SB10 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald H. AllenSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Article V constitutional convention, compact to set convention to require Congress to balance the budget, adopted
Summary: SB10 would adopt the Compact for a Balanced Budget to push for an Article V constitutional convention to add a balanced-budget requirement for Congress.
What This Bill Does
It creates a framework for Alabama to join a multi-state Compact that would organize a convention to propose a Balanced Budget Amendment. The bill sets up membership rules, a Compact Commission, a Compact Administrator, procedures for applying for the convention, and rules for how delegates are chosen and how the convention would operate. It also specifies the core terms of the proposed amendment, including spending limits, debt rules, and taxes. The Compact would take effect only after enough states join and Congress calls the convention, and it includes enforcement and venue provisions for legal challenges.

Who It Affects
Alabama state government (the Legislature and the Governor) would enact the Compact, become a member state, appoint delegates, and fund the Commission.
Alabama residents would be affected by potential federal constitutional changes that come from this process, including how the federal budget and debt are handled if the Balanced Budget Amendment is adopted.

Key Provisions
Adopts the Compact for a Balanced Budget and binds Alabama to it, enabling a process under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to pursue a Balanced Budget Amendment.
Creates a Compact Commission and a Compact Administrator to promote the Compact, coordinate duties, oversee the convention, and handle notices and enforcement.
Establishes membership and withdrawal rules, and sets Alabama's delegate framework (three delegates: the Speaker of the House, the Governor, and one delegate appointed by minority leaders) with oath requirements and recall provisions.
Outlines Convention rules: the agenda is limited to the Balanced Budget Amendment, voting and attendance rules, public records access, and a venue in Dallas, Texas, with enforcement mechanisms for violations.
Specifies the Balanced Budget Amendment’s core limits, including a balance of outlays and receipts, a debt limit tied to current debt, a process for increasing debt with state approvals, and a two-thirds tax-vote requirement for new or increased taxes.
Describes when the Compact takes effect (only after enough states join) and termination if the amendment is not adopted within seven years, including continuing provisions to allow a state to pursue the convention afterward.

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