HB776 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Earl F. Hilliard

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Mary MooreMerika ColemanPatricia ToddRod ScottLawrence McAdory

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Birmingham, city council, members to take office and first meeting of newly elected council to be on fourth Tuesday in October of year of election, Act 452, 1955 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Summary

HB776 would move the start of service and the first meeting for large-city councils to the fourth Tuesday in October of the election year.

What This Bill Does

It amends Act 452 of 1955 (as amended) to require council members in cities with 300,000+ people to take office on the fourth Tuesday in October of the election year and to have the first council meeting on the fourth Tuesday in October. It maintains a nine-member council (five members elected at large every two years and four members elected from districts) with term lengths arranged so four at-large members serve four years and one at-large member serves two years, with initial elections determining term lengths. Elections follow general municipal election rules, including a majority threshold and procedures if no candidate achieves a majority; council meetings must be open to the public and held at least weekly. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Residents of Alabama cities with a population of 300,000 or more who elect city council members (the large-city electorate).
• City council members (nine total: five at large and four district members) and city election officials who administer the elections and terms.
• Voters and candidates participating in municipal elections for these large cities, under the applicable election rules.

Key Provisions

• Council size and composition: nine members total, with five at-large seats elected every two years and four district seats; terms and election rules defined.
• Timetable change: council members take office on the fourth Tuesday in October of the election year; the first meeting of the newly elected council is held on the fourth Tuesday in October of that year; regular meetings open to the public and at least weekly.
• Election mechanics: majority voting rules for at-large seats; if no candidate achieves a majority, additional elections are held under the same rules; terms are arranged so four at-large seats are four years and one seat is two years (as determined by initial election results).
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

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

Subjects

Jefferson County