Alabama Senate Bill SB21

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/28/25
• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Introduced: 1/15/26
• Introduced: 1/23/26
• Refer: 10/28/25
• Refer: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/23/26

Caption

Offices of Governor; Lieutenant Governor; Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court; judge of the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals; judge of a circuit court or district court; member of the Legislature; Attorney General; State Auditor; Secretary of State; State Treasurer; Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries; member of the State Board of Education; and local sheriff, district attorney, circuit clerk, or constable required to be held by a natural born citizen of the United States, Constitutional Amendment

Impact

If enacted, SB21 would amend several constitutional sections, fundamentally altering eligibility requirements for state and local offices. This amendment intends to ensure that all individuals in high-ranking positions within the state government have a specific birthright status. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to maintain the integrity of these offices, emphasizing the importance of allegiance and connection to the United States. The potential impact on current officeholders and candidates could be substantial, particularly for anyone who does not meet the proposed citizenship requirement.

Summary

Senate Bill 21 (SB21) proposes a significant amendment to the Constitution of Alabama regarding eligibility for various state and local offices. The bill specifies that only natural born citizens of the United States may serve as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Justices of the Alabama Supreme Court, judges of appellate and circuit courts, members of the Legislature, the Attorney General, and a range of local officials including sheriffs and district attorneys. This proposed change is intended to clarify and tighten the qualifications for those in leadership roles, ensuring that only individuals who are natural born citizens can hold these important positions.

Contention

The bill has generated discussions around the implications of restricting office eligibility to only natural born citizens. Critics may view this as an exclusionary measure that undermines the principles of democracy and representation. There are concerns that such amendments could disproportionately affect individuals who are naturalized citizens, potentially disenfranchising a segment of the population from participating in state governance. Moreover, debates may arise regarding the historical context and modern relevance of such eligibility criteria in light of current societal values on citizenship and inclusivity.