SB382 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Alabama citizens to initiate the enactment of general laws and constitutional amendments through a voter initiative process, subject to the same limitations imposed on the Legislature.

• Requires initiative proponents to file a preliminary petition with at least 1,000 qualified voter signatures and a $1,000 filing fee (refundable if successful) with the Secretary of State.

• Final petitions for general laws must be signed by at least 7% of votes cast for Governor in the last gubernatorial election, with minimum 1% from each congressional district; constitutional amendments require 10% signatures with 1.3% minimum per district.

• Legislature has until the 30th legislative day to enact an initiative proposal without alteration; if not enacted, the proposal goes to voters on the next statewide election held 90+ days after adjournment; Legislature may offer an alternative proposal to appear on the same ballot.

• Laws adopted by initiative cannot be repealed or amended except by voter vote unless otherwise specified, and identical failed initiatives cannot be resubmitted within two years.