Bill > HB272

This bill amends existing Alabama law regarding the publication of county voter lists, which are alphabetical lists of qualified electors registered to vote. Currently, these lists must be published in a newspaper by the judge of probate (a county official) by a specific date before an election. The bill introduces alternative publication methods if the cost of traditional newspaper publication exceeds a certain threshold, which is set at $40,000 until December 31, 2029, and will be adjusted annually thereafter based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). These alternative methods include posting the list in at least three public buildings, making it available for purchase, posting it on a county or state association website, and running a large display advertisement in a newspaper. The bill also allows for lists to be published as a preprinted or inserted advertising supplement in a newspaper at a cost no greater than the newspaper's lowest applicable rates for similar supplements, with specific requirements for size and font. Additionally, it caps the price newspaper publishers can charge for these publications, initially based on 2024 General Election rates, with future adjustments tied to the CPI, and allows for negotiation of lower rates. The bill also clarifies that judges of probate or county commissions can choose to publish the lists, inserts, or advertisements in multiple newspapers within the county. This act is set to become effective on October 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search