HB777 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Earl F. Hilliard
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: Mary Moore Merika Coleman Patricia Todd Rod Scott Lawrence McAdory
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Birmingham, city elections, qualifying deadline for candidates extended, Act 452, 1955 Reg. Sess. am'd.
Summary: HB777 changes Birmingham city elections by extending candidacy filing deadlines, updating candidate fees, and creating rules for a special mayoral vacancy election.
What This Bill Does
It amends Act 452 of 1955 to require statements of candidacy for city council and for mayor to be filed at least 45 days before the election, and to set qualifying fees of $50 for council candidates and $300 for mayor candidates. It also sets ballot formatting rules and removes primaries for council nominations. If the mayor’s office becomes vacant, the council president acts as mayor until a successor is elected, with pay at the mayor’s rate but no voting while acting; a special election must be held within a 30–45 day window after the vacancy (with public notice 18 days in advance), unless a regular or scheduled election occurs in a 90-day period. The candidate filing deadline for the vacancy election is 20 days before that election, and the winner serves the remainder of the term. The act takes effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Who It Affects
Candidates seeking election to Birmingham City Council or Birmingham Mayor: their filing deadlines are moved to at least 45 days before elections, and they must pay the specified qualifying fees ($50 for council, $300 for mayor).
City of Birmingham voters and city election officials: they will see changes in candidate filing timelines, ballot preparation under specific headings, and a defined process for filling a mayoral vacancy through a special election.

Key Provisions
3.02 Council candidacy: filing deadline extended to at least 45 days before the election; qualifying fee of $50; ballots list names under 'For members of the council'; no primaries.
4.02 Mayor candidacy: filing deadline extended to at least 45 days before the election; qualifying fee of $300; ballots list names under 'For Mayor'.
4.05 Vacancy in the office of mayor: acting mayor (president of the council) serves with mayoral pay but cannot vote; special election must be called within 5 days of vacancy and held 30–45 days after vacancy (with certain conditions if a regular/scheduled election is within 90 days); notice published 18 days in advance; filing for vacancy election must be at least 20 days before that election; successor serves the remainder of the term.
Effective date: This act becomes effective immediately after passage and governor's approval (or as otherwise provided by law).

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