AL HB500

Proposes an amendment to Section 122 of the Alabama Constitution of 1901 to authorize the Legislature to call itself into special session under certain conditions.

Currently only the Governor may call special sessions; this amendment would allow the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Speaker of the House to convene special sessions jointly by proclamation.

Legislative-called special sessions must meet the same conditions and limitations as Governor-called sessions, including circumstances involving enemy action, insurrection, lawless outbreak, or infectious disease.

On the first day of a Legislature-called special session, each house must adopt a resolution by two-thirds vote of all members affirming the convening, or the Legislature shall stand adjourned sine die.

Governor's existing authority to convene special sessions under current law is preserved and unaffected by this amendment.