HB496 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve McMillan

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Municipalities, mayors, serving on council or not after certain change in population after federal census, public hearing, petition and referendum, Sec. 11-43-2 am'd.

Summary

HB496 would require a public hearing and a voter referendum before changing a city's form of government when its population crosses 12,000 after a federal census.

What This Bill Does

If a city's population is projected to reach 12,000 or more after a federal census, the bill adds a public hearing and a petition process to decide whether the city’s government form should change. A petition from at least 10% of qualified voters within 60 days after the hearing would trigger a municipal election within 90 days to vote on the change; a majority in favor would make the change take effect, while a majority against would prevent it. If no petition is filed, the change would take effect automatically. The bill also confirms how aldermen are elected and paid, and allows certain salary and election timing provisions to be waived to comply with federal law or court orders.

Who It Affects

• Residents and qualified voters of cities whose population increases to 12,000 or more after a federal census, who would have the chance to vote in a referendum on changing the form of government.
• City governments (mayors, the council, and aldermen), who would conduct public hearings, handle petitions, schedule elections, and implement any approved changes.

Key Provisions

• Requires a public hearing within 180 days after the release of preliminary census figures that indicate a change from under 12,000 to 12,000 or more.
• If 10% or more of qualified electors file a petition within 60 days after the hearing, the governing body must call a municipal election within 90 days to decide whether to change the form of government.
• A majority vote in the election approves the change and it takes effect as provided; if the majority votes against, the change does not take place.
• If no petition is filed, the change takes effect automatically.
• Aldermen are elected either at large or by wards, with salaries set by the council and a six-month salary determination rule that can be waived to comply with the Voting Rights Act or a court order.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Municipalities