SB502 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Unified appropriations for state General Fund and Education Trust Fund; state revenue sources unearmarked, effective Jan. 1, 2017, constitutional amendment
Summary: A constitutional change that would end constitutional and statutory limits on how state money is spent and allow a single general appropriations bill to fund most state spending, including education.
What This Bill Does
If approved, the amendment would remove all constitutional and statutory restrictions that require state revenues to be spent in a particular way and prohibit laws directing revenue to specific uses. It would allow a unified general appropriations bill to fund ordinary expenses for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as interest on the public debt and public education. The change would take effect January 1, 2017 after voter approval.

Who It Affects
State agencies and programs funded by the General Fund and Education Trust Fund, whose funding would be determined through a single general appropriations bill rather than through earmarked spending.
Local governments and local entities that could be affected by the removal of state revenue earmarks directing funds to specific local uses.
Voters in Alabama, who would decide whether to adopt the constitutional amendment in an upcoming election.

Key Provisions
Eliminates all constitutional and statutory restrictions that limit how state revenues can be appropriated or spent.
Prohibits any general or local law from directing state revenue to be spent in a particular manner.
Allows for a unified general appropriations bill to fund ordinary expenses of the executive, legislative, and judicial departments, debt service, and public education.
Requires voter approval (majority of electors) for the amendment to become part of the Constitution, with the ballot description prepared by election officials.

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