HB256 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Yvonne Kennedy
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: James E. Buskey Randy Davis Victor Gaston Chad Fincher Jamie Ison Jim Barton
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Class 2 municipalities (Mobile), city council, vacancies filled by a special election, setting of date, Sec. 11-44C-22 am'd.
Summary: HB256 changes how Class 2 Alabama municipalities fill city council vacancies by defining when special elections are held, when appointments are used, and how district boundaries apply.
What This Bill Does
Most council vacancies must be filled by a special election scheduled between 60 and 120 days after the vacancy, with the date set by the council. The election is conducted like a regular council election, and the winner serves the remainder of the term. If vacancy occurs after reapportionment has changed district boundaries but before new districts take effect, the old boundaries stay in effect for filling that vacancy. Vacancies with less than one year remaining are filled by mayor appointment with council confirmation. If the vacancy lines up with another election, the special election can be held then; otherwise the mayor calls a separate special election. The act takes effect immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects
Group 1 - Voters in Class 2 municipalities: will participate in special elections to fill most council vacancies, with timing and process defined by the act.
Group 2 - Mayors and city councils in Class 2 municipalities: responsible for scheduling special election dates, and for appointing vacancies with council confirmation when less than one year remains in the term.

Key Provisions
Applies only to Class 2 municipalities.
Vacancies in the city council (not occurring within one year of the next regular election) must be filled by a special election; dates set no later than 120 days and no earlier than 60 days after vacancy by the council at a regular or subsequent meeting.
Special elections are held the same as regular council elections; winner serves the remainder of the term; may be held with another election if it falls in the period; otherwise the mayor calls a special election.
If vacancy occurs after reapportionment changed district boundaries but before new districts take effect, old boundaries remain in effect for filling that vacancy.
Vacancies with less than one year remaining are filled by mayor appointment with confirmation by the council.
Effective immediately upon passage and governor 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