The Alabama House has voted to make it a misdemeanor crime for state or local tax officials to audit an individual or group because of their political views.
The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Wayne Johnson of Ryland, says it is the result of how the Internal Revenue Service handled tea party groups and similar organizations.
The bill cleared the House 74-22 Tuesday, with support coming primarily from Republicans and opposition from Democrats. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
The bill is part of the legislative agenda for the House Republican Caucus. Democratic opponents say the bill is addressing something that hasn't been a problem in Alabama.