SB28 Alabama 2016 1st Special Session Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shay ShelnuttSenator

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2016

Title

Legislative member, indicted on felony charge, suspended from leadership position, imposed

Summary

SB28 would automatically suspend a legislator who holds a leadership position from that leadership role if they are indicted for a felony, while they remain a member of the Legislature.

What This Bill Does

If a leadership member is indicted for a felony in state or federal court, they are immediately suspended from their leadership duties. They do not lose their seat in the Legislature, and the suspension lasts until they are acquitted or the charges are dismissed. A vacancy in the leadership position would be filled under existing legislative procedures, and the measure takes effect immediately after passage or approval.

Who It Affects

• Members of the Legislature who hold leadership positions (such as Senate President Pro Tempore, Senate leaders, House speakers and leaders, and chairs of standing committees) would be automatically suspended from leadership duties if indicted for a felony, but would continue to serve as legislators.
• Leadership vacancies created by such suspensions would be filled using applicable legislative procedures.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'leadership position' to include specified Senate and House roles and committee chairs.
• Requires immediate suspension from leadership duties if indicted for a felony in state or federal court, while remaining a legislator, with suspension lasting until acquittal or dismissal.
• Allows leadership vacancies to be filled according to existing legislative procedures.
• Effective date: immediate upon passage and approval.

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