HB277 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ben HarrisonRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Proposing to amend Section 76 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, and add a new section to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, to authorize the Legislature to call itself into a special session and provide for the process for convening a special session.

Summary

HB277 would let Alabama lawmakers call themselves into a special session under a defined process, instead of relying only on the Governor.

What This Bill Does

HB277 creates a process for the Legislature to call itself into a special session. It requires at least 30% of lawmakers to submit written requests to the Secretary of State, who would poll all members; if a majority in both chambers votes affirmatively, a joint proclamation would be issued to convene the session. The session would be limited to topics designated in the governor's proclamation and would last up to 12 legislative days or 30 calendar days, scheduled for 14 to 21 days after notice. If the requests are not received within 60 days, they are void, and the Governor's authority to call a special session remains unchanged.

Who It Affects

• Legislature members: can initiate a special session if at least 30% sign on and meet the polling and voting requirements.
• Secretary of State: responsible for collecting written requests, polling members within seven days, and notifying legislative leaders when a session is to be called.
• Governor: retains authority to call a special session under existing law; the new process provides an alternative pathway but does not remove the Governor's power.
• Voters statewide: will vote in a statewide election to approve or reject the constitutional change.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 76 to limit special-session topics to those listed in the governor's proclamation, with two-thirds votes in each house allowed to expand topics, and caps sessions at 12 legislative days or 30 calendar days.
• Adds a new section authorizing the Legislature to call itself into a special session through written requests from at least 30% of members, with the Secretary of State polling all members within seven days of receiving the requests.
• If a majority in both chambers votes to proceed after polling, the Secretary notifies leaders and a joint proclamation is issued to convene the session, which must be set for 14 to 21 days after notification.
• If the required number of requests is not received within 60 days after the first request, all requests become void and cannot be used again.
• The Governor’s authority to convene a special session under Section 122 is not affected.
• Election-related: the amendment must be ratified by a majority of qualified electors voting on the amendment, with the ballot description and numbering provided as part of the statewide vote.

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