Montgomery County Commission Encourages Residents to Go to the Polls on March 5, 2024, to Make Their Voices Heard on Amendment 1

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (02/21/2024)- The Montgomery County Commission adopted a resolution Tuesday encouraging residents to go to the polls on March 5, 2024, to make their voices heard on Amendment 1

Since 1984, the Alabama Constitution has required that no legislation be considered by the Legislature until both of the State’s annual budgets are passed and delivered to the Governor. There is an exception that allows the Legislature to consider other matters head of the budgets by adoption a Budget Isolation Resolution (BIR) by a vote of no less than three-fifths of a quorum present.

Throughout the years, the language of this exception has been interpreted in various ways over how many votes are needed to adopt a BIR.

If a court finds that a local law’s BIR was adopted improperly, it could result in that local law being challenged on procedural grounds, even if that local law otherwise passed both chambers and became law.

The Alabama Legislature regularly passes many local laws and constitutional amendments that impact the services provided to Montgomery County’s residents, as well as the mechanisms for funding these services.

Amendment 1 would allow local bills and local constitutional amendments to be considered by the Legislature without the adoption of a BIR, removing a procedural step from the legislative process.

The Association of County Commissions of Alabama has adopted a resolution encouraging Alabamians to vote yes on Amendment 1.

Amendment 1 will appear on all parties’ ballots during the 2024 Primary Election scheduled for March 5, 2024.