HB520 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joseph C. Mitchell

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Legislature, persons in occupations or vocations involving serving as an officer of the court may not serve in Legislature, Section 47 (Section 47, Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended), am'd., const. amend.

Summary

This bill would amend Alabama's constitution to bar anyone who works as an officer of the court (including attorneys) from serving in the Legislature.

What This Bill Does

It would add a prohibition in the Alabama Constitution that prevents individuals engaged in occupations involving serving as an officer of the court from holding legislative office. The stated aim is to prevent potential undue influence, conflicts of interest, or multiple payments by the state to the same person. If approved by voters, the amendment would become part of the Constitution.

Who It Affects

• Attorneys and other professionals who serve as officers of the court would be barred from serving in the Legislature.
• Candidates or current legislators who are engaged in such court-officer occupations would be ineligible to run for or hold legislative office.

Key Provisions

• A person engaged in any occupation or vocation that involves serving as an officer of the court (including, but not limited to, attorneys) may not serve in the Legislature.
• The purpose of this restriction is to prevent potential undue influence, conflict of interest, or multiple payments by the state to the person.

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