SB 259 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment to repeal and readopt Article V of Alabama's 1901 Constitution concerning the Executive Department, becoming effective January 1, 2017.

• Consolidates multiple sections and modernizes language by replacing terms like "disability" with "incapacity" and "insane" with "of unsound mind," and updates references to be gender-neutral throughout.

• Requires the Attorney General to have been licensed to practice law in Alabama for five years before election and modifies gubernatorial succession procedures by eliminating the requirement for an election if both Governor and Lieutenant Governor vacancies occur within 60 days of a general election.

• Simplifies procedures for presenting bills to the Governor, veto power, and bill passage after veto by reducing the timeframe for Governor action and establishing a two-day notice requirement for calling extraordinary legislative sessions.

• Moves provisions relating to civil service appointments, Alabama State Docks conveyances, state retirement system assets, and health care benefits for retired employees from Article V to Article XVII (Miscellaneous).