SB310 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Jefferson County, filling of vacancies on county commission and election dates further provided for

Summary

SB310 creates a specific process and timing for filling Jefferson County commission vacancies and changes how countywide elections are scheduled, effective June 1, 2025.

What This Bill Does

If a vacancy occurs, the county's election commission must within seven days adopt a resolution with dates for the first primary, any needed runoff primary, and the general election to fill the vacancy. The first primary must be held at least 45 days but no more than 60 days after the resolution, a runoff primary (if needed) about four weeks after the first primary, and the general election not less than three weeks nor more than five weeks after the last primary. If the vacancy happens with fewer than six months left in the term, the seat stays vacant until the next countywide general election, though the election commission can schedule a special primary and runoff to qualify a candidate for the general election. The act repeals earlier election-date sections and replaces them with this framework, and it takes effect June 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Jefferson County voters: they will see a defined schedule for filling a county commission vacancy, including when primaries and the general election would occur.
• Jefferson County Election Commission and potential candidates: the commission gains the responsibility to set election dates within a seven-day window of a vacancy and may schedule necessary primaries and runoffs to qualify candidates for the general election.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 45-37-72.20 and 45-37-72.21 to establish the vacancy-filling process and election-date framework.
• Repeals Sections 45-37-72.22 and 45-37-72.23, which related to prior election-date rules.
• Defines terms used in this context, including COUNTY, COUNTYWIDE ELECTION, ELECTION COMMISSION, FIRST PRIMARY ELECTION, RUNOFF GENERAL ELECTION, SCHEDULED COUNTYWIDE ELECTION, and VACANCY.
• Requires the election commission to adopt a resolution within seven days of a vacancy detailing dates for the first primary (45-60 days after resolution), runoff primary (if needed), and general election (3-5 weeks after last primary).
• Allows for a special primary and runoff to qualify a candidate for the general election.
• If fewer than six months remain in the term, the position remains vacant until the next scheduled countywide general election.

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

Subjects

Jefferson County