HB535 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joseph C. Mitchell

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Legislature, senatorial districts, apportionment, Section 203, Article IX (Section 203, Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended), repealed, const. amend.

Summary

A constitutional amendment to repeal the rule that initially apportioned Alabama's state senate districts by county and allowed the Legislature to set them later.

What This Bill Does

If voters approve, the section that provides for initial senatorial district boundaries by county would be repealed, removing that starting rule. The bill does not specify a new method for drawing districts, leaving future methods to be determined by other laws or constitutional changes. A statewide election would be held to decide the amendment, with ballot language describing the repeal and Yes/No options.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who are or could be represented by the state Senate, since district boundaries could be determined by methods other than the county-based starting rule.
• State lawmakers and election officials who would implement the repeal and administer the statewide vote to adopt the amendment.

Key Provisions

• Repeals Section 203 of Article IX of the Alabama Constitution, which provides for the initial apportionment of senatorial districts by county.
• The proposed amendment becomes part of the Constitution if a majority of qualified electors voting on the measure approves it.
• Election procedures for the amendment are described, including ballot wording and Yes/No choices.

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