HB16 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Barbara Bigsby BoydRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Gaming, tribal compact for gaming, legislative ratification required, const. amend.

Summary

HB16 would require that any tribal gaming compact negotiated by the Governor under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act must be ratified by a three-fifths vote of the members elected to both the Alabama House and Senate before it can take effect.

What This Bill Does

It changes the process for tribal gaming compacts to take effect, requiring a supermajority approval in both legislative chambers. It also specifies that the House of Representatives must originate consideration of such compacts, and that the constitutional amendment itself would be decided by a statewide voter election before taking effect.

Who It Affects

• Governor and members of the Alabama House and Senate: any tribal compact would require a 60% approval in both chambers to become effective, instead of taking effect solely by executive action.
• Alabama tribal governments and their gaming operations: such compacts for Class III gaming would be subject to this extra layer of legislative ratification, potentially delaying or preventing their implementation.

Key Provisions

• A tribal compact negotiated by the Governor under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act becomes effective only upon ratification by three-fifths of all members elected to each house of the Legislature.
• Consideration of any such compact shall originate in the House of Representatives.
• An election to approve the constitutional amendment would be held statewide, with voters asked to approve or reject.

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