SB295 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Clay ScofieldPhillip W. WilliamsPaul BussmanDick BrewbakerGreg J. ReedScott BeasonRusty GloverTrip PittmanDel MarshJ.T. WaggonerGerald H. AllenBryan Taylor

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

SB295 would replace lawmakers’ pay with a fixed annual salary equal to Alabama’s median household income and standardize expense reimbursements under state employee rules, with signed vouchers required.

What This Bill Does

The bill repeals the current pay structure (daily session pay, mileage, and monthly expense allowances) and sets the basic compensation for legislators as an annual salary equal to the median Alabama household income, plus expense reimbursements just like other state employees. Reimbursements require signed vouchers and approval, and are subject to rules set by state agencies. The changes would take effect for terms beginning after the 2014 General Election and include a prohibition on the Legislature increasing the compensation or reimbursements.

Who It Affects

• Members of the Alabama Legislature would receive a fixed annual salary based on the median household income and reimbursements for travel and other expenses under state-employee rules, starting after the 2014 elections.
• State agencies (State Personnel Board and Comptroller) would administer, adjust annually, and report on the compensation and expense reimbursements.
• Voters in Alabama would decide, via the ballot, whether to approve the constitutional amendment.

Key Provisions

• Repeals existing provisions that set daily pay, mileage, travel reimbursement, and monthly expense allowances for legislators.
• Establishes annual basic compensation for each legislator and the President of the Senate equal to the median annual household income in Alabama, adjusted each year by the State Personnel Board, effective with terms after the 2014 General Election.
• Provides that travel and other eligible expenses be reimbursed on the same basis as state employees, requiring signed vouchers and approval by the presiding officers, and subject to state laws and rules.
• Limits travel reimbursement for legislators who reside within 50 miles of the seat of government (no travel reimbursement for travel between residence and the seat).
• Prohibits the Legislature from increasing, supplementing, or enlarging the compensation or reimbursements established by the amendment.
• Requires an annual report on expense reimbursements and gives authority to promulgate enforcement rules by the State Personnel Board.

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