HB336 Summary

• Repeals and replaces Article VII of the Alabama Constitution of 1901 regarding impeachments, effective January 1, 2017.

• Authorizes impeachment of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Auditor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Board of Education members, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, and supreme court justices for willful neglect of duty, corruption in office, incompetency, intoxication with liquor or narcotics, or offenses involving moral turpitude.

• Vests impeachment power in the House of Representatives and trial authority in the Senate, requiring a two-thirds majority for conviction, with the Lieutenant Governor presiding unless the Governor or Lieutenant Governor is impeached (then the Chief Justice presides).

• Authorizes the Supreme Court to remove district and circuit judges, probate judges, and sheriffs for impeachment causes; allows county and municipal officers to be tried for impeachment in felony courts with jury trial rights and appeal protections.

• Limits impeachment penalties to removal from office and disqualification from holding state office for the remainder of the term, but preserves criminal liability.