SB101 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

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

This bill would require constitutional amendments and certain referendums to be voted on only during statewide primary or general elections.

What This Bill Does

If passed, any proposed constitutional amendment that affects the entire state or a single county or subdivision, along with any referendum required by law or by a local government, must be submitted to voters at a statewide primary or statewide general election. It overrides some existing constitutional timing rules and requires election officials to assign a ballot number and describe the measure on the ballot. An amendment or referendum would become valid only if a majority of the qualified electors voting on it approve it.

Who It Affects

• Voters statewide, who would cast ballots on these amendments and referendums during statewide elections
• State and local governments that propose amendments or referendums, since their measures must follow the statewide election timing
• Election officials who administer ballots, as they must assign ballot numbers and provide the required description on the ballot

Key Provisions

• Requires any statewide or local constitutional amendment, any referendum proposed by state or local law, and any referendum called by a state or local government to be submitted at a statewide primary or general election
• Overrides applicable sections of the Alabama Constitution and related laws to enforce this timing requirement
• Requires the election official to assign a ballot number and include a specific description on the ballot, including a 'Yes ( ) No ( )' option

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