By Staff
The first item on the ballot will be a vote on re-organizing the State Constitution. The revised Constitution will ONLY do the following:
• Rearrange so that similar subjects are located together
• Remove racist language
• Delete repeated or repealed portions/language
• Place all economic development amendments together
• Arrange local amendments by county
The following are new amendments proposed to the State Constitution:
- Aniah’s Law would allow judges to deny bail to suspects accused of violent crimes. Named after kidnap and murder victim Aniah Blanchard, this would expand the constitutional provision allowing judges to deny bail in capital offenses, including other violent felonies.
- Expanding Broadband would allow local governments to spend grant money with private industry to expand broadband. Currently, Alabama law forbids county or municipal governments from giving money or a “thing of value” to individuals or corporations.
- Commutation Notification would require the Governor to notify a victim’s family when commuting a death sentence. If passed, failure to notify the victim’s family would void any reprieve or commutation of the sentence issued by the Governor’s office.
- Enacting Election Law changes would prohibit any changes to election laws and procedures six months before a General Election. This aims to give voters confidence in the integrity of election results by ensuring the rules cannot be changed in the middle of a cycle.
- Eliminating Inconsistent Language From The Constitution would remove references to probate judges overseeing “orphan business.” Case law states juvenile matters – excluding adoption and guardianship – are the jurisdiction of the juvenile court system.
- Municipal Tax Use would allow about 40 municipalities to use ad valorem taxes to “pay-as-you-go” for capital improvements. Currently, these areas are required by the Constitution to take out loans- and pay interest – for these projects, even if there is cash on hand.
- Economic Development would afford all Cities and Counties equal footing for economic development if passed. Currently, there is a limit on Constitutional authority for certain cities and counties to pursue economic development.
- Sewer System Regulation would bring some privately-owned sewer systems in Shelby County under the regulation of the Alabama Public Service Commission. If passed, the PSC would be allowed to set rates for some time.
- Sewer System Regulation would allow the Public Service Commission to regulate a privately-owned sewer system in Tuscaloosa County. This PSC would regulate Lake View sewer company for four years to protect its customers from being overcharged if passed.
- Houskeeping Measure would authorize all amendments passed by the voters on November 8 (and after that) to be listed in order of passage as amendments to the Constitution of 2022. This will keep the Constitution consistent.
Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
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