AL HB197

Proposes a constitutional amendment to establish annual regular sessions beginning in 2017, held on the last Tuesday in January, limited to 20 legislative days and 70 calendar days, allowing consideration of any bills except appropriations measures.

Creates separate annual fiscal sessions beginning in 2017, held on the fourth Tuesday in April, limited to 12 legislative days and 30 calendar days, exclusively for basic appropriations bills covering two succeeding fiscal years.

Requires the governor to submit a proposed biennial budget at least seven days before each fiscal session begins and makes it the legislature's paramount duty to pass basic appropriations bills for the two-year budget period.

Restricts salary increases and new employee appropriations in basic appropriations bills unless employment and salary amounts are already prescribed by law, with all other appropriations made through separate single-subject bills.

Repeals Amendment 339 (Section 76 of Article IV) and Amendment 448 (Section 71.01 of Article IV) to the Alabama Constitution of 1901 and requires voter approval through statewide election.