HB524 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thad McClammy

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Senate, redistricting, Sec. 29-1-2.3 repealed, Sec. 29-1-2.3 added

Summary

HB524 would redraw Alabama's Senate districts into 35 districts for the 2018 election and keep them in place until the next federal census.

What This Bill Does

It repeals the current Section 29-1-2.3 and adds a new Section 29-1-2.3 to create 35 Senate districts for the 2018 General Election, to remain until the next federal census. Boundaries are defined using lists of census tracts and blocks, with official maps kept by the Secretary of State to resolve boundary questions. The plan aims for substantial population equality within five percent while preserving county boundaries and other traditional redistricting principles, and every elected member must reside in the district they represent. Any legal action challenging the Senate redistricting would be filed in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, and pending cases in other courts would be transferred there.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Alabama: will be represented by new 35 Senate districts and may see changes to their district boundaries and their elected senator in 2018.
• Senate candidates and current members: must reside in the district they represent, affecting where they run and how they qualify.
• Courts and legal system: Montgomery County Circuit Court is designated as the venue for challenges to the redistricting, and any existing cases will be transferred there.
• Secretary of State and state agencies: official district maps and boundary descriptions will be retained and published as part of the acts.

Key Provisions

• Section 29-1-2.3 repealed and a new Section 29-1-2.3 added to establish 35 Senate Districts.
• The Senate shall consist of 35 members; each member elected shall reside in the district they represent or seek to represent.
• District boundaries are defined by lists of census tracts and blocks and counties, with official maps retained by the Secretary of State and used to determine boundaries.
• All boundary descriptions in the act reflect the official maps; maps prevail over census-derived descriptions in case of conflict.
• Venue for challenges to the redistricting is the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, and pending actions in other courts will be transferred there.
• The act is effective for the 2018 Senate elections and remains in place until the Senate is reapportioned under the Constitution; the act is severable and effective immediately upon passage.

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

Subjects

Reapportionment