HJR34 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

John F. Knight Jr

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Merika ColemanJohn RobinsonMike HillJoe HubbardJohn W. RogersRod ScottBerry ForteDarrio MeltonDexter GrimsleyMary MooreThomas JacksonLaura HallBarbara Bigsby BoydJoseph C. MitchellDemetrius C. NewtonRalph HowardChris EnglandOliver RobinsonMarcel BlackAlan HarperJuandalynn Givan

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Constitutional convention, special election called to revise and amend Constitution of Alabama of 1901, election and conduct of delegates, special election to ratify proposed Constitution of Alabama

Summary

This bill would start a process to revise Alabama's Constitution by calling a Constitutional Convention, with separate elections to elect delegates and to ratify any proposed changes.

What This Bill Does

It sets up a June 2012 statewide vote to decide whether to hold a constitutional convention. If voters say yes, it then creates an 105-member, nonpartisan delegate election in November 2012 and establishes how the convention would operate, including delegate qualifications, campaigning rules, ethics and lobbying rules, and compensation. The delegates would meet starting in April 2013 to draft a revised constitution, with a separate 2014 special election to ratify or reject the proposed changes; if ratified, the new constitution would take effect January 1 of the following year, and funds would be provided to implement the plan.

Who It Affects

• Voters of Alabama: will first decide if a convention should be held, then participate in delegate elections, and later vote on ratification of the proposed constitution.
• Delegates (105 elected officials): chosen from each House district to draft a revised constitution, with defined eligibility, compensation, ethics, and campaign rules, and subject to oaths and rules of procedure.
• State and local government officials: Governor proclaims results, Secretary of State certifies statewide totals, probate judges prepare ballots, and the Attorney General and Governor participate in ratification tabulation; agencies handle funding and implementation.
• Campaign and ethics entities: delegates and those involved are governed by campaign finance laws, ethics rules, and an expanded lobbying definition requiring registration and ongoing reporting.
• General public and institutions: potential new constitutional provisions would affect rights, governance, and state laws; implementation would require additional funding.

Key Provisions

• A June 2012 special statewide election to decide whether to hold a constitutional convention to revise and amend the 1901 Alabama Constitution.
• If approved, a November 2012 special election will select 105 delegates (one from each House district, based on the latest census) who are nonpartisan and meet defined eligibility requirements (age, residency, and district presence).
• Candidates for delegates must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State, pay a $50 filing fee, and campaign under the Fair Campaign Practices Act plus additional rules (strict contribution limits and reporting; no post-election contributions; ethics obligations).
• Delegates will receive compensation and expenses similar to Alabama legislators, subject to a 60-meeting-day cap and no double-dipping with other state pay; expenses are paid through the state Treasury.
• Delegates must take an oath before assuming duties; the convention will convene in the old House chamber and operate under rules determined by the delegates until they complete a revised constitution or adjourn.
• The convention can draft a revised constitution or proposals, which must then be presented to voters in a 2014 special election held under the same procedures as general elections for ratification or rejection.
• If the majority votes to ratify, the new constitution takes effect January 1 of the following year; the Governor issues a proclamation and official copies are filed with the Secretary of State.
• A supplemental appropriation would be provided in the next special or regular legislative session to fund the implementation of the convention plan.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative