Justice Department Approves SB136 & SB284 from 2011 Regular Session;
Affects All Non-Federal Candidates Running for Office in 2012

Montgomery, Ala. (September 26, 2011) – The US Department of Justice officially approved Alabama's changes to its election law.  The two bills were passed by the new Republican supermajority in hopes of brining more transparency to the financing and influencing of Alabama's elections.

SB136, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, requires monthly campaign finance reports for candidates starting in the 2012 Election Cycle and even more frequent reports the month and week before the election date.  This change goes into effect immediately and mandates that all candidates running in the 2012 Primary file monthly reports starting on Friday, September 30th.

On average, a candidate in a 2012 Primary could file as many as 17 reports between now and March 7, 2012.  Anyone who wins their Primary and goes on to the General could file another 17 reports from March 7th until November 6th.

The other bill, SB284, also sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, seeks to improve the transparency in who or what funds outside expenditures seeking to influence any Alabama election.  Those outside entitles, whether PACs, federal 527s, non-profits, Super PACs or businesses seeking to influence elections in the state, will now have to disclose their donors.

As service to our clients and friends, we have acquired a copy of the new 2012 FCPA Filing Calendar. Just click the link and it will take you directly to the new, required candidate, campaign or outside-influencer filing calendar.

New 2012 FCPA Filing Calendar

SB136 as signed by the Governor

SB284 as signed by the Governor

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