SB65 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shay ShelnuttSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Elected officials, oath of office taken on religious holy book or U.S. or state constitution, const. amend.

Summary

SB 65 would let state public officials take their oath of office by placing the left hand on a religious holy book or on a copy of the Alabama or U.S. Constitution, in addition to the standard raised-right-hand method.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill amends the oath language to allow officials to swear on a holy book or on copies of the state or U.S. constitutions while taking office. The oath would still pledge to support both constitutions and to faithfully discharge duties, with the possibility to add 'So help me God.' The oath may be administered by the presiding officer of either legislative chamber or by any officer authorized by law to administer oaths, and the change would require voter approval in a constitutional amendment election.

Who It Affects

• State public officials (members of the Legislature and executive and judicial officers) who take the oath of office, who would have an additional option for how to take the oath.
• Officials who administer oaths (presiding officers and other oath administers), who would apply the new method and language when administering the oath.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 279 to allow oath-taking with the right hand raised and the left hand placed on a religious holy book or on a copy of the Alabama or U.S. Constitution.
• Keeps the oath content requiring support for the U.S. and Alabama Constitutions and faithful discharge of duties, with the possible inclusion of 'So help me God.'
• Allows oath administration by the presiding officer of either legislative chamber or any other officer authorized by law to administer an oath.
• Requires the proposed amendment to be approved by voters in a constitutional election process and outlines ballot language and procedures.

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