The Alabama Senate had been expected to consider HB 425 on Thursday, May 5. However, it did not do so, and the legislature has now taken a recess until May 24. HB 425 moves the primary for all office from June to March, and also moves the petition deadline for new parties, and non-presidential independent candidates, from June to March.

After the legislature reconvenes on May 24, it will be in session until June 7, give or take a day. In the interim, Senator Cam Ward is expected to inform his fellow legislators that the 11th circuit already struck down Alabama’s old April petition deadline, back in 1991, and that the state would face legal problems if it passes HB 425 in its current form.