HB 30 Alabama House · 2025 Regular Session

Judge of probate of each county to conduct post-election audit

HB 30 requires county canvassing boards to conduct post-election audits by manually examining at least 30 randomly selected ballots per audit, comparing each to ballot counter results. This applies directly to county election officials responsible for certifying election results. The bill mandates that audits be completed by the deadline for certifying election returns to the Secretary of State. The changes replace specific sections of election law to standardize the audit process using random selection and manual verification.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Aug 2024

Committee Review

Apr 2025

House Passage

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Aug 19, 2024 Last action Apr 3, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Engrossed · 4 edits · Mar 18, 2025

MODERATE

The bill was amended to require random selection of precincts for post-election audits instead of selection by the canvassing board, added a requirement for manual examination of at least 30 ballots per selected ballot, and changed the reporting requirement so findings go to the Governor and Legislature instead of just being posted publicly. These changes increase transparency and oversight while standardizing the audit selection process.

Scope change

The audit selection process changed from discretionary selection by the canvassing board to random selection, and the reporting destination changed from public posting to formal reporting to the Governor and Legislature.

REQUIREMENT

Changed precinct selection from being chosen by the canvassing board to being randomly selected at noon on the second Friday after the election.

Added a new requirement that at least 30 randomly selected ballots must be individually manually examined and compared to ballot counter results for each selected ballot.

Added a new provision requiring poll watchers to attend and observe the audit in the same manner as any other election, with public notice of the audit date, time, and location.

ENFORCEMENT

Changed the final reporting requirement so the Secretary of State must report audit findings to the Governor and Legislature within 30 days, rather than just posting results publicly on the Secretary of State's website.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 2, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

upper

Apr 2, 2025

Introduced

Finance and Taxation General Fund 1st Amendment (Finance and Taxation General Fund)

upper

Mar 19, 2025

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Finance and Taxation General Fund)

upper

Mar 18, 2025

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 425

lower

Mar 18, 2025

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 424

lower

Mar 18, 2025

Introduced

Ingram 1st Amendment Offered

lower

Mar 18, 2025

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 423

lower

Mar 18, 2025

Introduced

Ways and Means General Fund Engrossed Substitute Offered (Ways and Means General Fund)

lower

Mar 5, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin (Ways and Means General Fund)

lower

Mar 5, 2025

Introduced

Ways and Means General Fund 1st Amendment (Ways and Means General Fund)

lower

Feb 4, 2025

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Ways and Means General Fund)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors