HB276 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Ball

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Legislature, basic compensation for members, median annual household income in Alabama, legislators submit signed vouchers for reimbursement, proposed const. amend.

Summary

HB276 would replace how Alabama legislators are paid with a pay amount equal to the state's median household income and require signed expense vouchers, with limits on legislative pay increases.

What This Bill Does

It repeals existing compensation and expense rules for legislators and establishes basic compensation equal to Alabama's median annual household income, adjusted annually by the State Personnel Board. Legislators would be reimbursed for travel and other approved expenses under state-employee rules, with travel requiring signed vouchers and approval by the presiding officers. Travel reimbursements are limited for residents within 50 miles of the capitol, and only transportation costs may be reimbursed for travel between home and the seat of government. The changes take effect after the 2014 General Election, and the Legislature may not increase the compensation or reimbursement amounts; the State Personnel Board would oversee rules and reporting.

Who It Affects

• Members of the Alabama Legislature (including the President of the Senate) – their base pay would be tied to the median Alabama household income and their expense reimbursements would follow state employee rules, with restrictions on increases via this amendment.
• Alabama voters / the general public – they would vote on the constitutional amendment; if approved, public funds would pay lawmakers at the median income with annual adjustments and oversight, replacing current discretionary pay setting.

Key Provisions

• Repeals existing laws and constitutional provisions related to legislative compensation and expenses.
• Sets annual basic compensation for each legislator and the President of the Senate equal to Alabama's median annual household income, adjusted each year by the State Personnel Board, effective January 1 after the 2014 General Election.
• Provides for reimbursements of official travel and other expenses under same terms as state employees, with presiding officer approval and voucher submission requirements.
• Imposes a travel limitation: members residing within 50 miles of the seat of government may not be reimbursed for travel expenses between home and the capitol, except for transportation costs.
• Requires timely reimbursements under regulations mirroring state employee rules; the State Personnel Board may promulgate enforcement rules and provide annual reports on compensation and reimbursements.
• Declares that the compensation and reimbursement amounts are the total amounts payable, and the Legislature may not increase or supplement them under this amendment.
• Effective for terms beginning after the 2014 General Election and repeals conflicting prior provisions (including certain amendments and acts).

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