SB374 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Hightower

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Gerald O. DialDel MarshGreg J. ReedRusty GloverPhillip W. WilliamsClay ScofieldJ.T. Waggoner

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Legislature, elections, vacancy in office of senator or representative, Governor to fill vacancy if it occurs after the last day of third regular session in any quadrennium, Sec. 17-15-1 am'd.

Summary

SB374 would let the Governor appoint a replacement for a state senator or representative in certain vacancies after the third regular session, instead of holding a special election, contingent on a constitutional amendment.

What This Bill Does

If a vacancy occurs after the last day of the third regular session in a quadrennium, the Governor would appoint a replacement within 60 days to fill the unexpired term, selecting from a list of three prospective appointees submitted by the vacating member’s political party. The appointee must be from the same district and have the same party affiliation for at least six months before appointment; if the vacating member had no party, the appointee must be from the same district and not belong to any party for at least six months. The appointee would not be eligible to run in the next general election after appointment. The act would take effect only if a constitutional amendment authorizing this appointment method is ratified.

Who It Affects

• Residents of the legislative district where the vacancy occurs, who would have a Governor-appointed representative for the unexpired term instead of a special election (for vacancies after the third regular session).
• Political parties involved in vacancies, since the vacating member’s party must submit a list of three prospective appointees (and party rules affect who can be appointed).

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-15-1 to shift certain vacancies from special elections to gubernatorial appointment for vacancies after the last day of the third regular session in a quadrennium.
• Requires the Governor to appoint within 60 days from the first day of the vacancy, choosing from a list of three prospective appointees submitted by the vacating member’s party (or nonparty rule if applicable), with residency and party-status requirements.
• Appointee may not run in the next general election following appointment and the effective date depends on ratification of a constitutional amendment authorizing this appointment method.

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