HB294 Summary

• Amends Section 29-4-1 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to change the Alabama Legislature's meeting dates to implement biennial budgeting periods beginning in 2019.

• General sessions shall commence on the fourth Tuesday in January of the first year of the legislative term, with sessions limited to 20 legislative days and 70 calendar days (reduced from 30 legislative days and 105 calendar days).

• Establishes fiscal sessions beginning in 2019 to convene on the second Tuesday in April, limited to 12 legislative days and 35 calendar days, to consider only revenue and appropriation bills.

• Prohibits bills making appropriations from being considered in general sessions.

• Effectiveness of the act is contingent upon passage and approval of a related constitutional amendment providing for biennial budgeting sessions and approval by statewide referendum.