HB171 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry Rich

Republican

Co-Sponsors

William RobertsLynn Greer

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Term limits, members of Senate and House of Representatives limited to three consecutive full terms, const. amend.

Summary

HB171 would cap Alabama legislators at three consecutive full terms and set rules for when a former member can return to office after a break.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, no one could be elected to the Legislature for more than three full consecutive terms. Elections to the Senate or House for at least two years would count as one full term. Service before November 2014 would not disqualify someone from serving after that date. After completing a third consecutive term, a person could be elected again only if they have not worked for the state in any capacity and have not been paid to influence legislation; there is an exception for a former senator or representative who wins a competitively bid state contract.

Who It Affects

• Current and future members of the Alabama Legislature (Senate and House) who would be limited to three consecutive full terms and must follow the post-term eligibility rules to return.
• Individuals who have already served and may seek election again after a third term, who would be subject to the post-term restrictions (no state employment and no compensation for lobbying/influencing legislation), with a carve-out only for those with a competitively bid state contract.

Key Provisions

• No person may be elected to the Legislature for more than three full consecutive terms.
• An election to the Senate or the House for at least two years counts as a full term in that body.
• Service prior to November 2014 does not disqualify a person from serving after that date.
• After a third consecutive term, a person may be elected again only if after that term they have not served in any state capacity and have not received compensation for seeking the passage, defeat, or modification of legislation.
• This rule does not apply to a former state senator or state representative who is awarded a competitively bid state contract.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments