Lieutenant Governor, vacancy in office, require the office be filled by election in certain circumstances, constitutional amendment
Summary
SB271 proposes a constitutional amendment to revise how certain state offices are filled and how legislative compensation and travel spending are handled. The bill would change Section 127 of the Alabama Constitution to require that if the office of lieutenant governor becomes vacant more than 60 days before the next general election for state officers, the vacancy must be filled by election at that general election for the remainder of the term. It also clarifies succession rules for the governor’s office in the event of vacancies, impeachment, absence, disability, or failure of a governor-elect or lieutenant governor-elect to qualify.
In addition to succession changes, the amendment would authorize the Legislature to set the salary of the lieutenant governor and officers of both legislative chambers by joint resolution. It would also require that any spending of legislative funds appropriated for member travel be approved by an officer of the Legislature elected from the full membership of the respective chamber. The bill includes ballot language for voter approval and directs the Code Commissioner to make nonsubstantive codification changes if the amendment is ratified.
Impact
If ratified by voters, SB271 would amend the Alabama Constitution and alter the legal framework for filling a lieutenant governor vacancy, replacing vacancy-by-default arrangements with an election requirement in specified circumstances. It would also affect legislative administration by shifting salary-setting authority for the lieutenant governor and legislative officers to the Legislature through joint resolution, and by imposing an internal approval requirement on travel expenditures from legislative appropriations. The amendment would directly affect state constitutional succession provisions, legislative compensation practices, and oversight of legislative travel spending.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong, unanimous support for the measure in both chambers, with no recorded dissenting votes on the listed actions. The bill passed the Senate and House overwhelmingly and was concurred in after amendment, suggesting broad bipartisan agreement or at least no visible opposition in floor votes. No committee transcript is available, so the public discussion record provided here does not show detailed debate, but the vote totals indicate a generally favorable reception.
Contention
The main policy issues embedded in SB271 are the method of filling a lieutenant governor vacancy, legislative control over salaries, and approval authority for travel expenditures. Supporters appear to favor electing a lieutenant governor when a vacancy arises early enough in the term and giving the Legislature more direct control over its own compensation and travel oversight. Potential points of contention, though not reflected in the recorded votes, would likely include whether vacancies should be filled by election versus appointment or succession, whether lawmakers should set their own pay by joint resolution, and whether the travel-approval requirement creates an internal check or an administrative burden. No specific opposition is documented in the provided materials.
Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.
Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.