SB500 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve French

Republican

Co-Sponsors

J.T. WaggonerRodger SmithermanQuinton RossHenry Eugene “Hank” Erwin Jr.

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Residency, declaration by persons outside the state on military duty, mission assignment, etc., filing with judge of probate, not effective for election purposes

Summary

SB500 lets Alabama residents who are away on military duty or similar duties designate an Alabama residence, but the designation cannot be used to vote or run for office.

What This Bill Does

The bill lets a person outside Alabama for military duty, mission assignments, or similar reasons designate a place in Alabama as their residence. They would file a notarized declaration of residence with the county judge of probate where the place is located, and the person plus any dependent children would be treated as residents of that place for most legal purposes. However, the designation alone does not make them eligible to register to vote or qualify for elected office unless they meet other legal requirements; they may vote or qualify at the designated place if eligible. The filing does not establish permanent residency for purposes of the Alabama GI and Dependents' Educational Benefit Act.

Who It Affects

• Individuals away from Alabama on military duty, mission assignments, or similar duties who designate an Alabama residence, making themselves and their dependent children residents of the designated place for most legal purposes.
• Voters and election administrators: the designation does not automatically grant voting eligibility or eligibility to run for office; eligibility remains dependent on other state law, and individuals may vote or qualify at the designated place if they meet those requirements.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes a person absent from Alabama on military duty, mission assignment, or similar purposes to designate a place in Alabama as their residence.
• Requires a notarized declaration of residence filed with the county judge of probate where the designated residence is located; the person and dependent children become residents of that place for all purposes under the law.
• States that the designation alone does not make the person eligible to register to vote or qualify for elected office unless they meet other legal requirements; they may also register or qualify at the designated place if eligible.
• Does not establish permanent residency for purposes of the Alabama GI and Dependents' Educational Benefit Act; repeals conflicting laws; takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Judge, Probate