SB7 Alabama 2012 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Bill HoltzclawClay Scofield

Session

First Special Session 2012

Title

Economic Development, tax increment district, Major 21st Century Manufacturing Zone authorized in municipalities, development of distressed areas, tax credit required, Secs. 11-99-1, 11-99-2, 11-99-4, 11-99-5, 11-99-6, 11-99-8, 11-99-10 am'd

Summary

SB7 would propose a constitutional amendment to allow the Ten Commandments to be displayed on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies, while protecting religious freedom.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the amendment would allow the state and public schools/public bodies to display the Ten Commandments on their property. It would protect individuals' right to worship according to conscience, prohibit forcing anyone to attend or support a place of worship or a minister, and ensure civil and political rights are not diminished or enlarged by religious beliefs. It would also prohibit using public funds to defend the amendment’s constitutionality and would set an election date for voter approval.

Who It Affects

• Public schools and other public bodies would be allowed to display the Ten Commandments on their property, expanding what can be shown on state or public-owned sites.
• Individuals with religious beliefs (residents, students, and public employees) would retain freedom to worship, would not be forced to attend or fund worship, and would have their civil rights protected from changes based on religion.

Key Provisions

• Property belonging to the state may be used to display the Ten Commandments, and public school or public body property may display the Ten Commandments without it being restrained or abridged.
• Every person shall be free to worship according to conscience; no one shall be compelled to attend or to contribute to religious worship or to support a minister.
• Civil and political rights, privileges, and capacities of no person shall be diminished or enlarged because of religious beliefs.
• No public funds may be spent in defense of the constitutionality of this amendment.
• An election shall be held to adopt the amendment, with ballot language describing the amendment and the required voter's approval.

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

Subjects

Economic Development