Alabama Constitution Section 52 - Quorum in each house.
Alabama Constitution – Section 52
Title: Quorum in each house.
Text of the Section:
A majority of each house shall constitute a quorum to transact business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as each house may prescribe.
Explanation:
Section 52 establishes the rules for a quorum in the Alabama Legislature, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Key Points:
Majority Required for Quorum:
More than half of the members of either house must be present to conduct official business.
Fewer Members Can Adjourn:
If a quorum is not present, a smaller number of members cannot conduct business, but they can adjourn the session temporarily.
Compelling Attendance:
Each house has the authority to compel absent members to attend, including through penalties, according to its own rules.
Purpose:
To ensure that legislative decisions are made with sufficient participation, maintaining representative integrity.
To prevent obstruction by absent members (e.g., boycotts), allowing the legislature to function effectively even when attendance is low.
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