SJR42 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Del Marsh

Republican

Co-Sponsors

George M. “Marc” KeaheyMyron PennWendell MitchellBobby D. SingletonPriscilla DunnLinda Coleman-MadisonKim BenefieldT.D. “Ted” LittleHinton MitchemRoger Bedford, Jr.Quinton RossBobby DentonHank SandersLarry MeansZeb LittleRodger SmithermanVivian Davis Figures

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

SJR42 would ask voters to approve a constitutional convention to rewrite the Alabama Constitution of 1901, elect delegates, hold the convention, and then hold a separate vote to ratify the proposed new constitution.

What This Bill Does

It starts with a statewide vote in 2010 to decide if Alabama should hold a constitutional convention. If approved, it sets up a nonpartisan process to elect 210 delegates (two per House district) in 2012, convene the convention in October 2012, and draft a revised constitution or proposals. After the convention, a special election would be held to ratify or reject the proposed constitution, with an effective date designated if ratified.

Who It Affects

• Voters across Alabama will decide in 2010 (and later in the ratification election) whether to pursue and approve a new constitution.
• Delegates to the convention and state election officials will follow eligibility rules, campaign finance rules, ethics rules, and the procedures for running and funding the elections and the convention.

Key Provisions

• A special statewide election in November 2010 to decide whether to hold a constitutional convention.
• If approved, 210 delegates (two from each House district) will be elected in June 2012 in a nonpartisan process.
• Delegates must be at least 18, be an Alabama elector in their district, a citizen for three years, and a resident of their district for one year prior to election; declaration of candidacy and a $50 filing fee are required.
• Campaign finance rules apply; contributions from any one source are limited to $100 for delegate candidates; all contributions must be reported; no post-election contributions; delegates are subject to ethics laws.
• The convention convenes in October 2012 in the old House chamber, elects a president, and continues until a revised constitution or proposals are adopted or it adjourns.
• Delegates take an oath to support the U.S. Constitution and faithfully perform duties as a delegate.
• Delegates receive compensation and expenses similar to Alabama legislators, with a per diem, mileage, and expense framework, and a maximum of 60 meeting days; no extra compensation if also serving in other state business.
• Lobbyists for the convention must register with the State Ethics Commission, file monthly reports, and adhere to ethics rules; delegates are prohibited from receiving valuable gifts related to their duties.
• The convention must file a certified copy of the adopted constitution or proposals with the Secretary of State and keep a journal of its proceedings.
• If framing a constitution, the Governor issues a proclamation calling a special ratification election, held with the same date as the 2014 general election, to approve or reject the proposed constitution.
• If ratified, the Governor designates January 1 of the following year as the effective date of the new constitution.
• The resolution becomes effective immediately upon passage.

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