Alabama State Senate

General Information
Party control: |  Republican
Session start:[1] |  January 11, 2022
Session end:[1] |  April 7, 2022
Term length: |  4 years
Term limits: |  None
Redistricting: | Legislature-dominant
Salary: |  $51,734/year
Members
Total: | 35
Democrats: | 8
Republicans: | 27
Other: | 0
Vacancies: | 0
Leadership
President: |  Will Ainsworth (R)
Maj. Leader: |  Greg Reed (R)
Min. Leader: |  Bobby Singleton (D)
Elections
Last election: | November 6, 2018
Next election: | November 8, 2022

The Alabama State Senate is the upper chamber of the Alabama State Legislature. Alongside the Alabama House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Alabama state government and works alongside the governor of Alabama to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Alabama State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Alabama State Senate meets in the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Alabama.

Alabama enacted state legislative maps for the state Senate and House of Representatives on Nov. 4, 2021, after Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signed the proposals into law.[2] Senators approved the Senate map on Nov. 1 with a 25-7 vote.[3] Representatives approved the Senate map on Nov. 3 with a 76-26 vote.[2] For the House proposal, representatives voted 68-35 in favor on Nov. 1 and senators followed on Nov. 3 with a 22-7 vote.[4] These maps take effect for Alabama's 2022 legislative elections. Click here for more information about redistricting after the 2020 census.

* All 35 seats in the Alabama State Senate are up for election in 2022.

* All 35 seats in the Alabama State Senate were up for election in 2018. In 2018, Republicans increased their majority in the chamber from 26-8 (with one independent) to 27-8. Click to read more »
* Alabama has a Republican trifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

This page contains the following information on the Alabama State Senate.

* Which party controls the chamber
* The chamber's current membership
* Partisan control of the chamber over time
* Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
* A district map
* How redistricting works in the state
* Legislation currently under consideration
* Legislative session dates
* Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
* A list of committees

## Party control[edit]

### Current partisan control[edit]

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Alabama State Senate as of April 2022:

Party  | As of April 2022

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| Democratic Party | 8
| Republican Party | 27
| Vacancies  | 0
Total |  35

## Members[edit]

### Leadership[edit]

The Lieutenant Governor serves as ex officio president of the Senate but can only vote in the event of a tie. The president pro tempore holds the chief leadership position in the Senate, is elected from the Senate membership during each organizational session, and serves in the absence of the president of the Senate.[5][6]

### Current leadership and members[edit]

* Senate president: Will Ainsworth (R)
* Senate president pro tempore: Del Marsh (R)
* Majority leader: Greg Reed (R)
* Minority leader: Bobby Singleton (D)

Office | Name | Party | Date assumed office

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Alabama State Senate District 1 | Tim Melson | Republican  | November 5, 2014
Alabama State Senate District 2 | Tom Butler | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Alabama State Senate District 3 | Arthur Orr | Republican  | 2006
Alabama State Senate District 4 | Garlan Gudger | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Alabama State Senate District 5 | Greg Reed | Republican  | 2010
Alabama State Senate District 6 | Larry Stutts | Republican  | November 5, 2014
Alabama State Senate District 7 | Sam Givhan | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Alabama State Senate District 8 | Steve Livingston | Republican  | November 5, 2014
Alabama State Senate District 9 | Clay Scofield | Republican  | November 3, 2010
Alabama State Senate District 10 | Andrew Jones | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Alabama State Senate District 11 | Jim McClendon | Republican  | November 5, 2014
Alabama State Senate District 12 | Del Marsh | Republican  | 1998
Alabama State Senate District 13 | Randy Price | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Alabama State Senate District 14 | April Weaver | Republican  | July 14, 2021
Alabama State Senate District 15 | Dan Roberts | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Alabama State Senate District 16 | J.T. Waggoner | Republican  | 1990
Alabama State Senate District 17 | Shay Shelnutt | Republican  | November 5, 2014
Alabama State Senate District 18 | Rodger Smitherman | Democratic  | 1994
Alabama State Senate District 19 | Priscilla Dunn | Democratic  | 2009
Alabama State Senate District 20 | Linda Coleman-Madison | Democratic  | 2006
Alabama State Senate District 21 | Gerald Allen | Republican  | November 3, 2010
Alabama State Senate District 22 | Greg Albritton | Republican  | November 5, 2014
Alabama State Senate District 23 | Malika Sanders-Fortier | Democratic  | November 7, 2018
Alabama State Senate District 24 | Bobby Singleton | Democratic  | 2005
Alabama State Senate District 25 | Will Barfoot | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Alabama State Senate District 26 | Kirk Hatcher | Democratic  | March 3, 2021
Alabama State Senate District 27 | Tom Whatley | Republican  | November 3, 2010
Alabama State Senate District 28 | Billy Beasley | Democratic  | November 3, 2010
Alabama State Senate District 29 | Donnie Chesteen | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Alabama State Senate District 30 | Clyde Chambliss Jr. | Republican  | November 5, 2014
Alabama State Senate District 31 | Jimmy Holley | Republican  | 1998
Alabama State Senate District 32 | Chris Elliott | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Alabama State Senate District 33 | Vivian Figures | Democratic  | 1997
Alabama State Senate District 34 | Jack Williams | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Alabama State Senate District 35 | David Sessions | Republican  | November 7, 2018

### Salaries[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislators

Salary| Per diem
$51,734/year| For overnight stays: $85/day. For two or more days with overnight stays: $100/day.

### Swearing in dates[edit]

See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

Alabama's state senators assume office the day following their election.[7]

### Membership qualifications[edit]

See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

Under Article IV, Section 47, of the Alabama Constitution, senators must be at least 25 years of age at the time of their election, must be citizens and residents of the State of Alabama for at least 3 years and residents of their district at least one year prior to election.

## Historical party control[edit]

From 1990 to 2019, partisan control of the Alabama State Senate went from a 28-7 Democratic advantage to a 27-8 Republican advantage. The rapid partisan change in the chamber coincided with the American South's shift from nearly 175 years of Democratic dominance to being solid Republican in the early 21st century. The table below shows the partisan history of the Alabama Senate following every general election from 1990 to 2018. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Alabama State Senate Party Control: 1990-2018

Year  | '90  | '94  | '98  | '02  | '06  | '10  | '14  | '18

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Democrats | 28 | 23 | 23 | 25 | 23 | 12 | 8 | 8
Republicans | 7 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 22 | 26 | 27

Democrats held majorities over the Whig Party for most of the early 1800s. After a brief period of Republican control in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, Democrats began winning large majorities, with Republicans often winning one seat or none. From 1902 to 1978, the Democratic advantage over Republicans never fell below 34-1. Republicans secured three seats in the chamber in 1983 through special elections that were ordered after a federal court struck down the 1982 legislative map for violating the 1965 Voting Rights Act.[8][9]

After 1983, the Alabama Senate slowly began conforming to the overall Republican trend in the American South. Republicans won five seats in 1986, seven seats in 1990, and 12 seats in 1994, shrinking the Democratic advantage to 11 seats. However, Republican gains stagnated after 1994 as they still had 12 seats more than a decade later in 2006. But in 2010, the party picked up an additional 10 seats and a 22-12 advantage over Democrats. This was the first Republican majority since 1868. Republicans picked up another four seats in the 2014 election, expanding their majority to 26-8. The chamber's Republican gains in 2010 and 2014 were in line with a national trend toward Republican state legislatures during the presidency of Barack Obama (D). From 2009 to 2017, Democrats experienced losses in state legislative elections, totaling 968 seats all together.

### Trifecta history[edit]

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2021, Alabama was under the following types of trifecta control:

* Democratic trifecta: 1993-1994, 1999-2002
* Republican trifecta: 2011-2021
* Divided government: 1992, 1995-1998, 2003-2010

Alabama Party Control: 1992-2022
Six years of Democratic trifectas • Twelve years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year  | 92  | 93  | 94  | 95  | 96  | 97  | 98  | 99  | 00  | 01  | 02  | 03  | 04  | 05  | 06  | 07  | 08  | 09  | 10  | 11  | 12  | 13  | 14  | 15  | 16  | 17  | 18  | 19  | 20  | 21  | 22

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Governor | R | D | D | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R
Senate | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R
House | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R

## Elections[edit]

### Elections by year[edit]

Alabama state senators serve four-year terms, with all seats up for election every four years. Alabama holds elections for its legislature every four years in even-numbered years.

### 2022[edit]

See also: Alabama State Senate elections, 2022

Elections for the Alabama State Senate will take place in 2022. The general election is on November 8, 2022. A primary is scheduled for May 24, 2022, and a primary runoff is scheduled for June 21, 2022. The filing deadline was January 28, 2022.

### 2018[edit]

See also: Alabama State Senate elections, 2018

Elections for the Alabama State Senate took place in 2018. An open primary election took place on June 5, 2018.[10] A primary runoff election took place on July 17, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018.[11] The candidate filing deadline was February 9, 2018.[12]

In the 2018 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the Alabama State Senate from 26-8 to 27-8.

Alabama State Senate

Party  | As of November 6, 2018  | After November 7, 2018
| Democratic Party | 8  | 8
| Republican Party | 26 | 27
| Independent  | 1  | 0
Total |  35 |  35

### 2014[edit]

See also: Alabama State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the Alabama State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on June 3, 2014; a runoff election took place where necessary on July 15, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was February 7, 2014.

In the 2014 elections, Republicans maintained control of the Alabama State Senate. Republicans increased their majority from 23-11 with one independent to 26-8 with one independent.

Alabama State Senate

Party  | As of November 3, 2014  | After November 4, 2014
| Democratic Party | 11  | 8
| Republican Party | 23 | 26
| Independent  | 1  | 1
Total |  35 |  35
Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

### 2010[edit]

See also: Alabama State Senate elections, 2010

Elections for the office of Alabama State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on April 2, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was April 2, 2010. All 35 Senate seats were up for election in 2010.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 20-15 majority. Democrats lost eight seats in the election. Republicans gained control of the chamber with a 22-12 majority as a result of the 2010 elections.

| Alabama State Senate

Party  | As of November 1, 2010  | After the 2010 Election
| Democratic Party | 20 | 12
| Republican Party | 15  | 22
| Independent  | 0  | 1
Total |  35 |  35

During the 2010 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $24,953,102. The top 10 contributors were:[13]

2010 Donors, Alabama State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Alabama Republican Party  | $1,493,942
Tennessee Valley Citizens for Economic Development  | $1,397,160
Alabama Education Association | $868,675
Business Council of Alabama | $817,000
Senate Majority PAC  | $745,634
Alabama Farmers Federation | $597,293
George Davis Flowers  | $568,947
Progress for Alabama PAC  | $525,696
Alabama Democratic Party  | $435,499
Alabama Power Co  | $390,250

### 2006[edit]

See also: Alabama State Senate elections, 2006

Elections for the office of Alabama State Senate took place in 2006. The primary election was held on June 6, 2006, and the general election was held on November 7, 2006. All 35 Senate seats were up for election in 2006.

During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $24,792,035. The top 10 contributors were:[14]

2006 Donors, Alabama State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Tennessee Valley Citizens for Economic Development  | $1,230,962
Alabama Education Association  | $1,003,393
Senate Majority PAC  | $894,840
Alabama Republican Party  | $829,311
Alabama Farmers Federation  | $766,283
Reynolds, Joan  | $670,500
Business Council of Alabama  | $584,000
Medical Association of the State of Alabama  | $541,285
Griffith, Parker  | $403,104
Alabama Forestry Association  | $386,500

### 2002[edit]

See also: Alabama State Senate elections, 2002

Elections for the office of Alabama State Senate took place in 2002. The primary election was held on June 6, 2002, and the general election was held on November 7, 2002. All 35 Senate seats were up for election in 2002.

During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $15,536,155. The top 10 contributors were:[15]

2002 Donors, Alabama State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Business Council of Alabama  | $1,309,594
Alabama Education Association  | $1,134,352
Medical Association of the State of Alabama  | $499,242
Alabama Democratic Party  | $477,761
Alabama Trial Lawyers Association  | $425,000
Leader PAC  | $373,000
Alabama Farmers Federation  | $321,582
Alabama State Employees Association  | $261,250
Alabama Power CO  | $229,250
Uburn Trustee Improvement  | $206,500

### Vacancies[edit]

See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in the Alabama State Legislature, a special election must generally be conducted in order to fill the vacant seat. In the event that a vacancy occurs on or after October 1 in the year of a regular election, the seat will remain vacant until filled at the regular election. Otherwise, the governor must call for a special election if the vacancy happens before the next scheduled general election and the Legislature is in session.[16][17] The governor has all discretion in setting the date of the election along with the nominating deadlines.[17]

See sources: Alabama Code § 17-15-1

## District map[edit]

See also: Alabama state legislative districts

The state of Alabama has 35 state Senate districts. Each district elects one senator.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

## Redistricting[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Alabama

The Alabama State Legislature is responsible for drawing both congressional and state legislative district lines. Both chambers of the state legislature must approve a single redistricting plan. State legislative district lines must be approved in the first legislative session following the United States Census. There is no statutory deadline for congressional redistricting. The governor may veto the lines drawn by the state legislature.[18]

The Alabama Constitution requires that state legislative district lines be contiguous. In addition, the state constitution mandates that state Senate districts "follow county lines except where necessary to comply with other legal requirements."[18]

In 2000, according to All About Redistricting, the legislative committee charged with redistricting "adopted guidelines ... asking that [congressional] districts be contiguous, reasonably compact, follow county lines where possible, and maintain communities of interest to the extent feasible." In addition, the committee agreed to "attempt to avoid contests between incumbents." Similar guidelines apply to state legislative redistricting. At its discretion, the state legislature may change these guidelines, which are non-binding.[18]

### 2020[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Alabama after the 2020 census

Alabama enacted state legislative maps for the state Senate and House of Representatives on Nov. 4, 2021, after Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signed the proposals into law.[2] Senators approved the Senate map on Nov. 1 with a 25-7 vote.[19] Representatives approved the Senate map on Nov. 3 with a 76-26 vote.[2] For the House proposal, representatives voted 68-35 in favor on Nov. 1 and senators followed on Nov. 3 with a 22-7 vote.[20] These maps take effect for Alabama's 2022 legislative elections.

#### District map before and after 2020 redistricting[edit]

Below is the state Senate map in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle.

### Alabama State Senate Districts
until November 8, 2022

Click a district to compare boundaries.

### Alabama State Senate Districts
starting November 9, 2022

Click a district to compare boundaries.

### 2010[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Alabama after the 2010 census

Alabama received its local census data on February 23, 2011. Because new state legislative maps were not needed until 2014, legislators began working on the new maps in 2012.[21] The Senate approved a House redistricting plan on May 24, 2012, and after the House approved the new plan it went to Gov. Robert Bentley (R) for his signature. On July 26, 2012, Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange (R) filed a lawsuit seeking clearance from a federal court that the state's redistricting plan for the legislature did not violate the Voting Rights Act (VRA). The lawsuit, a required provision of the VRA, was heard by a three-judge District Court.[22] The Department of Justice approved of the new maps on October 5, 2012.

The following tables show the change in population in the five largest cities and counties in Alabama from 2000-2010.[23]

| City  | 2000 Population  | 2010 Population  | Percent Change

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Birmingham  | 242,820  | 212,237  | -12.6%
Montgomery  | 201,568  | 205,764  | 2.1%
Mobile  | 198,915  | 195,111  | -1.9%
Huntsville  | 158,216  | 180,105  | 13.8%
Tuscaloosa  | 77,906  | 90,468  | 16.1%
|  | County  | 2000 Population  | 2010 Population  | Percent Change

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Jefferson  | 662,047  | 658,466  | -0.5%
Mobile  | 399,843  | 412,992  | 3.3%
Madison  | 276,700  | 334,811  | 21.0%
Montgomery  | 223,510  | 229,363  | 2.6%
Shelby  | 143,293  | 195,085  | 36.1%

## Sessions[edit]

### Legislation[edit]

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Alabama State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

### Dates of legislative sessions in Alabama by year[edit]

### 2022[edit]

See also: 2022 Alabama legislative session and Dates of 2022 state legislative sessions

In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2022, and adjourn on April 7, 2022.

### 2021[edit]

See also: 2021 Alabama legislative session and Dates of 2021 state legislative sessions

In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on February 2, 2021, and adjourn on May 17, 2021.

### 2020[edit]

See also: 2020 Alabama legislative session and Dates of 2020 state legislative sessions

In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on February 4, 2020, and adjourn on May 18, 2020.

#### Effect of coronavirus pandemic[edit]

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Coronavirus pandemic
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Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. On March 16, 2020, the Alabama House of Representatives announced a suspension of legislative activity in response to the coronavirus pandemic, canceling all committee meetings scheduled for March 25, 2020. The House was scheduled to meet on March 26, 2020, but a quorum was not expected. Both the House and the Alabama State Senate were scheduled to reconvene on March 31, 2020, in keeping with their original schedules. At that time, according to a statement from House leadership, "a joint decision [would] be made as to future legislative meeting days."[24]

On March 31, 2020, lawmakers approved a suspension of all legislative activity through April 28, 2020. That suspension was then extended to May 4, 2020, at which point the legislature reconvened. The legislature adjourned on May 18, 2020.[25][26][27]

### 2019[edit]

See also: 2019 Alabama legislative session and Dates of 2019 state legislative sessions

In 2019, the legislature was in session from March 5, 2019, through May 31, 2019.

### 2018[edit]

See also: 2018 Alabama legislative session and Dates of 2018 state legislative sessions

In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2018, through March 29, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

### 2017[edit]

See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

In 2017, the legislature was in session from February 7, 2017, through May 19, 2017.

### 2016[edit]

See also: Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

In 2016, the legislature was in session from February 2 through May 4. The legislature held a special session from August 15 to September 7.

### 2015[edit]

See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

In 2015, the legislature was in session from March 3 through June 4. The legislature held a special session from July 13 to August 11. The legislature held a second special session from September 8 to September 16.[28]

#### Major issues in 2015[edit]

Major issues during the 2015 legislative session included a $265 million deficit in the state's General Fund. If left unchecked, this deficit was expected to reach nearly $700 million in a few years' time. This fund provides money for the judicial branch, prisons, Medicaid and state troopers.[29]

### 2014[edit]

See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 14 through April 4.

#### Major issues in 2014[edit]

Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included creating a new budget, a pay raise for teachers, Common Core and banning legislators from serving as lobbyists immediately following their departure.[30]

### 2013[edit]

See also: Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

In 2013, the legislature was in session from February 5 through May 20.

#### Major issues in 2013[edit]

Major issues during the 2013 legislative session included the general fund, maintaining Medicaid, raises for teachers, giving schools more flexibility over state policies, and gun laws.[31] Heading into the session, the general fund was estimated to be $200 million short of requests.

### 2012[edit]

See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

In 2012, the legislature was in regular session from February 7 through May 16. It held a special session from May 17 through May 24 to address redistricting.[32]

### 2011[edit]

See also: Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

In 2011, the legislature was in session from March 1 through June 9.[33]

### 2010[edit]

See also: Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 12 through April 12.

### About legislative sessions in Alabama[edit]

The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[34] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Section 48 of  Article IV of the Alabama Constitution initially set the rules for the timing and length of sessions for the Alabama State Legislature, which the Senate is a part of. However, these rules have since been changed by state statute.

The Alabama Legislature convenes in regular annual sessions on the first Tuesday in February, except during the first year of the four-year term, when the session begins on the first Tuesday in March. In the last year of a four-year term, the legislative session begins on the second Tuesday in January. The length of the regular session is limited to 30 meeting days within a period of 105 calendar days. There are usually two meeting or "legislative" days per week, with other days devoted to committee meetings.

The governor of Alabama can call, by proclamation, special sessions of the Alabama legislature. The governor must list the subjects on which legislation will be debated upon. These sessions are limited to 12 legislative days within a 30 calendar day span. In a regular session, bills may be enacted on any subject. In a special session, legislation must be enacted only on those subjects which the governor announces on their proclamation or "call." Anything not in the "call" requires a two-thirds vote of each house to be enacted.[35]

Bills can be prefiled before sessions, starting at the end of the previous session and ending at the beginning of the session for which they are being filed. The exception to this is for sessions beginning in March every four years.[36]

The Alabama Legislature has a constitutional session length limit of 105 calendar days.

## Legislative roles and procedures[edit]

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, procedures for filling membership vacancies, and redistricting.

### Veto overrides[edit]

See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Alabama are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? A majority of members in both chambers.

A simple majority of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 53 of the 105 members in the Alabama House of Representatives and 18 of the 35 members in the Alabama State Senate. Alabama is one of six states that requires a majority vote from each of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

Authority: Article V, Section 125 of the Alabama Constitution.

"If the governor's message proposes amendment, which would remove his objections, the house to which it is sent may so amend the bill and send it with the governor's message to the other house, which may adopt, but can not amend, said amendment; and both houses concurring in the amendment, the bill shall again be sent to the governor and acted on by him as other bills. If the house to which the bill is returned refuses to make such amendment, it shall proceed to reconsider it; and if a majority of the whole number elected to that house shall vote for the passage of the bill, it shall be sent with the objections to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by a majority of the whole number elected to that house, it shall become a law."

### Role in state budget[edit]

See also: Alabama state budget and finances
Alabama on

Check out Ballotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
Budgets • Civil liberties • Education • Elections • Energy • Environment • Healthcare • Pensions

* * *

The state operates on an annual budget cycle. Alabama's fiscal year runs from October 1 and ends September 30 of the following year. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[37]

1. In September of the year preceding the start of the new fiscal year, budget instructions are sent to state agencies.
2. In November, agencies submit their budget requests to the governor.
3. Budget hearings are held with state agencies in January.
4. By the second legislative day of each regular session of the legislature, the governor must submit his or her proposed budget to the state legislature. These dates vary from session to session, occurring as early as January and as late as March.
5. The legislature adopts a budget between February and May. It must pass a budget with a simple majority. The fiscal year begins in October.

The governor is required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature. In turn, the legislature must pass a balanced budget.[37]

Alabama is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[37]

## Committees[edit]

See also: List of committees in Alabama state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

* Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
* Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
* Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Alabama State Senate has 19 standing committees:

* Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee
* Banking and Insurance Committee
* Children, Youth, and Human Services Committee
* Confirmations Committee
* Finance and Taxation Education Committee
* Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee
* Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee
* Governmental Affairs Committee
* Healthcare Committee
* Local Legislation Jefferson County Committee
* Local Legislation Mobile County Committee
* Local Legislation Shelby County Committee
* Senate Education Policy Committee
* Senate Judiciary Committee
* Senate Local Legislation Committee
* Senate Rules Committee
* Tourism Committee
* Transportation and Energy Committee
* Veterans and Military Affairs Committee

## Constitutional amendments[edit]

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the Alabama Constitution can be amended:

See also: Article XVIII of the Alabama Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Alabama

Article XVIII of the Alabama Constitution defines two ways to amend the state constitution. If three-fifths of the Alabama state legislators approve a proposed constitutional amendment, it is put on the ballot where voters must approve it by a simple majority. The legislature, through a simple majority vote in both chambers, can also call for a ballot measure asking voters to approve a constitutional convention. Alabama does not feature the power of citizen initiative, either for constitutional amendments or statutes.

Below is the section of the Alabama Constitution that outlines the methods of amending the state constitution:

“  |

* If both houses of the Alabama State Legislature by a three-fifths (60 percent) vote agree, then a proposed constitutional amendment shall go on a statewide election ballot. If that amendment is approved by a simple majority of those voting in that election, it becomes part of the constitution.

* Amendments can initiate in either the Alabama State Senate or the Alabama House of Representatives.
* Amendments can be voted on either at the next general election, or at a special election date determined by the state legislature. Any such special elections must take place "not less than" three months after the final adjournment of the session of the legislature during which the amendment(s) was proposed.
* Notice of the fact that an election on a proposed amendment is going to take place must be published in each county of the state for at least eight successive weeks prior to the election.

* If both chambers of the state legislature agree by a simple majority vote, then a ballot question about whether to have a statewide constitutional convention can be placed on the ballot; if that question is approved by a majority of those voting in that election, then a constitutional convention will be called.[38]

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Historical context:

* A total of 78 constitutional amendments appeared on the statewide ballot during even-numbered election years in Alabama from 2000 to 2020, of which, 62 were approved (79.49%), and 16 were defeated (20.51%).
* From 2000 to 2020, the number of measures on statewide ballots during even-numbered years ranged from four to 15.
* Between 2000 and 2020, an average of eight measures appeared on the ballot in Alabama during even-numbered election years.

Alabama Constitutional Amendments, 2000-2020

Type | Total number | Approved | Percent approved | Defeated | Percent defeated | Even-year average | Even-year median | Even-year minimum | Even-year maximum
Constitutional amendments | 78 | 62 | 79.49% | 16 | 20.51% | 7.8 | 6.00 | 4 | 15

2023 measures:

See also: 2023 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures were certified for the ballot.

No measures to list

2022 measures:

Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2022 ballot by the legislature.

See also: Alabama 2022 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures were certified for the ballot.
Alabama Remove Orphans' Business from Probate Court Jurisdiction Amendment| Democrats| Republicans

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Senate:| Required: 21| Yes votes: 28 (80.00%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 4; No: 0| Yes: 24; No: 0
House:| Required: 63| Yes votes: 90 (87.38%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 24; No: 0| Yes: 66; No: 0
Allow Denial of Bail for Offenses Enumerated by State Legislature Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 21| Yes votes: 30 (88.24%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 6; No: 0| Yes: 24; No: 0
House:| Required: 63| Yes votes: 92 (89.32%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 22; No: 0| Yes: 70; No: 0
Alabama Prohibit Changes to Election Conduct Laws within Six Months of General Elections Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 21| Yes votes: 25 (73.53%)| No votes: 4 (11.76%)| Yes: 1; No: 2| Yes: 24; No: 2
House:| Required: 63| Yes votes: 75 (72.8%)| No votes: 24 (23.3%)| Yes: 1; No: 24| Yes: 74; No: 0
Alabama Authorize $85 Million in Bonds for Public Historical Sites and State Parks Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 21| Yes votes: 29 (85.29%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 6; No: 0| Yes: 23; No: 0
House:| Required: 63| Yes votes: 98 (95.15%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 25; No: 0| Yes: 73; No: 0
Alabama Authorize Certain Cities to Use Special Property Tax Revenue to Pay for Capital Improvements Directly Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 21| Yes votes: 29 (85.29%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 6; No: 0| Yes: 23; No: 0
House:| Required: 63| Yes votes: 98 (94.23%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 24; No: 0| Yes: 74; No: 0
Alabama Recompiled Constitution Ratification Question| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: | Yes votes: (%)| No votes: (%)| Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No:
House:| Required: | Yes votes: (%)| No votes: (%)| Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No:
Alabama Broadband Internet Infrastructure Funding Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 21| Yes votes: 27 (77.1%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 5; No: 0| Yes: 22; No: 0
House:| Required: 63| Yes votes: 101 (98.05%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 27; No: 0| Yes: 74; No: 0
Alabama Incorporate Voter-Approved Amendments in New State Constitution Measure| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 21| Yes votes: 26 (74.28%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 6; No: 0| Yes: 20; No: 0
House:| Required: 62| Yes votes: 101 (98.05%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 28; No: 0| Yes: 73; No: 0
Alabama County and Municipality Economic and Industrial Development Financing Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 21| Yes votes: 33 (94.29%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 6; No: 0| Yes: 27; No: 0
House:| Required: 63| Yes votes: 100 (98.04%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 28; No: 0| Yes: 72; No: 1
Alabama Notice to Victim's Family Required for Commutation or Reprieve of Death Sentences Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 21| Yes votes: 27 (77.14%)| No votes: 0 (0.00%)| Yes: 6; No: 0| Yes: 21; No: 0
House:| Required: | Yes votes: (%)| No votes: (%)| Yes: ; No: | Yes: ; No:

## See also[edit]

Elections |  Alabama State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics

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|
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* Alabama State Senate elections, 2022
* Alabama State Senate elections, 2018
* Alabama State Senate special elections, 2017

* Alabama State Legislature
* Alabama House of Representatives
* Governor of Alabama
* Alabama Supreme Court

* State legislative elections, 2022
* State legislative elections, 2021
* State legislative elections, 2018
* State legislative elections, 2017
* State legislative special elections, 2017
* State legislative elections, 2016

* State government trifectas
* State government triplexes
* State executives
* State courts
* Ballot measures

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 This date reflects the regularly-scheduled date and does not reflect any change made as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. For more information on changes to state legislative sessions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, click here.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Montgomery Advertiser, "Gov. Kay Ivey signs off on Alabama congressional, legislative, SBOE maps for 2022," Nov. 4, 2021
3. ↑ Alabama Political Reporter, "Alabama Senate passes Senate, State School Board districts," Nov. 1, 2021
4. ↑ Alabama Political Report, "House district lines comfortably pass House over objections from both sides ," Nov. 1, 2021
5. ↑ Justia, "Alabama Constitution, Article V, Section 117," accessed February 5, 2021
6. ↑ Justia, "Alabama Constitution, Article IV, Section 51," accessed February 5, 2021
7. ↑ Justia, "Alabama Constitution, Article IV, Section 46," accessed February 5, 2021
8. ↑ New York Times, "Dominant Democratic Party in Alabama takes liberal turn," October 25, 1983
9. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "1980s Redistricting Case Summaries," January 13, 2016
10. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "State Primary Election Systems," accessed March 23, 2017
11. ↑ Alabama Secretary of State, "Upcoming Elections," accessed May 9, 2017
12. ↑ Alabama Secretary of State, "FCPA Filing Calendar - 2018 Election Cycle," accessed May 29, 2017
13. ↑ Follow the Money, "Alabama 2010 Senate Candidates," accessed May 15, 2014
14. ↑ Follow the Money, "Alabama 2006 Senate Candidates," accessed April 9, 2013
15. ↑ Follow the Money, "Alabama 2002 Senate Candidates," accessed April 9, 2013
16. ↑ Alabama Legislature, "Code of Alabama," accessed February 5, 2021 (Section 17-15-1)
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Alabama Legislature, "Code of Alabama," accessed February 5, 2021 (Section 17-15-3)
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 All About Redistricting, "Alabama," accessed April 16, 2015
19. ↑ Alabama Political Reporter, "Alabama Senate passes Senate, State School Board districts," Nov. 1, 2021
20. ↑ Alabama Political Report, "House district lines comfortably pass House over objections from both sides ," Nov. 1, 2021
21. ↑ The Huntsville Times, "Huntsville first stop tonight by legislative committee for series of statewide hearings on redistricting," May 9, 2011
22. ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Alabama seeks Voting Rights Act clearance of redistricting plan," July 27, 2012
23. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "Alabama Custom tables 2010," accessed March 1, 2011
24. ↑ Alabama Political Reporter, "Alabama House cancels March 25 committee meetings due to coronavirus," March 17, 2020
25. ↑ News 5 WKRG, "Alabama lawmakers suspend 2020 legislative session, will return in late April," April 1, 2020
26. ↑ MultiState, "2020 Legislative Session Dates," last updated April 27, 2020
27. ↑ CBS 42, "Alabama Legislature reconvening Monday despite coronavirus outbreak," May 4, 2020
28. ↑ al.com, "Gov. Robert Bentley: Divorce, ALGOV, special session and what we know now," accessed September 8, 2015
29. ↑ AL.com, "What big issues will the Alabama Legislature solve in 2015? Let us know in the poll and comments," December 31, 2014
30. ↑ blog.al.com, "Seven issues to watch in the 2014 legislative session," January 12, 2014
31. ↑ AL.com, "Alabama Legislature 2013: 10 hot issues to watch in the upcoming session," February 2, 2013
32. ↑ tuscaloosanews.com, "Alabama Legislature passes redistricting plans," accessed April 21, 2015
33. ↑ ncsl.org, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed April 21, 2015
34. ↑ Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
35. ↑ Alabama State Legislature, "Visitor's Guide to the Alabama Legislature," accessed May 15, 2014
36. ↑ Alabama State Legislature, "The Rules of the Senate of Alabama," accessed May 15, 2014
37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2015," accessed February 5, 2021
38. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

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