AGO 1996-114.

• Case Date: January 29, 1996
• Court: Alabama

Alabama Attorney General Opinions 1996. AGO 1996-114. 1996-114January 29, 1996Honorable Pat Duncan State Auditor State of Alabama The State Capitol Montgomery, AL 36130 Fair Campaign Practices Act - Candidates - Contributions - Political ActivitiesBased on a longstanding policy, this office does not address the constitutionality of statutes as this is not the purpose of an Attorney General's opinion but is a matter for the courts.Dear Ms. Duncan: This opinion is issued in response to your request for an opinion from the Attorney General. QUESTION What impact does the right to free speech guaranteed by the federal and Alabama constitutions have on Section 17-22A-7 (b)'s prohibition of a candidate's contribution of his or her own funds to his or her own principal campaign committee during a legislative session? FACTS AND ANALYSIS In an opinion to you dated July 17, 1995, A.G. No. 95-00263, this office responded to your request concerning an interpretation of Code of Alabama 1975, § 17-22A-7 (b). That opinion states that the "plain language of § 17-22A-7 (b) prohibits a candidate for state office from contributing his/her own money to the candidate's principal campaign committee during a legislative session." This request asks that we address the impact of the right to free speech guarantees on the ability of a candidate for state office to make contributions to his or her own principal campaign committee during a legislative session. We recognize that the federal courts have invalidated certain election laws that...