HB69 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve McMillan

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

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

Allows a city’s voters to decide, by referendum, whether the mayor’s role should change when the population reaches 12,000 or more after a federal census.

What This Bill Does

It requires a public hearing within 180 days after preliminary census figures show a city will cross the 12,000 threshold. After the hearing, if 10% of qualified electors petition within 60 days, the city must hold a municipal election within 90 days to decide if the mayor’s role should change. If a majority votes in favor, the change takes effect; if a majority votes against, it does not; if no petition is filed, the change takes effect as provided by law. It updates the existing population-change rules to include a referendum option and becomes effective after the governor approves it.

Who It Affects

• Registered voters in cities that reach 12,000+ after a federal census, who can petition for the referendum and vote in the decision.
• Mayors and city councils in those cities, whose roles in council proceedings could change if the referendum passes and the change takes effect.

Key Provisions

• Public hearing must be held within 180 days after the official preliminary census figures indicate a change to 12,000 or more.
• Within 60 days after the hearing, petition by at least 10% of qualified electors can require a municipal election within 90 days to decide on the change in the mayor’s role.
• If a majority votes in favor, the change to the mayor’s role takes effect; if a majority votes against, the change does not take effect; if no petition is filed, the change takes effect as provided by law.
• Amends Section 11-43-2 to add the public hearing and referendum process for population-driven changes to the mayor’s role, while preserving existing rules for cities under 12,000.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after governor’s approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Municipalities