SB247 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim McClendon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Reapportionment, redistricting or reapportionment plan, Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment to intervene in any legal action that contests the validity of, Sec. 29-1-2.5 am'd.

Summary

SB 247 would let Alabama's Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment intervene in lawsuits challenging redistricting or reapportionment plans, and seek intervention in federal court when appropriate.

What This Bill Does

Currently, lawsuits contesting redistricting plans must be filed in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County. The bill would authorize the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment to intervene in such lawsuits and to seek intervention in federal court when appropriate, giving the committee an active role in litigation over district maps. This strengthens the committee’s ability to influence how redistricting plans are defended or challenged across both state and federal courts.

Who It Affects

• Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment — gains explicit authority to intervene in relevant legal actions.
• Lawsuits challenging redistricting/reapportionment plans (involving the state Senate, state House, U.S. Congress, State Board of Education, or statewide plans) — could see an additional intervening party and potential changes in litigation strategy.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment to intervene in any legal action contesting the validity of a redistricting or reapportionment plan.
• Expresses the Legislature’s intent that the committee seek intervention in federal court actions contesting such plans, as appropriate.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Reapportionment