HJR31 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tammy Irons

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Chad FincherAlan BakerSteve McMillanJamie IsonJim McClendonSteve ClouseBarry MaskHoward SanderfordDavid GrimesMicky HammonGreg WrenFrank McDanielBenjamin H. LewisGerald H. AllenDickie DrakeMike CurtisLesley VanceWilliam E. ThigpenJohnny Mack MorrowJeremy OdenElwyn ThomasCam WardTodd GreesonRandy DavisH. Mac GipsonMike HillMac McCutcheonGregory CanfieldMary Sue McClurkin

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

States, rights affirmed to U. S. Congress

Summary

An Alabama House Joint Resolution affirming state sovereignty under the Ninth and Tenth Amendments and opposing federal actions that would diminish state liberty.

What This Bill Does

If adopted, the bill states that states retain power not given to the federal government and that Alabama supporters believe the federal government should not overstep. It identifies actions by Congress, the President, or federal courts as potential overreach and says such actions would abridge the Constitution. It also lists specific examples of actions considered overreach and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to federal lawmakers.

Who It Affects

• Alabama state government and residents, who would be asserting and shielding state sovereignty and rights
• The federal government (Congress, President, and federal courts), which the resolution characterizes as having overstepped constitutional powers

Key Provisions

• Affirms that states retain authority not expressly delegated to the federal government, aligning with Ninth and Tenth Amendments
• Declares that any act by Congress, the President, or federal courts that assumes powers not delegated and diminishes state or citizen liberty abridges the Constitution
• Lists examples of actions considered abridgments, including: martial law or a state of emergency in a state without its legislature's consent; involuntary servitude or government service other than wartime draft or after due process incarceration; involuntary servitude for those under 18 other than as allowed by due process incarceration; surrender of any delegated or non-delegated power to a corporation or foreign government; restrictions on religion, political speech, or the press; further limits on the right to keep and bear arms
• Requires that a copy of the resolution be sent to the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and Alabama's congressional delegation

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative