SB371 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Elected state officials, Legislature authorized to recall by general law, const. amend.

Summary

A proposed constitutional change would let Alabama create a general-law process to recall elected state officials, in addition to impeachment.

What This Bill Does

If approved, the Legislature could establish a recall process for elected state officials. Petitioning can begin after year one of a term and requires signatures equal to 40% of the last election's votes, gathered within 90 days. A recall election would be held if enough signatures are collected, and if a majority votes to recall, the office becomes vacant and is filled by law; if not, the official stays for the rest of the term. Only one recall petition and election can occur per term, and grounds include malfeasance, lack of fitness, incompetence, or violation of the oath of office.

Who It Affects

• Voters/qualified electors of Alabama: may petition for recall and participate in recall elections.
• Elected state officials: could be removed from office through the recall process.

Key Provisions

• The Legislature may enact general laws to provide for recall of elected state officials.
• Recall petitions can be filed after the first year of an official's term.
• A recall petition must be signed by at least 40% of the votes cast for the office in the last election within 90 days.
• If signatures are sufficient, a recall election is held on the sixth Tuesday after determination.
• If a majority votes to recall, the office becomes vacant and is filled as provided by law; if not recalled, the official completes the term.
• Only one recall petition and recall election may occur against the same officer during a term.
• Grounds for recall include malfeasance or nonfeasance, lack of physical or mental fitness, incompetence, or violation of the oath.
• The Legislature may enact other general laws necessary to implement this amendment.

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