It may be very early in the process, but the Alabama Legislature may soon discuss a measure that would put Sunday alcohol sales in Dallas County up for a vote; a vote most elected leaders hope happens.

The bill, which has yet to be named and introduced in the Alabama Senate is being brought forward by State Sen. Hank Sanders (D-Selma) and would call for a referendum to approve alcohol sales on Sunday.

“I am definitely in favor of the measure if it allows for the people to have the opportunity to vote the measure up or down,” Selma Mayor George Evans said.

But, the fact the piece of legislation is even in the planning stages caught some local legislators off guard.

“I haven’t heard anything of it until today,” State Rep. Darrio Melton (D-Selma). “But, knowing now that it gives the power of the decision to the people, then I support it. I believe a referendum on this matter is the only way to handle it.”

Sanders said he introduced the measure during the 2010 legislative session but had to pull it back because there was not enough time left in the legislative session to get it approved by the Senate and House.

“It was just a matter of timing,” Sanders said. “But, I have talked to people over the years who believe this would really help. There would be various retailers and businesses who could really benefit if voters approve this measure.”

Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard did not know Sanders had worked to resubmit the legislation, but said he is supportive of the idea of a referendum.

“My personal opinion on Sunday sales is not important. What is important is voters have the chance to decide the issue up or down,” Ballard said. “On the revenue side, if it is approved, this will keep a lot of business in Dallas that right now goes to Perry County on Sunday and to Prattville.”

In a copy of the proposed legislation, which has yet to be published in the Times-Journal as required by law, and has yet to be formally introduced to the Senate, it would call for a referendum be held, which, according to Sanders, would likely be on the June 2012 party primary ballot.

“That is really the next best opportunity and would not cost the county any additional money for a special referendum,” Sanders said.

If approved, the legislation would allow alcohol sales and distribution between noon and 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The next step for the legislation is for it to be published in the Times-Journal for four consecutive weeks and then it will be introduced by Sanders into the Alabama Senate. It would then need to be approved by the Senate, the Alabama House and then signed by Gov. Robert Bentley.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the legislation had not been published in the Times-Journal, nor had it been scheduled.