HB35 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joseph C. Mitchell

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Legislature, communication between legislator and employees and officers of the Legislature is privileged, const. amend.

Summary

HB35 would amend Alabama’s Constitution to make communications between legislators and Legislature staff confidential and privileged.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new protection to Section 56, stating that all communications between a member of the Legislature and an officer or employee of the Legislature are privileged and confidential. This creates confidentiality for internal conversations, in addition to the existing speech and debate privilege. The change would take effect only if approved by voters in a statewide election, with ballot language and procedures described in the bill.

Who It Affects

• Members of the Alabama Legislature, whose communications with staff would be protected from disclosure.
• Officers and employees (staff) of the Legislature, whose communications with legislators would be protected from disclosure.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 56(b) to the Alabama Constitution to state: 'All communications between a member of the Legislature and an officer or employee of the Legislature is privileged and confidential.'
• Maintains the existing speech and debate privilege for legislative proceedings and adds a new confidentiality protection for internal communications.
• Requires a statewide election for approval of the amendment, following election laws and procedures, with ballot language describing the change and Yes/No options.
• Ballot description would read: 'Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to provide that communications between a member of the Legislature and an officer or employee of the Legislature is privileged and confidential. Proposed by Act ________.'

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Legislature