States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
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Wyo. Gov. Gordon Releases 'The Essentials Budget,' Focused on Protecting Families, Strengthening Communities, and Securing Wyoming's Future
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Nov. 18 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release Nov. 17, 2025:
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Governor Gordon Releases "The Essentials Budget," Focused on Protecting Families, Strengthening Communities, and Securing Wyoming's Future
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today unveiled the 2027-2028 biennial budget proposal, titled "The Essentials," emphasizing careful stewardship, long-term planning, and Wyoming values rooted in family, community, and responsible government.
The Governor said the budget reflects the shared priorities Wyomingites consistently express: strong families,
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CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Nov. 18 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release Nov. 17, 2025:
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Governor Gordon Releases "The Essentials Budget," Focused on Protecting Families, Strengthening Communities, and Securing Wyoming's Future
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today unveiled the 2027-2028 biennial budget proposal, titled "The Essentials," emphasizing careful stewardship, long-term planning, and Wyoming values rooted in family, community, and responsible government.
The Governor said the budget reflects the shared priorities Wyomingites consistently express: strong families,strong communities, strong opportunity, and a strong future for the next generation. He emphasized now is not the time to look backwards.
"Some suggest this is the time to cash in, take care of ourselves, and stop worrying about Wyoming's future or our children. These are the actions that seemingly guided our nation for the last couple of decades as Washington D.C. piled up debt without regard to consequence," Governor Gordon said in his budget message.
"After years of extraordinary budget volatility, this budget is an heir to our conservative philosophy and predicated on the fundamentals from which Wyoming emerged."
The budget is grounded in the Governor's four core principles, stated in his budget message:
Protect Wyoming citizens and ensure their future.
Support core industries, growing new ones, and expanding opportunities.
Maintain and improve effective and efficient government
Respect the principle that government is best when it is closest to the people.
The Governor reaffirmed Wyoming's commitment to lean, effective government, reminding the Legislature that Wyoming must budget for its future, not its past. "Despite all that will be said, this budget - like those before it - is fiscally responsible, consistent with modest, essential growth to maintain the essential services our citizens expect, and within the norms of overall inflation," Governor Gordon said. "Nostalgia is sweet, but it is not a recipe for the future. We cannot budget in the past to prepare for our future."
The Governor reaffirmed Wyoming's commitment to lean, effective government. Noting since 2019, the state's standard budget has grown by only 3.5% a biennium, tracking with inflation.
As well, the Governor noted Wyoming's investment income is projected to generate more than $913 million in savings that directly reduce the tax burden on Wyoming families. The budget recommends continuing the state's long-standing practice of saving during surplus years, proposing $250 million in permanent savings to help protect future generations from economic volatility.
Governor Gordon called on the Legislature and all Wyoming residents to join him in supporting a responsible, future-focused budget that protects the state's values and its people.
"This budget is a roadmap," Governor Gordon said in his budget message, "emphasizing the core principles necessary to promote a solid economy, support strong communities, maintain educational excellence, develop our natural resources responsibly, and care for our people in need.
"I urge the Legislature and the people of Wyoming to support this essential budget, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for all who call the Cowboy State home."
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-releases-the-essentials-budget-focused-on-protecting-families-strengthening-communities-and-securing-wyoming-s-future
W.Va. State Treasurer Pack Releases 2026 Legislative Priorities
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Nov. 18 -- West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack issued the following news release on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Treasurer Pack Releases 2026 Legislative Priorities
Calls on Governor and Legislature to focus on tax cuts and education
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State Treasurer Larry Pack today released a set of policy priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session.
"As the state's chief financial officer, we have a duty to levy advice to the Governor and Legislature on sound, financial policy. We believe all the priorities that we will lay out will keep the size of our state government in check,
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Nov. 18 -- West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack issued the following news release on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Treasurer Pack Releases 2026 Legislative Priorities
Calls on Governor and Legislature to focus on tax cuts and education
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State Treasurer Larry Pack today released a set of policy priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session.
"As the state's chief financial officer, we have a duty to levy advice to the Governor and Legislature on sound, financial policy. We believe all the priorities that we will lay out will keep the size of our state government in check,remove burdensome regulations, advance education freedom and reduce the tax burden on our citizens. By following this roadmap, I guarantee we can make West Virginia a better place to live, work and raise a family," Treasurer Pack said.
Top Policy Priorities:
* Defend the Hope Scholarship: With the Hope Scholarship set to expand to universal eligibility for the 2026-2027 school year, Treasurer Pack vows to work against any effort that limits access to the program.
* Eliminate the State Income Tax on Tips and Overtime: Treasurer Pack is calling on the Governor and the state Legislature to join President Donald Trump by passing legislation to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime. President Trump championed a policy at the federal level that would allow workers to deduct overtime and qualified tips from their federal tax return.
* Increase Local Control of Schools: To provide flexibility through local control, Treasurer Pack is asking for the passage of the following: loosening of timelines and requirements of Reduction in Force (RIF) and transfer of personnel and greater autonomy on how the state portion of the school aid formula can be spent. This includes additional dollars for special educations students.
* Prioritize Teacher Pay: As it was done five times under Governor Justice, Treasurer Pack is asking the Governor and Legislature to fund a teacher pay raise to help make West Virginia competitive with neighboring states. Treasurer Pack is asking for the minimum starting salary for all teachers should be set at $50,000. For any teacher making above $50,000, they should receive an additional $2,000. This should be implemented on July 1, 2026.
Other Priorities:
* Unclaimed Property Consumer Protection Bill: As the administrator of the Unclaimed Property Program in West Virginia, it is the Treasurer's duty to help return lost and abandoned property back to our citizens. Treasurer Pack will introduce legislation that aims to protect rightful owners' unclaimed property benefits and prevent increasing predatory practices by out of state companies that seek to take advantage of West Virginia citizens.
* Constitutional Term Limits: Treasurer Pack is again pushing for a constitutional amendment that would prevent any individual serving in the office of Secretary of State, Auditor, State Treasurer, Commissioner of Agriculture, or Attorney General for more than three consecutive terms to ensure politicians serve the people rather than themselves.
"It is clear, West Virginia has and will continue to have a population problem unless we do something about it. Therefore, we must do more in our power to attract young people and families to the state," Treasurer Pack said. "That is why I am calling on the Governor and Legislature to prioritize policies that spur economic growth."
Last session, Treasurer Pack advocated for the continuity of government during the transition of constitutional office holders, for repealing an outdated program in the Treasurer's Office that was obsolete, and for securing the full funding amount for the Hope Scholarship program, which his Office oversees.
The 2026 Regular Legislative Session will begin on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
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Original text here: https://wvtreasury.gov/About/Press-Releases/details/treasurer-pack-releases-2026-legislative-priorities
N.C. Office of State Auditor: Federal COVID Funds Allocated and Accounted For, But Billions Remained Unspent Years Later
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 18 (TNSrep) -- The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor issued the following news release on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Federal COVID Funds Allocated and Accounted For, But Billions Remained Unspent Years Later
$2.95 billion in federal COVID funds hadn't been distributed as of June 30, 2024
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A new audit from the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA) shows that while federal COVID-19 public emergency funds provided to North Carolina have been managed in accordance with State Fiscal Recovery Fund legislation, billions of dollars were not distributed
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 18 (TNSrep) -- The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor issued the following news release on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Federal COVID Funds Allocated and Accounted For, But Billions Remained Unspent Years Later
$2.95 billion in federal COVID funds hadn't been distributed as of June 30, 2024
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A new audit from the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA) shows that while federal COVID-19 public emergency funds provided to North Carolina have been managed in accordance with State Fiscal Recovery Fund legislation, billions of dollars were not distributedfor years.
State law requires OSA to conduct biennial financial audits of the State Fiscal Recovery Fund. The fund was equipped with a total of $5.4 billion from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act to respond to the COVID-19 impact in North Carolina. As of June 30, 2024, $2.5 billion (46%) of State Fiscal Recovery Funds were disbursed. The remaining $2.95 billion was the amount that state agencies had yet to request distribution of.
"State agencies were allocated billions of dollars for COVID, but a lot of that money sat parked," said State Auditor Dave Boliek. "With funds not expended by the end of 2026 going to the U.S. Treasury, state agencies should be proactive in making sure taxpayers realize a return on the investment of these funds."
State agencies with State Fiscal Recovery Funds, as of June 30, 2024, include:
* The Department of Environmental Quality has not requested $1.7 billion (89%) of the $1.9 billion allocated, with $528 million in remaining funds for the State Drinking Water/Wastewater Reserve Infrastructure Grants and $326 million in remaining funds for the Viable Utility Reserve.
* The Department of Information Technology has not requested $687 million (94%) of the $734 million allocated, with $326 million in remaining funds for the NC GREAT Grant - Federal Broadband Funds and $126 million in remaining funds for Completing Access to Broadband.
* The Department of Health and Human Services has not requested $201 million (40%) of the $503 million allocated, with $120 million in remaining funds for the Lead & Asbestos - Remediation of Lead Paint and Asbestos in Schools & Childcare Facilities.
* The Department of Commerce has not requested $54 million (43%) of the $126 million allocated, with $39 million of remaining funds related to Rural Downtown Transformation Grants.
Any funds not expended by December 31, 2026, will be returned to the U.S. Treasury. A response from the North Carolina Office of State and Budget Management and the North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office can be found at the end of the audit (https://www.auditor.nc.gov/documents/reports/performance/per-2025-3005/open).
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Original text here: https://www.auditor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/11/17/federal-covid-funds-allocated-and-accounted-billions-remained-unspent-years-later
Md. A.G. Brown: Harford County Home Builder Ordered to Pay Over $1,000,000 for Violations of the Consumer Protection Act
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Nov. 18 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Harford County Home Builder Ordered to Pay Over $1,000,000 for Violations of the Consumer Protection Act
Korey Homes Building Group, LLC, Korey Wayne Smith, and Kenneth W. Smith Improperly Took Money From Consumers for Home Building Services Korey Homes Failed to Provide
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that his Consumer Protection Division has obtained a Final Order against Korey Homes Building Group, LLC and Kenneth W. Smith and Korey Wayne
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Nov. 18 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Harford County Home Builder Ordered to Pay Over $1,000,000 for Violations of the Consumer Protection Act
Korey Homes Building Group, LLC, Korey Wayne Smith, and Kenneth W. Smith Improperly Took Money From Consumers for Home Building Services Korey Homes Failed to Provide
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that his Consumer Protection Division has obtained a Final Order against Korey Homes Building Group, LLC and Kenneth W. Smith and Korey WayneSmith, a father and son who jointly owned the company until the father, Kenneth W. Smith, left the company. The Final Order found that they violated the Consumer Protection Act when they improperly took money from consumers for home building services Korey Homes Building Group failed to provide and misappropriated consumer money through a Ponzi-like scheme.
Home builders are required to hold consumers' deposits and other advance payments in trust for the benefit of the consumer purchasers and to protect the funds in an escrow account separate from the home builder's operating account or with a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit. Home builders are also required to timely pay subcontractors and suppliers and provide consumers who are purchasing custom homes with proof of the timely payments.
The Final Order found that consumers were harmed when Korey Homes Building Group took consumers' payments for home building services, promised homes, and failed to complete their homes or delivered homes with significant defects. Consumers were also financially harmed when Korey Homes Building Group, Korey Smith, and Kenneth Smith misappropriated the consumers' funds for their own personal use. The Final Order requires the repayment of money that was improperly taken from consumers.
"Home builders have a responsibility to protect the money Marylanders trust them with - not run a Ponzi scheme that leaves people without homes or their life savings," said Attorney General Brown. "This costly outcome sends a clear message: if you cheat Maryland homebuyers out of what is likely the biggest purchase of their lives, my Office will hold you accountable and fight to get their money back."
In addition to returning the money that was improperly taken from consumers, the Final Order requires the payment of over $300,000 in civil penalties and over $115,000 in costs. The Final Order also prohibits Korey Homes Building Group, Korey Smith, and Kenneth Smith from engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices and requires them to post a bond of $500,000 before acting as a home builder in the State.
Consumers who have had problems with homes built by these or other builders should contact the Division's Mediation Unit at (410) 528-8662 in Baltimore or call toll free at (888) 743-0023. The Attorney General's Office encourages new home buyers to check whether their builder is registered by calling or visiting https://oag.maryland.gov/our-office/Pages/home-builder-registration-unit.aspx.
A copy of the Final Order will be made available upon media request.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Harford-County-Home-Builder-Ordered-to-Pay-Over-$1,000,000-for-Violations-of-the-Consumer-Protection-Act.aspx
Ga. Secretary of State Raffensperger Completes GOALS System Rollout; New Licensing Hub Leads the Way in Faster, Smarter Professional Licensing
ATLANTA, Georgia, Nov. 18 -- The Georgia Secretary of State issued the following news on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Raffensperger Completes GOALS System Rollout; New Licensing Hub Leads the Way in Faster, Smarter Professional Licensing
Macon - Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger joined local officials and agency staff on Thursday to mark the complete rollout of the Georgia Online Application & Licensing System (GOALS) - the driving force behind Georgia's newly unveiled, state-of-the-art licensing framework.
The modernized GOALS system replaces the outdated paper-based licensing architecture
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Nov. 18 -- The Georgia Secretary of State issued the following news on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Raffensperger Completes GOALS System Rollout; New Licensing Hub Leads the Way in Faster, Smarter Professional Licensing
Macon - Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger joined local officials and agency staff on Thursday to mark the complete rollout of the Georgia Online Application & Licensing System (GOALS) - the driving force behind Georgia's newly unveiled, state-of-the-art licensing framework.
The modernized GOALS system replaces the outdated paper-based licensing architectureand ushers in a modern, streamlined platform for professionals, businesses and licensees across Georgia. Through GOALS, the Professional Licensing Boards can process applications, renewals, and verifications with dramatic speed and efficiency. As just one example of the profound improvements achieved through GOALS, nursing licenses that used to take 48 days now average just 18 days.
"GOALS is delivering faster service, smarter government and more responsive support to Georgians," said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
This improved service is anchored by a commitment to good government, taxpayer savings, and constituent responsiveness. In a ceremony on Thursday, Secretary Raffensperger unveiled the new Macon headquarters of the Professional Licensing Boards Division. In this move, the state has reduced the office footprint from 83,000 square feet to 9,700, delivering an estimated $6 million in taxpayer savings while retaining staff and enhancing customer service.
GOALS is more than just a technology upgrade; it's a structural upgrade that ensures Georgia's government works for its citizens. By eliminating outdated, slow processes and moving to an intuitive online portal, the Secretary's office is opening access, improving accountability, and being a better steward of taxpayer resources. Users now enjoy mobile-friendly access, quicker renewals (in some cases minutes), and greater clarity about the overall process and status.
"Georgia business owners should be focused on growing their bottom line," said Secretary Raffensperger. "Having started and grown businesses across the state, I know that Georgia's entrepreneurs should be navigating the business climate - not bureaucracy."
The new Professional Licensing Boards Division office is located at 3920 Arkwright Rd, Suite 195, Macon, GA.
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Original text here: https://sos.ga.gov/news/raffensperger-completes-goals-system-rollout-new-licensing-hub-leads-way-faster-smarter
Fla. Education Dept.: Guardian Angel Drone Pilot Program Launches in Three Florida School Districts
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Nov. 18 -- Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas issued the following news on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Guardian Angel Drone Pilot Program Launches in Three Florida School Districts
Today, Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas announced that three school districts, Broward, Leon and Volusia, will participate in the new Campus Guardian Angel Pilot Program, increasing the safety and security measures in these districts. The Campus Guardian Angel Program uses drones to distract active shooters while providing real-time audio and video feeds to guardians and law enforcement
... Show Full Article
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Nov. 18 -- Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas issued the following news on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Guardian Angel Drone Pilot Program Launches in Three Florida School Districts
Today, Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas announced that three school districts, Broward, Leon and Volusia, will participate in the new Campus Guardian Angel Pilot Program, increasing the safety and security measures in these districts. The Campus Guardian Angel Program uses drones to distract active shooters while providing real-time audio and video feeds to guardians and law enforcementduring potential threats on school campuses. The program will also be fully integrated with the Alyssa Alert platform in each participating district.
"Ensuring students and teachers have a safe and secure learning environment is one of my top priorities as Commissioner. Florida remains the national leader in school safety because we continue to invest in solutions that protect students and support a rapid, coordinated response," said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. "The Guardian Angel Program is an important step in expanding the safety tools available to our districts. I thank Governor DeSantis for driving these efforts forward and ensuring our schools have the resources they need."
"Broward County Public Schools keeps safety at the forefront of everything we do. The integration of the Guardian Angel Program will strengthen our ability to respond swiftly and decisively in the event of a threat," said Dr. Howard Hepburn, Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools. "We are grateful to Governor DeSantis and Commissioner Kamoutsas for their leadership in this initiative."
"As we join the Campus Guardian Angel Pilot Program, Leon County Schools is embracing another layer of protection that enhances rapid response, real-time awareness and coordinated action," said Laurie Cox, Chair of the Leon County School Board. "We appreciate the state's commitment to equipping our district with advanced tools and look forward to this partnership helping ensure every campus remains a place of learning and safety."
"Volusia County Schools is proud to be a part of the pilot for the Campus Guardian Angel Program. By participating in this program, we are reinforcing our commitment to proactive safety measures and smart, coordinated response. This is another important step in ensuring our campuses not only teach students well, but also protect them well," said Dr. Carmen Balgobin, Superintendent of Volusia County Schools.
Under Governor Ron DeSantis' leadership, Florida has made historic and sustained investments in school safety with more than $1.3 billion dedicated to strengthening campus security. This commitment continues with $557,000 directed to the Campus Guardian Angel Program, ensuring schools have access to advanced, life-saving technology that supports rapid and effective emergency response.
Florida continues to lead the nation in school safety thanks to the efforts championed by Governor DeSantis to ensure every campus is better protected, including:
* In 2019, House Bill 7030, required implementation of a standardized behavioral threat assessment instrument and ensured the expedited transfer of student records to support school safety continuity.
* In 2020, House Bill 70 required all public schools to implement Alyssa's Alert, a mobile panic alert system capable of real-time coordination with multiple first responders.
* In 2021, House Bill 590 enhanced requirements related to involuntary examinations of students and guaranteed parents timely notification and access to safety data.
* In 2022, House Bill 1421 required the development of model family reunification plans, strengthened law enforcement involvement in active assailant drills and updated statewide emergency drill requirements.
* In 2023, House Bill 543 created a statewide behavioral threat management system, updated SESIR reporting to ensure proper law enforcement notification, and launched the Florida Safe Schools Canine Program for firearm detection dogs.
* In 2024, House Bill 1473 expanded Guardian eligibility to former law enforcement officers, strengthened access control requirements for gates and doors and required clearly marked safe shelter areas within instructional spaces.
* In 2025, Senate Bill 1470 enhanced Guardian certification, required additional reporting at the state and district level, established updated access control standards for instructional and common areas, and required all substitute teachers to review safety protocols before beginning work.
For additional information about the Florida Department of Education's mission to support districts in providing a safe learning environment for all students and teachers, please visit the Safe Schools page (https://www.fldoe.org/safe-schools/) of the Department's website.
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Original text here: https://www.fldoe.org/newsroom/latest-news/guardian-angel-drone-pilot-program-launches-in-three-florida-school-districts.stml
Ala. Secretary of State Wes Allen Backs Bill to Protect Voter Data and Lower the Cost of Alabama's Voter List
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Nov. 18 -- The Alabama Secretary of State issued the following news on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Secretary of State Wes Allen Backs Bill to Protect Voter Data and Lower the Cost of Alabama's Voter List
Wes Allen, Alabama's Secretary of State, is backing Representative Jamie Kiel's bill to keep the personal information of registered voters confidential. The bill also caps the cost of Alabama's voter list at $1,000.00 and prohibits its use for commercial purposes.
"HB 67 prohibits the release of voters' driver license numbers, voter identification numbers, email addresses, month
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Nov. 18 -- The Alabama Secretary of State issued the following news on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Secretary of State Wes Allen Backs Bill to Protect Voter Data and Lower the Cost of Alabama's Voter List
Wes Allen, Alabama's Secretary of State, is backing Representative Jamie Kiel's bill to keep the personal information of registered voters confidential. The bill also caps the cost of Alabama's voter list at $1,000.00 and prohibits its use for commercial purposes.
"HB 67 prohibits the release of voters' driver license numbers, voter identification numbers, email addresses, monthand day of birth, and phone numbers," Allen explained. "Protecting the personal data of Alabama voters has been a top priority since day one of my Administration. HB 67 furthers this objective in a significant way."
Alabama's current fee schedule of a penny per voter record, with a $1.00 minimum fee, is based on Alabama law that authorizes a uniform charge for production of voter lists and decades of precedent.
"HB 67 is rooted in government accountability and transparency. Its passage will establish a clear standard by statutorily aligning the maximum cost for purchasing Alabama's voter list with our neighboring Southeastern states," Allen said.
Secretary Allen thanks Representative Kiel for his work on this legislation, which is good for Alabama, and his dedication to protecting the privacy interests of Alabama voters.
"I am proud to sponsor HB 67 because Alabama voters deserve to have their personal data protected. HB 67 safeguards Alabama voters by keeping their personal information confidential and prohibiting the commercial use of voter registration records," Representative Kiel said.
Wes Allen is Alabama's 54th Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is Alabama's Chief Elections Official. Additionally, Alabama law gives the Secretary of State more than 1,000 different duties. To learn more about the Secretary of State and his responsibilities and duties visit www.sos.alabama.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/newsroom/secretary-state-wes-allen-backs-bill-protect-voter-data-and-lower-cost-alabamas-voter-list
