SB200 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Phillip W. WilliamsPaul SanfordBryan TaylorJerry L. FieldingDick BrewbakerTrip PittmanClay ScofieldGreg J. Reed

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Article V Convention, appointment of delegates by the Legislature, qualifications, recall, oath

Summary

This bill sets Alabama's rules for participating in an Article V Constitutional Convention, including who can be delegates, how they are chosen and recalled, reimbursement of expenses, and the oath they must take.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the qualifications and appointment process for Alabama's delegates and alternate delegates to an Article V Convention. It specifies that six delegates and six alternates (unless other rules are set) are to be appointed by the Legislature, with pairing of alternates, and allows the Legislature to recall and replace any delegate or alternate. It provides that delegates may be reimbursed for official expenses (no salary) and requires all delegates to take an oath filed with the Secretary of State.

Who It Affects

• Delegates and alternate delegates to represent Alabama at an Article V Convention, who must meet residency, voter status, age, and non-lobbyist and non-federal officeholding requirements.
• The Alabama Legislature (and the Governor in certain circumstances) responsible for appointing, recalling, and approving funds for delegates and alternates, with related cost implications for state funds.

Key Provisions

• Eligibility criteria for delegates and alternate delegates: must reside in Alabama, be a registered voter, be at least 18, not be registered as a lobbyist, and not hold a federal office.
• Appointment process: the Legislature must appoint six delegates and six alternates (unless otherwise specified by convention rules), with alternates paired to delegates, via joint resolution; majority vote in each house is required; the Governor can call a special session if needed to make appointments.
• Recall and replacement: the Legislature may recall and replace any delegate or alternate at any time.
• Compensation and expenses: delegates and alternates serve without pay but can be reimbursed for official expenses, funded from legislative appropriations or related funds.
• Oath requirement: each delegate and alternate must sign an oath promising to support the U.S. and Alabama constitutions, follow instructions from the Legislature, and discharge duties, with the oath filed with the Secretary of State.
• Definitions and effective date: defines key terms (Article V Convention, Delegate, Alternate Delegate, Paired Delegate, etc.) and sets the act to take effect after passage and a customary waiting period.

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

Subjects

Article V Convention