HB294 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Poole

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Legislature, implementation of biennial budget periods, statutory meeting dates revised, contingent upon const. amend., Sec. 29-4-1 am'd.

Summary

HB 294 would establish biennial budgeting by changing the Legislature's meeting dates, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 29-4-1 to set new meeting dates for the Legislature to support biennial budgeting. Starting in 2019, it changes when annual sessions begin and how long they last, and creates a separate fiscal session in April each year to consider only revenue and/or appropriation bills with limited days. The changes are contingent on a statewide referendum approving the accompanying constitutional amendment and require updating the Code to reflect the new dates while repealing conflicting provisions.

Who It Affects

• Legislators and legislative staff, whose calendars, session planning, and workload would change due to the new meeting dates, session lengths, and the addition of an April fiscal session.
• State taxpayers and public programs, since the timing and process for budgeting and appropriations could shift with the biennial budgeting framework and dedicated revenue/appropriation sessions.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 29-4-1 to change the Legislature's meeting dates and durations to implement biennial budget periods.
• Starting in 2019 (and contingent on a related constitutional amendment), the Legislature's fiscal session would be held in April to consider only revenue and/or appropriation bills, with limited days (12 legislative days and 35 calendar days).
• Annual general sessions would have new start dates and duration limits (as specified in the act, including limits expressed as 'shall not continue longer than 30 20 legislative days and 105 70 calendar days').
• The act is contingent upon the constitutional amendment approved by referendum; it repeals conflicting laws and requires the Code Commissioner to update references accordingly.
• Effective date is contingent upon passage, governor's approval, and the constitutional amendment becoming law.

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