Legislature, term limits of two terms plus two years in each house provided, prior service not counted, const. amend.
Impact
The passage of HB 317 could significantly alter the landscape of political representation in Alabama. By instituting term limits, the bill aims to enhance governmental accountability and freshness in leadership, as it would prevent long-term incumbents from dominating the legislative branches. Supporters argue that this could lead to more diverse perspectives and opportunities for new candidates to emerge, fostering a more responsive government by encouraging legislators to consider the wishes of their constituents with a finite time in office.
Summary
House Bill 317 proposes a constitutional amendment to the Alabama Constitution aimed at limiting the number of terms that members of the Alabama Senate and House of Representatives can serve. Specifically, it sets a maximum of two full terms plus the ability to serve up to two additional years to fill a vacancy in each house. This change is intended to commence with the legislators elected during the 2026 General Election. The amendment specifies that prior service in either legislative body will not count against the new term limits, thus allowing current legislators to potentially serve additional terms beyond the proposed limit.
Contention
Nonetheless, the bill has its critics, who argue that term limits could result in a loss of experienced legislative leadership and continuity in policy development. Opponents claim that while the intention is to increase accountability, such measures could inadvertently empower lobbyists and unelected officials who remain behind the scenes while elected representatives change frequently. Additionally, there are concerns about whether the amendment adequately protects the public's right to choose their representatives, as it may limit options at the ballot box in future elections.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.