Alabama Constitution Section 61 - Laws to be passed by bills; restrictions on amendments to bills.
Alabama Constitution – Section 61
Title: Laws to be passed by bills; restrictions on amendments to bills.
Full Text:
Section 61.
The style of the laws of this state shall be: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of Alabama."
No law shall be passed except by bill, and no bill shall be so altered or amended on its passage through either house as to change its original purpose.
Explanation:
Section 61 sets rules for how laws must be created and amended in the Alabama Legislature, focusing on clarity, purpose, and legislative integrity:
1. Official Style of Laws:
Every law in Alabama must begin with the phrase:
"Be it enacted by the Legislature of Alabama."
This ensures uniformity and legal recognition of official state laws.
2. Laws Must Be Passed by Bills Only:
A bill is a proposed law formally introduced in the legislature.
No law can be enacted except through this formal legislative process, ensuring:
Debate,
Review,
Public accountability.
3. Restriction on Amendments:
When a bill is being debated or amended in either the House or Senate, it cannot be changed in a way that alters its original purpose.
This prevents lawmakers from:
"Sneaking in" unrelated provisions (known as "logrolling"),
Changing a bill so drastically that it no longer serves its initial intent,
Misleading legislators or the public about the bill’s true goal.
Purpose:
To maintain transparency, legislative honesty, and focus.
To prevent manipulative or deceptive legislative practices.
To ensure that each law reflects a clear and singular legislative intent.
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