THE LEGISLATURE Established in 1819. Consists of a Senate and House of Representatives. Meets annually in Montgomery for regular sessions. THE LEGISLATORS Alabama has 35 Senators and 105 Representatives Qualifications for Senator: Citizen and resident of Alabama for three years. Twenty-five years of age. Resident of the Legislative District for one year. Qualifications for Representative: Citizen and resident of Alabama for three years. Twenty-one years of age. Resident of the Legislative District for one year. TERM OF OFFICE Representative and Senators are elected for four year terms. Elections are held in even numbered years. Primary election held on first Tuesday of June to select candidates from major political parties. General election held first Tuesday after the first Monday in November to elect the legislators. THE LEGISLATORS FROM YOUR DISTRICT A list of members of the Legislature is available in the Secretary of State's office. Legislators have offices in the State House and an appointment can be made to see them. It is the legislator's duty to represent the people of their district. Let them know what you like or dislike. Your advice is instrumental in their decision-making. WHEN THE LEGISLATURE CONVENES AND ADJOURNS Regular session begins on the third Tuesday in April on the first year after election and the first Tuesday of February on the second and third year and the second Tuesday in January the fourth year. Special sessions may be called by the Governor. Regular sessions last for 30 legislative days and 105 calendar days. Special sessions are limited to 12 legislative days and 30 calendar days. THE SESSION BEGINS Organizational sessions convene on the second Tuesday in January following the election of legislators and are limited to ten consecutive calendar days. The various officers, leaders, and employees for each body wold include: President of the Senate Speaker of the House President Pro-tem of Speaker Pro-tem Secretary of the Senate Clerk of the House Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk Reading Clerks Committee Clerks and Secretaries Enrolling - Engrossing Clerks Doorkeepers and Sergeant at arms Security Officers Pages VIEWING THE LEGISLATURE IN ACTION The general daily order of business shall be: Senate Prayer Pledge of Allegiance Call to Order Roll Call Reading of the Journal Signing of Bills Call of Districts House Messages Reports from Standing Committee Reports from Select Committees Motions and Resolutions Uncontested Local Bills Bills on Third Reading Other Business House Prayer Pledge of Allegiance Call of Order Reading and approval of the Journal Report of Committee on Rules Report of Standing Committees of bills Call of Districts Uncontested Local Bills Unfinished Business Bills on Calendar Senater Messages (at any time) Executive Messages (at any time) Security Officers VOTING A quorum of members (18 Senators, 53 Representatives) must be present to transact business. Voting on the passage of motions or measures is done electronically in the House and by voice in the Senate; it becomes a part fo the permanent public record (the "Journal"). No member may vote unless that member is on the floor of the House (or Senate); if on the floor, the member may abstain from voting. Voting in the House is usually by electronic vote. To vote, the member flips a switch and the vote is recorded as a green "aye" or a red "naye." Votes are displayed on the electronic board. A majority vote is required for the passage of measures and ordinary business. COMMITTEES Each House has from 23 to 29 Standing Committees, ranging from 3 to 24 members each. These committees will cover the areas of: Agriculture & Forestry Banking & Insurance Business & Labor Relations Commerce & Transportation Constitution & Elections Economic Affairs Education Finance & Taxation Governmental Affairs Health & Human Resources Industrial Development Judiciary Local Government Local Legislation Military Affairs Natural Resources Public Utilities Rules Small Business Tourism, Entertainment & Sports The presiding officer designates the chairperson and vice-chairperson of each committee. The presiding officer designates the chairperson and vice-chairperson of each committee. Bills are assigned after first reading, by the presiding officer to a specific committee; committees do one of the following in acting upon a bill. Receives and takes no action Reports bill out of committee to floor of Senate or House as follows: Favorable or Unfavorable