HB 337 - Initiative and Constitutional Amendment Process

• Proposes constitutional amendment allowing Alabama citizens to initiate enactment of general laws and constitutional amendments through a petition and signature process, subject to the same limitations as the Legislature.

• Requires preliminary filing with 1,000 qualified voter signatures and $1,000 filing fee; final petition requires signatures equaling 7% of votes cast for Governor in last election, with minimum 1% from each congressional district.

• Registered agent must manage initiative process and comply with election reporting requirements; Legislature has opportunity to sponsor proposal during regular session or Legislature may offer alternative proposal to appear on ballot alongside original initiative.

• Initiative proposals for general laws cannot be altered by Legislature, do not require Governor signature, and if enacted by Legislature become effective upon delivery to Secretary of State; if not enacted by 30th legislative day, proposal goes to ballot.

• Constitutional amendments require 10% of gubernatorial votes on final petition; Legislature may approve alternative amendment; both original and alternative proposals appear on ballot, with measure receiving most votes prevailing in case of conflict.