SJR100 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Sanford

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Arthur OrrScott BeasonShadrack McGillBill HoltzclawPhillip W. WilliamsClay Scofield

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

U. S. Congress urged to propose and submit to states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the U. S. Constitution

Summary

This Alabama Senate resolution urges the U.S. Congress to propose a federal balanced-budget amendment and, if Congress does not act by December 31, 2011, calls for a constitutional convention to propose one with a spending cap tied to revenue.

What This Bill Does

It formally asks Congress to propose and submit a federal balanced-budget amendment for state ratification. If Congress fails to submit by the end-of-2011 deadline, it authorizes Alabama to join with other states in seeking a constitutional convention under Article V to propose a balanced-budget amendment that would cap annual federal spending to total federal revenue for that year, excluding approved national emergencies. The resolution also declares the application continuous until two-thirds of states have applied, and it invites other states to join; it states the application would be rescinded if the convention pursues other purposes. It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to key national and state officials.

Who It Affects

• The United States Congress and federal government would be urged to propose and potentially be bound by a balanced-budget amendment, and may be affected by a convention process if Congress does not act.
• Alabama and other state legislatures would participate in a continuing application process, potentially leading to a constitutional convention and affecting state-federal fiscal policy discussions.

Key Provisions

• Urges Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced-budget amendment to the United States Constitution.
• If Congress does not submit a balanced-budget amendment by December 31, 2011, Alabama calls for a convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose an amendment that requires total federal appropriations for any fiscal year not to exceed total federal revenue for that year, except in a national emergency as determined by a vote of required members of Congress.
• The application is a continuing one until at least two-thirds of state legislatures have applied for a convention; it also provides for other states to join if Congress has not acted by the deadline.
• If a convention is convened for purposes other than a balanced-budget amendment, the application is rescinded; copies of the resolution are sent to specified national and state officials.

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