SB259 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Will BarfootSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Greg AlbrittonTom ButlerClyde ChamblissDonnie ChesteenChris ElliottSam GivhanGarlan GudgerJimmy HolleyDel MarshJim McClendonRandy PriceDan RobertsLarry StuttsTom WhatleyJack W. Williams

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Legislature, to call itself into a special session under certain conditions authorized, const. amend.

Summary

This bill would allow the Alabama Legislature to call itself into a special session under certain conditions, instead of only the Governor being able to do so.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the amendment would let the Senate President Pro Tempore and the House Speaker convene a special session by joint proclamation under the same dangerous conditions that currently allow a governor to call one. On the first day, both chambers must approve the convening by a two-thirds vote or the session ends. The Governor would still retain authority to call a special session, and voters would later decide in an election whether to adopt this change to the constitution.

Who It Affects

• Legislative members (Senate and House of Representatives): could convene a special session themselves if conditions warrant and both houses approve the convening.
• Voters in Alabama: will vote in an election to approve or reject the constitutional amendment.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 122 of the Alabama Constitution to authorize the Legislature to call itself into a special session under certain conditions (danger from enemy, insurrection, lawless outbreak, or contagious disease).
• The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House may convene the Legislature into a special session by joint proclamation under the same conditions; on the first day, each house must adopt a two-thirds resolution affirming the convening or the session shall adjourn sine die.
• The Governor's authority to convene a special session under subsection (a) remains in effect.
• An election will be held to approve the proposed amendment, with ballot language and Yes/No options provided.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments