HB235 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Alabama citizens to initiate general laws and constitutional amendments through a citizen petition and referendum process.

• Requires a preliminary petition signed by at least 1,000 qualified voters and a $1,000 filing fee (refundable if the initiative succeeds) to propose a general law; requires 10% of gubernatorial election votes for constitutional amendments.

• Mandates the Legislature consider all properly filed initiatives during regular sessions; the Legislature may enact the initiative unchanged or propose an alternative to appear on the same ballot.

• Places initiatives on the next statewide election ballot occurring 90 or more days after the Legislature adjourns if not enacted by the 30th legislative day; prohibits special elections solely for initiatives.

• Prevents laws adopted by initiative from being repealed or amended except by voter vote, and restricts resubmission of failed identical initiatives for two years.