Background
   Alabama’s constitution was written in 1901 and has since been amended 707 times. It is the longest and most unwieldy state constitution in America. By comparison, the U. S. Constitution has only 27 amendments, very clearly delegating certain powers to the Federal government and leaving the rest to the states. The Alabama Constitution has 220,000 words, more than twice the length of any other state constitution.
   Our constitution places stringent limitations on state government, unreasonably restricts the independence of local government, and limits the Legislature’s ability to pass local laws. It is a confusing and contradictory document that makes it difficult to know the status of a particular local law, because the body of the constitution may indicate one thing while a local amendment may say another.

The Issue
   The Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR) proposes a “citizens convention” as a mechanism to rewrite Alabama’s constitution. An ACCR legislative package sets forth specific safeguards designed to prevent control of such a convention by special interest groups. It establishes a firm timeline for reform that ensures the accountability of elected delegates. Attached, as information, is a summary of the key points of the ACCR model legislative package.

   Separately, ACCR proposes establishment of a “Citizens Study Commission” to be led by Secretary of State Jim Bennett. This study commission would, among other duties:
• Gather input/opinions from across the state for use by convention delegates.
• Produce a “Citizen’s Guide for Reform” as a tabloid insert for newspapers in Alabama.
• Research and produce convention procedure materials.
• Research and produce materials outlining options for constitutional content.

   The Constitutional Reform Task Force of the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce has considered the ACCR legislative package and, at a meeting on February 12, 2002, voted unanimously to recommend that the Chamber Board of Directors endorse the proposal.

Chamber Position
For these reasons, the Board of Directors of the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce concurs in the Task Force recommendation and declares its support for legislation proposed by the Alabama Citizens for Constitution Reform. Specifically, the board supports the ACCR legislative package as introduced, which authorizes a “citizens” constitutional convention in the summer of 2003 leading to a vote of the people in 2004 and a new constitution document to take effect in 2005.

Recommended: Constitutional Reform Task Force
Tom Carruthers, Chairman
Date: February 12, 2002

Approved: Board of Directors
Charles McCrary, Chairman
Date: February 20, 2002

Required Action
This position statement will be communicated in writing to Governor Don Siegelman and to all members of the Alabama legislature. Additionally, the position statement will be released to the news media upon its adoption. Publication of this position will take place on the Chamber’s web site and in its newsletter, BirminghamChamber.Com.

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