HR15 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mike Jones
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Rules of the House of Representatives, adopted
Summary: HR15 updates the Alabama House rules to modernize voting, decorum, and public interactions, including electronic voting and enforcement powers.
What This Bill Does
It requires use of the electrical roll call system for yeas, nays, and abstentions; if the system isn’t working, votes will be taken viva voce with names called alphabetically. Previous roll calls may be used for uncontested local bills and for certain resolutions, including budget isolation resolutions. It tightens gallery conduct rules, allowing ousting of disruptive individuals and banning signs or banners. It also adjusts speaking procedures, identification of authors on correspondence, and enforcement provisions, while clarifying removal authority for the Speaker and security, committee discipline, public hearing procedures, and the application of Mason's Manual to matters not explicitly covered.

Who It Affects
House members and staff: changes to voting methods, recognition to speak, and authority to remove or discipline for disorder or safety concerns
Public attendees and communications: gallery conduct rules, public hearing procedures, and penalties related to anonymous communications

Key Provisions
Rule 32 changes: use electrical vote-recording system; fallback to viva voce with alphabetic name calling; no proxy voting; previous rolls usable for uncontested local bills and for resolutions including budget isolation resolutions
Rule 35 changes: gallery disruption rules; ousting of disruptive individuals; prohibition and confiscation of signs, banners, and posters
Rule 51 changes: speaking procedure requiring recognition via a speak button and podium/microphone use
Rule 56 changes: identify author on correspondence; investigation of anonymous communications; potential censure or floor ban
Rule 57 changes: Speaker may remove disorderly persons; removal duration limited to one legislative day; conditions for earlier readmission
Rule 58 changes: Speaker and Clerk security authority to remove individuals; ability to clear areas; allow selective office use with consent
Rule 71 changes: committee chair must maintain order; removal from committee possible and reported to Speaker; potential discipline of members
Rule 74 changes: public hearing requests must be honored if received before notice posting; hearings conducted per chair’s designated procedures
Rule 93 changes: Mason's Manual applies to matters not specifically addressed in these rules

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