SB348 Summary

• Amends Section 36-25-5 of the Alabama Code to add an exception allowing public employees to receive rewards for exemplary public service without violating ethics laws prohibiting use of official position for personal gain.

• Defines exemplary public service as activities above and beyond an individual's normal and ordinary job responsibilities.

• Requires that rewards be unsolicited and that the Ethics Commission be notified in writing prior to issuance, including the employee's name, description of exemplary service, and dollar amount.

• Establishes a $250 threshold: rewards of $250 or more require majority vote authorization by the Ethics Commission within 60 days of notification, while rewards under $250 may be pre-certified by the director.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and gubernatorial approval.