Alabama Senate Bill SB280

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/2/23
• Refer: 5/2/23
• Report Pass: 5/10/23
• Engrossed: 5/16/23
• Refer: 5/16/23
• Report Pass: 5/24/23
• Enrolled: 6/1/23
• Passed: 6/1/23

Caption

Relating to the Secretary of State; to amend Section 36-14-6, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for a reduction of the number of bound sets of legislative acts and codes required to be retained by the Secretary of State.

Impact

In terms of its impact on state laws, SB280 represents a shift towards modernizing the legislative documentation process within Alabama. This reduction in physical resources required by the Secretary of State potentially allows for the reallocation of funds and personnel to other pressing needs within the agency. The bill reflects an ongoing effort to enhance government efficiency and respond to the evolving digital landscape where online access to legislative materials may complement or replace traditional bound copies.

Summary

Senate Bill 280 (SB280) seeks to amend Section 36-14-6 of the Code of Alabama 1975, focusing on the retention requirements of legislative acts and codes by the Secretary of State. The primary goal of this bill is to reduce the number of bound sets of these documents that need to be maintained. By streamlining the administrative workload of the Secretary of State, the bill aims to enhance efficiency within the office and possibly reduce costs associated with the production and storage of legislative documents.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB280 appears to be supportive, particularly from those favoring administrative efficiency and fiscal responsibility in government operations. Advocates argue that reducing unnecessary inventory of printed materials reflects prudent management of state resources. However, any dissenting views might stem from concerns about accessibility to legislative records or the tradition of maintaining comprehensive physical archives in the governmental process, although no significant opposition was noted in the voting history.

Contention

Notably, SB280 passed unanimously with a vote of 99-0, indicating widespread legislative support. This consensus suggests that the bill did not encounter significant points of contention during debate or discussion among lawmakers. Its passage reflects an agreement on the importance of adapting to contemporary needs within state governance, even if there might be lingering considerations about ensuring that all citizens can access legislative materials in various formats.