HB487 Summary

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

• Requires preliminary petitions signed by at least 1,000 qualified Alabama voters and a $1,000 filing fee (refundable if initiative succeeds) with a named registered agent responsible for the process.

• Sets signature thresholds: 7% of votes cast for Governor in the last gubernatorial election for general laws, with at least 1% from each congressional district; 10% for constitutional amendments, with at least 1.3% from each congressional district.

• Requires the Legislature to consider initiative proposals during regular sessions; if not enacted by the 30th legislative day, proposals are placed on the ballot, and the Legislature may offer alternative proposals for voter consideration.

• Prohibits laws adopted by initiative from being repealed or amended except by voter vote (unless the initiative itself provides otherwise), and prevents identical failed initiatives from being resubmitted within two years.