Alabama voters won’t be casting ballots on a state lottery this November. But, there will be a proposed constitutional amendment to keep an estimated six hundred local laws from being declared null and void. A lawsuit is challenging House procedures which could make lawmakers' “yes” votes to allow voters to decide on a list of local ballot measures unconstitutional. If the legal challenge is successful, these local laws might be ruled invalid even if voters approved them. Senator Cam Ward says the measures possibly at risk include one in Florence allowing Sunday alcohol sales. Others could include how Morgan and Limestone Counties receive revenue-sharing dollars from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Still, a third law adjusted the city limits in the town of Sheffield.
The proposed constitutional amendment would shore up the legality of all of these local laws. A Montgomery judge ordered Secretary of State John Merrill to add a proposed constitutional amendment to the November ballot. The order stemmed from an emergency petition requested by the Chilton County Health Care Authority to add the referendum. The order came after a squabble erupted between Merrill and lawmakers over the deadline for ballot additions. Merrill says the deadline was Wednesday while lawmakers said it was Friday. The judge sided with the authority who says Merrill had the discretion to add the amendment.
Merrill says the amendment was added in accordance with judge's direction.
