HB23 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve ClouseRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Vacancies, United States Senator, temporary appointment by Governor until next general election authorized, Sec. 36-9-7 am'd; Sec. 36-9-8 repealed

Summary

HB 23 would require the Governor to appoint a U.S. Senator vacancy and schedule an election for the remainder of the term at the next general election, with special rules if the vacancy happens close to an election, and it would repeal a related existing provision.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would force the Governor to appoint a temporary U.S. Senator and issue a writ of election to fill the remainder of the term at the next general election occurring more than a year after the vacancy. It also adds a rule for vacancies that happen within 76 days of a general election, allowing the election to proceed and, if the departing incumbent wins, creating a vacancy that the Governor would fill by appointment. Additionally, the bill repeals the current provision in Section 36-9-8 and makes the new rules effective immediately after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Alabama who participate in U.S. Senate elections, as the timing and method of filling a vacancy would affect who represents them and when the replacement takes office.
• The Governor of Alabama, who would be required to appoint a temporary U.S. Senator and issue a writ of election to fill the rest of the term, with specific rules for close-to-term vacancies.

Key Provisions

• Amends 36-9-7 to require the Governor to appoint a replacement Senator and issue a writ of election to fill the remainder of the term at the next general election occurring more than one year after the vacancy.
• Repeals Section 36-9-8 of the Code.
• Adds a provision for vacancies occurring less than 76 days before the general election: the votes are canvassed like other elections, and if the most votes go to the incumbent who vacated, a vacancy exists and the Governor shall appoint a replacement to serve until a successor is elected and qualified.
• Effective immediately after passage and approval by the Governor.

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