SB491 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Linda Coleman-MadisonGeorge M. “Marc” KeaheyVivian Davis FiguresJerry L. Fielding

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Elected state officials, Legislature authorized to recall by general law, const. amend.

Summary

The bill would let Alabama lawmakers create a recall process by general law to remove elected state officials.

What This Bill Does

It would authorize the Legislature to enact general laws creating a recall process for elected state officials. The process would allow voters to petition after the first year of a term, with signatures totaling 25% of the votes cast in the last election, leading to a recall election about six Tuesdays after determination. The recall election would be conducted like a special election, no primary, and the winner would serve the remainder of the term; after one recall petition, further petitions cannot target the same official during that term. Grounds for recall would include malfeasance, nonfeasance, lack of physical or mental fitness, incompetence, or violation of the oath of office.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Alabama: may sign recall petitions and vote in recall elections.
• Elected state officials: may be removed through recall and must remain in office until recall results are official.

Key Provisions

• Legislature may enact general laws to create recall for elected state officials.
• Petition after the first year of an official's term; petition filed with the Secretary of State.
• Signature threshold of 25% of votes cast in the last election for the office, within 90 days.
• If signatures are sufficient, a recall election is held on the sixth Tuesday after determination.
• Incumbent remains in office until recall results are official.
• Recall election runs like a special election; no primaries; other candidates may file for the office.
• The recall winner serves the remainder of the term.
• After one recall petition and election, no further recall petitions may be filed against the same officer during that term.
• Grounds for recall include malfeasance, nonfeasance, lack of physical or mental fitness, incompetence, or violation of the oath of office.
• Legislature may enact other general laws necessary to implement this amendment.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments