipients of the penalties.

  • Civil Penalty Structure:

    • The bill maintains the existing penalty structure for failures to file reports, which includes:
    • First Offense: Up to $300 or 10% of unreported contributions/expenditures.
    • Second Offense: Up to $600 or 15%.
    • Third or Subsequent Offense: Up to $1,200 or 20%.

  • Payment and Collection:

    • Civil penalties must be paid within 45 days of final review.
    • The Secretary of State may initiate proceedings to recover unpaid penalties.

  • Exemptions from Penalties:

    • Individuals who voluntarily amend reports before a specified deadline will not incur penalties.
    • First-time failures to file reports may be exempt from penalties if corrected within 48 hours.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Political Candidates and Committees: Individuals and organizations required to file reports under the Fair Campaign Practices Act will be directly impacted by the changes in notification methods.
  • Secretary of State's Office: The office will benefit from reduced mailing costs and improved efficiency in handling civil penalties.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:

    • The bill was filed on June 25, 2025, and was read for the first time on January 13, 2026.
    • It is currently pending action in the House Committee on Ethics and Campaign Finance.

  • Effective Date: If passed, the provisions of HB 16 will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Conclusion

HB 16 represents a significant update to the Fair Campaign Practices Act by allowing electronic notifications for civil penalties, which could enhance the efficiency of the enforcement process and reduce administrative costs. This bill is an important step towards modernizing campaign finance regulations in Alabama.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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