HB319 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shane StringerRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Russell BedsoleChip BrownTracy EstesAllen FarleyBob FincherTommy HanesGil IsbellJamie KielEd OliverRex ReynoldsProncey RobertsonGinny ShaverAndrew SorrellJeff SorrellsScott StadthagenTim WadsworthAndy WhittDebbie Wood

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

State government, Presidental Executive Orders, Legislative Council may order review thereof, prohibition on implementation, provided

Summary

HB319 would let Alabama's Legislative Council review U.S. presidential executive orders and block those found unconstitutional in certain areas.

What This Bill Does

The Legislative Council may review any presidential executive order and recommend that it be reviewed by the Attorney General and Governor. The Attorney General would determine the order’s constitutionality and whether Alabama should seek an exemption or have the order declared an unconstitutional exercise of presidential power. If the AG finds the order would unlawfully restrict rights in specific areas, Alabama state agencies and political subdivisions would not implement the order in those areas. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• State government entities, including the Legislative Council, Attorney General, and Governor, who would review presidential orders and make determinations.
• State agencies and political subdivisions (cities and counties) that would be prohibited from implementing certain presidential executive orders if the Attorney General determines they constitutionally restrict rights in the specified areas.

Key Provisions

• The Legislative Council may review any presidential executive order and recommend to the Attorney General and Governor that the order be further reviewed.
• The Attorney General shall review the order to determine constitutionality and whether the state should seek an exemption or have the order declared an unconstitutional exercise of presidential authority.
• If the Attorney General determines an order unconstitutionally restricts rights in epidemics/health emergencies, regulation of natural resources, agriculture, land use, the financial sector (ESG standards), or the right to keep and bear arms, state and local entities may not implement the order.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after its passage and approval by the Governor.
• Section 2 notes that the bill is excluded from certain local expenditure requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime.

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

Subjects

State Government