SB19 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

George M. “Marc” Keahey

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Elected state officials, Legislature authorized to recall by general law, const. amend.

Summary

SB19 would let Alabama lawmakers create a recall process by general law to remove elected state officials.

What This Bill Does

If adopted, the amendment would allow the Legislature to establish recall rules for elected state officials. Citizens could start recall petitions after the first year of an official’s term with signatures from at least 25% of voters in the last election. If enough signatures are gathered within 90 days, a recall election would be held, the incumbent would stay in office until results are certified, and the winner would serve the remainder of the term; no primary would be held. Grounds for recall include malfeasance, nonfeasance, lack of physical or mental fitness, incompetence, or violation of the oath of office.

Who It Affects

• Qualified voters in Alabama, who may petition for recall and vote in recall elections for state officials
• Elected state officials who could be recalled and potentially removed from office through recall elections

Key Provisions

• Legislature may enact general laws providing a recall process for elected state officials
• Petition process: after the first year of a term, any elector may petition for recall by filing with the Secretary of State
• Signature requirement: recall petitions must be signed by electors equal to at least 25% of the votes cast in the last election for the office
• Recall election timing: if enough signatures are verified within 90 days, a recall election is scheduled for the sixth Tuesday after verification
• Election rules: incumbent serves until recall results are official; recall election is conducted like a special election with no primary
• Election outcome: the candidate with the highest votes in the recall election serves the remainder of the term
• One recall per term: after one recall petition and election, no further recall petitions may be filed against the same officer during that term
• Grounds for recall: malfeasance or nonfeasance, lack of physical or mental fitness, incompetence, or violation of oath

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments