HJR54 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Ronald Grantland
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: Marcel Black Bill J. Dukes Mary Moore Merika Coleman Tommy Sherer Butch Taylor John Robinson Patricia Todd Mike Hill Rod Scott Mike Curtis Oliver Robinson Chris England Tammy Irons Laura Hall Artis McCampbell Barbara Bigsby Boyd Jeff McLaughlin Randy Hinshaw Yusuf Salaam Demetrius C. Newton Pebblin W. Warren Earl F. Hilliard Lawrence McAdory
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Constitutional convention, special election called to revise and amend Constitution of Alabama of 1901, election of delegates, special election to ratify proposed Constitution of Alabama
Summary: HJR54 would create a process for Alabama to revise its 1901 Constitution through a constitutional convention, with separate elections to decide whether to convene, to elect delegates, and to ratify any proposed changes.
What This Bill Does
It requires a statewide vote in November 2010 to decide whether to hold a constitutional convention. If approved, it sets up a June 2012 election for 210 delegates (two from each House district) who will convene starting October 1, 2012 to draft a revised constitution or proposals. A separate special election would then be held (at the same time as the 2014 general election) to ratify or reject the proposed constitution; if ratified, the new constitution would take effect January 1 of the following year. The measure also outlines delegate compensation, ethics, and campaign finance rules, plus lobbying restrictions related to the convention.

Who It Affects
Voters in Alabama: will vote in two statewide elections (one to decide whether to call a convention and one to ratify any proposed constitution).
Delegates to the convention (210 total, elected nonpartisan): will organize and draft a revised constitution or proposals, be paid with per diem and expenses, and be bound by ethics and campaign finance rules.
Election officials and state leaders (Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, judge of probate, and related agencies): will administer elections, certify results, issue proclamations, and handle ballots and official notices.
Lobbyists and political committees: defined to include activities around the convention; must register, file monthly reports, and follow ethics and campaign finance rules.

Key Provisions
A November 2010 special statewide election to decide whether to hold a constitutional convention for revising Alabama's 1901 Constitution.
If the convention is approved, 210 delegates will be elected (two from each House district) in June 2012 to serve in the convention; delegates must meet eligibility requirements, run nonpartisan campaigns, and are subject to campaign finance laws.
The convention shall convene in October 2012 in Montgomery, with the senior Alabama Supreme Court justice presiding until a president is elected; the convention may continue until it completes revisions or adjourns, and must keep a journal of its proceedings.
Any revised constitution or proposals produced by the convention would be submitted to voters in a special election held with the 2014 general election; if ratified, the new constitution would take effect January 1 of the following year.
The measure includes detailed ethics, lobbying, and compensation rules for delegates, including limits on contributions, reporting requirements, and a maximum number of meeting days; delegates are not to receive extra legislative pay and compensation beyond the specified limits.

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