SB1 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jim McClendon
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Gerald H. Allen William “Bill” M. Beasley Donnie Chesteen Sam Givhan Garlan Gudger Jimmy Holley Andrew Jones Steve Livingston Del Marsh Tim Melson Arthur Orr Clay Scofield David Sessions Shay Shelnutt J.T. Waggoner April Weaver
Session: Second Special Session 2021
Title: Senate, districts redrawn, Sec. 29-1-2.3 repealed; Sec. 29-1-2.3 added
Summary: SB1 redraws Alabama Senate districts and establishes a 35-member Senate based on a new map to be used until the next federal census.
What This Bill Does
It repeals the existing Senate district law and creates a new version that sets the Senate at 35 members, with each member residing in the district they represent. The 35 districts are designated by the McClendon Senate Plan 1 map, with boundary descriptions tied to census tracts, blocks, and counties. The Legislature must post the map and any alternative maps on its public website, and the Secretary of the Senate must certify and post the map on the Secretary of State's website. The certified map's boundary descriptions prevail over the census-based descriptions. The act takes effect immediately upon the Governor's approval and the districts are to be used until the next federal census.

Who It Affects
Alabama voters and residents: district boundaries for electing state senators are redrawn, which could change who represents them.
Current and future Alabama state senators and Senate candidates: residency in the district is required, and elections will occur under the new 35-district map until the next census.

Key Provisions
Repeals Section 29-1-2.3 and adds a new Section 29-1-2.3 establishing 35-member Senate with residency requirements for members.
The 35 districts are designated by the McClendon Senate Plan 1 map, with boundary descriptions tied to census tracts, blocks, and counties.
Legislature must post the map and any alternative maps on its public website, including boundary descriptions.
Secretary of the Senate must transmit the map for certification and post it on the Secretary of State's website.
Boundary descriptions from the certified map prevail over those based on census data.
The act is severable; if part is invalid, the rest remains in effect.
Effective immediately upon the Governor's approval.
Districts established under this act are used for electing senators until the next federal census.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Reapportionment