HB2 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim CarnsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Second Special Session 2023

Title

Proposing to amend Section 71.01 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, to authorize the Legislature to sign and transmit local laws or local constitutional amendments before the transmission of basic appropriations.

Summary

HB2 would amend the Alabama Constitution to let the Legislature sign and transmit local laws or local constitutional amendments before basic state appropriations are transmitted.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would allow local laws and local constitutional amendments to be signed and transmitted prior to the transmission of basic appropriations. It keeps the overall framework that the Legislature must handle basic appropriations, but provides an exception for local measures to proceed earlier. It includes a grandfathering provision for certain preexisting local-law actions and requires a statewide vote in 2024 to ratify the amendment, with ballot language and process specified. The Code Commissioner would place the amendment in the Constitution and may make minor, non-substantive revisions after ratification.

Who It Affects

• Local governments and groups proposing local laws or local constitutional amendments will be able to sign and transmit those measures before the state’s basic appropriations are transmitted.
• The Alabama Legislature and Governor, as they implement the new timing, budget process, and potential voter-approved changes in 2024, including rules for timely passage of basic appropriations.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 71.01 to authorize the Legislature to sign and transmit local laws or local constitutional amendments before the transmission of basic appropriations.
• Provides definitions for 'Basic Appropriations' and 'Budget Period' to clarify budgeting terms used in the amendment.
• States that local laws/local constitutional amendments are exempt from the prohibition that generally requires basic appropriations to be handled first, and allows for certain procedures (e.g., three-fifths overrides) as applicable to other bills.
• Includes a grandfathering/ratification provision for preexisting local-law resolutions that complied with the rules at the time they were adopted, making them ratified and effective.
• Requires a statewide vote in the 2024 statewide primary election to approve the amendment, with specified ballot language and administration per election laws.
• The Code Commissioner will number and place the amendment in the constitution and may make non-substantive revisions after ratification; allows the Legislature to adopt further provisions for timely passage of basic appropriations that are not inconsistent with the Constitution.

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