Alabama

The Alabama Ethics Commission has five members with jurisdiction for ethics oversight for all state and municipal elected officials. The members are nominated by the Governor, Lt. Govenor and the Speaker of the House and confirmed by the Senate. The Commisssion must include one member who is African American. Public official, candidates and lobbyists are not eligible to serve on the commission. Members serve a five year term and cannot serve a second consecutive term. The commission has the authority to launch investigation and determine administative sanctions where warranted. Findings of potential criminal violations are referred to the Attorney General. Complaints can be filed by "anyone with knowledge." Complaints filed against any of the commissioners are reviewed by a three judge panel appointed by the state Supreme Court. Ongoing investigations are kept confidential, but all final decisions, whether sancitons were made or the case was dismissed, are made public. Of of the 224 complaints filed, the commission referred nine to the Attorney General, issued 12 administrative sanctions, and dismissed the rest.