AL SB491

Proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the Alabama Legislature to enact general laws providing for the recall of elected state officials.

Recall petitions may be filed after the first year of an incumbent's term and must be signed by electors equaling at least 25 percent of the vote cast for that office in the last preceding election, with signatures collected within 90 days.

Recall elections must be scheduled for the sixth Tuesday after the Secretary of State verifies sufficient signatures, conducted as special elections without primary elections, with the highest vote-getter elected for the remainder of the term.

Grounds for initiating recall petitions include malfeasance or nonfeasance, lack of physical or mental fitness, incompetence, and violation of an oath of office.

Only one recall petition and election may be held against the same officer during their term, and recall is established as an additional removal method alongside impeachment and other existing procedures.