Montgomery, AL – Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen recently recapped the successful passage of the Secretary of State’s office 2024 Legislative Agenda following the adjournment of the Alabama Legislature. Allen highlighted five key bills that were signed into law, aiming to enhance the well-being of Alabama’s citizens, voters, and business owners.
“There are five bills that I am especially proud to see signed into Alabama law at the close of this Session,” said Secretary Allen. “Because of these legislative updates, Alabama citizens, voters, and business owners are better off today than they were before the 2024 Legislative Session.”
One of the significant legislative achievements is SB 1, sponsored by Senator Garlan Gudger and Representative Jamie Kiel. This bill outlaws ballot harvesting in Alabama by making it illegal for third parties to be paid to pre-fill or collect absentee ballot applications, thus aiming to protect the integrity of absentee elections.
Senator Arthur Orr and Representative Mark Shirey championed SB 186, which bans the use of ranked choice voting in Alabama elections. This measure was introduced to simplify the voting process, as ranked choice voting is considered complex and potentially confusing for voters.
HB 100, sponsored by Representative Adline Clarke, expands the list of crimes of moral turpitude, which revoke an individual’s right to vote. The expanded list now includes aggravated stalking, domestic violence crimes, gang-related crimes, elder abuse, crimes against poll workers, and attempts, conspiracies, or solicitations of existing crimes of moral turpitude. This bill received unanimous support in both chambers of the Legislature.
Another significant bill, HB 156, sponsored by Representative Chad Robertson, simplifies filing requirements for municipal candidates who do not raise or spend more than $1,000 in campaign funds. This legislation aims to encourage more candidates to run for local office by reducing the administrative burden.
Additionally, HB 230, brought forward by Representative Margie Wilcox and Senator David Sessions, eliminates the requirement for Alabama businesses to file an annual report with the Secretary of State’s office. This requirement was an unintended consequence of Alabama Act 2022-252, and its removal aims to reduce bureaucratic red tape and fees, benefiting small business owners in Alabama.
“The 2024 Legislative Session brought victories for Alabama voters and business owners alike. The hard work of the Alabama Legislature and of our team at the Secretary of State’s office is deeply appreciated,” Allen stated. “While I am proud to know that this Office’s 2024 legislative agenda is complete, there is still more work to do for the citizens of Alabama.”
Secretary Allen’s recap underscores the efforts made to streamline processes, enhance election integrity, and reduce burdens on business owners, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving the lives of its residents through legislative action.
