HB206 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thomas JacksonRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Initiative, Referendum, proposed const. amend.

Summary

HB206 would add a constitutional framework for a state-level initiative and referendum system allowing Alabama voters to propose new laws or constitutional amendments and repeal existing laws.

What This Bill Does

It creates a process for citizens to petition to add or amend general laws or the Constitution, or to repeal general laws by referendum. It requires signatures from a minimum share of voters, verification by the Secretary of State and preparation of official ballot language by the Attorney General, and places qualifying measures on the next statewide election held at least 90 days after approval. The Legislature may enact implementing general laws to carry out these changes.

Who It Affects

• Registered voters who want to propose new general laws or constitutional amendments through initiative, or repeal existing general laws through referendum
• Residents of Alabama counties, due to a limit that no more than 25% of signatures can come from residents of any one county
• Secretary of State, who would review petition language, certify conformity, verify signatures, and manage filing
• Attorney General, who would prepare the official title and text of the initiative or referendum
• State Legislature, which may enact implementing general laws to carry out the amendment

Key Provisions

• Citizens may initiate proposals to add or amend general law or to amend the Constitution, and may initiate referenda to repeal general law
• Preliminary petition filed with the Secretary of State; Secretary reviews and certifies petition conformity to requirements
• Attorney General prepares the official title and language for the initiative or referendum
• Initiatives require signatures totaling at least 5% of votes cast in the most recent general gubernatorial election; constitutional amendments require 10%
• No more than 25% of total signatures may come from residents of any single county
• Secretary of State verifies receipt of sufficient signatures to qualify the measure
• Qualified initiatives or referenda are placed on the next statewide general election ballot occurring 90 days or more after certification
• Legislature may enact general law implementing this amendment

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