Alabama Constitution Section 68 - Extra compensation not to be granted public officer, employee, contractor, etc., after service rendered or contract made; increase or decrease of compensation of officers during term of office.
Alabama Constitution – Section 68:
"The legislature shall not grant, or authorize to be granted, to any public officer, agent, or contractor, after service shall have been rendered or contract made, any extra compensation, fee or allowance. Nor shall the salary, fees, or compensation of any officer holding any civil office of profit under this state, be increased or diminished during the term for which he shall have been elected or appointed."
Explanation:
Section 68 contains two main rules concerning public funds and compensation:
1. No Extra Pay After the Fact:
Prohibition: The legislature cannot give extra pay or bonuses to public officers, employees, or contractors after the work has been completed or a contract signed.
Purpose: To prevent favoritism, corruption, or misuse of public funds by retroactively rewarding someone.
Example: A state contractor finishes a road project. The legislature cannot later vote to give them an additional payment beyond what was in the original contract.
2. No Salary Changes During a Term:
Prohibition: The salary, fees, or compensation of any elected or appointed officer cannot be raised or lowered during their current term.
Purpose: To preserve fairness and independence, ensuring that pay changes aren't used as a reward or punishment.
Example: A governor’s salary cannot be increased or decreased until a new term begins — even if a law is passed changing the salary.
Why It Matters:
This section ensures:
Fair budgeting practices
Protection against corruption
Predictability in government employment and contracts
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