HB 294

In order to provide for the implementation of biennial budgeting periods, this bill changes the statutory meeting dates of the Legislature by providing for changed meeting dates of the Legislature and is contingent upon the approval in referendum of the constitutional amendment proposed by HB ____ providing for biennial budgeting sessions of the Legislature

To amend state law providing for the meeting dates of the Legislature in order to set the meeting dates of the Legislature to provide for biennial budget periods for all budgets of the state.

Section 1

Section 29-4-1, Code of Alabama 1975, is hereby amended to read as follows:

§29-1-4.

The Legislature shall convene on the second Tuesday in January next succeeding its election in organizational session and shall remain in session for not longer than 10 consecutive calendar days. Commencing in the year 1999 2019, the annual general sessions of the Alabama Legislature shall commence on the first Tuesday in March fourth Tuesday in January of the first year of the term of office of the legislators, on the first Tuesday of February of the second and third years of the term and on the second Tuesday in January of the fourth year of the term. The annual general sessions shall not continue longer than 30 20 legislative days and 105 70 calendar days. Bills making appropriations shall not be considered in each general session. Commencing in the year 2019, the Alabama Legislature shall convene on the second Tuesday in April in fiscal session to consider only revenue and/or appropriation bills. The fiscal sessions shall not continue longer than 12 legislative days and 35 calendar days."

Section 2

The Code Commissioner is directed to replace any and all other references in the Code of Alabama 1975, as amended, related to the Legislature's meeting dates to comply with the provisions of this act. Any other provision of law in conflict with the provisions of this act is hereby repealed.

Section 3

This act shall become effective upon its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law, and contingent upon the constitutional amendment contained in HB ______ becoming law and approval in a statewide referendum as is provided for in law governing such election.