Alabama SB271: Lieutenant Governor, vacancy in office, require the office be filled by election in certain circumstances, constitutional amendment

What the bill says

An Act, Proposing an amendment to Section 127 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, relating to certain state officers; to require the office of Lieutenant Governor to be filled by election rather than remain vacant in certain circumstances; to authorize the Legislature to set the salary of the Lieutenant Governor and officers of the Legislature; and to require any expenditure of legislative funds for travel to be approved by a legislative officer.

From the enrolled text:

An Act, Proposing an amendment to Section 127 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, relating to certain state officers; to require the office of Lieutenant Governor to be filled by election rather than remain vacant in certain circumstances; to authorize the Legislature to set the salary of the Lieutenant Governor and officers of the Legislature; and to require any expenditure of legislative funds for travel to be approved by a legislative officer. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA: Section 1. The following amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, is proposed: PROPOSED AMENDMENT PART I. Section 127 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, is amended to read as follows: "Section (a) In case of the governor's removal from office, death or resignationIf a vacancy occurs in the office of the governor, the lieutenant governor shall become governor. (b) If both a vacancy occurs in the office of the governor and the office of the lieutenant governor be removed from office, die or resign more than sixty60 days prior to the next general election, at which any state officers are to be elected, a governor and lieutenant governor shall be elected at such election for the unexpired term., and in the event of Page at such election for the unexpired term., and in the event of …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Givhan, Sam (R, SD-007) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. April 2, 2026: Enacted
2. April 1, 2026: Signature Requested
3. April 1, 2026: Sent to Secretary of State
4. April 1, 2026: Delivered to Governor
5. April 1, 2026: Enrolled
6. April 1, 2026: Ready to Enroll
7. April 1, 2026: Givhan Motion to Concur In and Adopt House Amendment to SB271
8. March 31, 2026: Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1091
9. March 31, 2026: Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1090
10. March 31, 2026: Lovvorn 1st Amendment Offered

Votes

• Senate Roll Call #1011 (April 1, 2026): 25 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Roll Call #1091 (April 1, 2026): 66 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Roll Call #1090 (April 1, 2026): 66 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Roll Call #1089 (April 1, 2026): 66 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate Roll Call #485 (February 19, 2026): 29 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate Roll Call #484 (February 19, 2026): 29 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB271?

SB271 is a bill in the Alabama Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Lieutenant Governor, vacancy in office, require the office be filled by election in certain circumstances, constitutional amendment.

What does SB271 do?

In its own words: An Act, Proposing an amendment to Section 127 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, relating to certain state officers; to require the office of Lieutenant Governor to be filled by election rather than remain vacant in certain circumstances; to authorize the Legislature to set the salary of the Lieutenant Governor and officers of the Legislature; and to require any expenditure of legislative funds for travel to be approved by a legislative officer.

What is the status of SB271?

Signed into law as of April 2, 2026. Latest action: Enacted (April 2, 2026).

Who sponsored SB271?

Givhan, Sam (R, SD-007).

Where is the official record for SB271?

On the Alabama Legislature website: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/instrument/2026RS/SB271