SB279 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tom Whatley
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Constitution of Alabama of 1901, proposed state and local constitutional amendment, and state and local referendums shall be held at statewide primary or general election, const. amend.
Summary: SB279 would require constitutional amendments and related referendums to be decided by voters only at statewide primary or general elections in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, any statewide or local constitutional amendment, any referendum proposed by state or local law, and any referendum called by a state or local government body must be placed on the ballot during a statewide primary or general election. The change would override some existing constitutional rules to enforce statewide election timing. Election officials must assign a ballot number and present a description of the measure along with Yes/No options on the ballot.

Who It Affects
Voters across Alabama, who would vote on amendments and referendums only during statewide primary or general elections.
State and local government bodies proposing amendments or referendums, and election officials who administer elections, who would need to submit measures to voters at statewide elections and follow the ballot labeling and timing requirements.

Key Provisions
Any proposed statewide or local constitutional amendment, any referendum proposed by state or local law, and any referendum called by a state, county, municipality, or other local governing body must be submitted to the voters at either a statewide primary election or statewide general election.
An election on the proposed amendment or referendum shall be held under the existing election framework (Sections 284 and 285) and applicable election laws.
The appropriate election official must assign a ballot number and display a description of the measure, along with the language: 'Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to require...' and 'Yes ( ) No ( ).', indicating that the measure is proposed by law.

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