SB 88 Summary

• Proposes to amend Amendment 555 of the Alabama Constitution (Section 284.01) to change the threshold for when local constitutional amendments require a statewide vote

• Removes the current requirement that any dissenting legislative vote triggers a statewide referendum; instead establishes that 15 or more dissenting votes in the House of Representatives and 5 or more dissenting votes in the Senate are needed to mandate statewide approval

• Local amendments affecting only one county or political subdivision would be adopted by favorable vote of qualified electors in that county or subdivision, unless the legislative dissent threshold is met

• Requires local amendments to be approved by three-fifths vote of both legislative houses and by majority vote of the Local Constitutional Amendment Commission (Governor, Senate Presiding Officer, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and House Speaker)

• Establishes procedures for amendment election notice, ballot language, and alternate statewide referendum if the Local Constitutional Amendment Commission rejects a legislative-approved amendment