The bill amends Sections 36-25-14 and 36-25-15 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the requirements for candidates filing statements of economic interests with the State Ethics Commission. It establishes that all candidates must file their statements in accordance with Section 36-25-15, rather than on the date they submit their qualifying papers, as was previously required. Additionally, it clarifies that public employees earning less than $75,000 annually are not required to file these statements. The bill also introduces a provision allowing undercover law enforcement officers to keep their residential addresses and family members' names confidential for safety reasons.

Moreover, the bill mandates that public officials, their spouses, and dependents report real estate holdings categorized by fair market value and annual gross rent and lease income, with specific thresholds for reporting. It modifies the timeline for candidates to submit their statements of economic interests to within five days of the deadline for filing a declaration of candidacy, rather than upon filing qualifying papers. If a candidate has already submitted a current statement for reasons other than their candidacy, they must provide proof of this submission or file a new statement. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the candidate being deemed unqualified for the election, with a provision for a five-day extension for good cause. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 36-25-14, 36-25-15
Enrolled: 36-25-14, 36-25-15