HB317 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David Wheeler

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Legislature, term limits of two terms plus two years in each house provided, prior service not counted, const. amend.

Summary

HB317 would impose term limits on Alabama lawmakers in both chambers, capping to two full terms plus up to two years for vacancies, starting with the 2026 election, with prior service grandfathered.

What This Bill Does

The bill would amend the state constitution to limit each legislator to two full terms in their respective chamber and allow up to two years to fill vacancies. The new limits would begin with legislators elected in 2026, and any service before November 2026 would not disqualify a person from serving after that date; those with prior service could still serve up to two additional terms after 2026. The rules apply separately to the Senate and the House, and voters would need to approve the amendment for it to take effect.

Who It Affects

• Legislators in the Alabama Senate and Alabama House of Representatives, who would be subject to a maximum of two full terms per chamber and up to two years to fill vacancies, with prior service grandfathered for two additional terms after 2026.
• Alabama voters/electors, who would decide whether to approve this constitutional amendment in an election.

Key Provisions

• Maximum of two full terms in each house for a legislator, starting with the 2026 General Election.
• In addition to the two full terms, up to two years of service filling a vacancy is allowed in each house.
• Service in the Senate or House before November 2026 does not disqualify a person from serving after that date; prior service can count toward up to two additional terms after 2026.
• The two-term limit and vacancy provision apply separately to the Senate and the House of Representatives.
• The amendment takes effect only if approved by voters in accordance with constitutional procedures.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments