SB104 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Class 1 municipality (Birmingham), mayor-council form of government, time to take office, statements of candidacy, Act 452, 1955 Reg. Sess. am'd; Act 507, 1969 Reg. Sess. repealed
Summary: SB104 updates the mayor-council framework for Class 1 cities (including Birmingham) by standardizing when officials take office, how candidates file to run, how vacancies are filled, and repealing an unused 1969 act.
What This Bill Does
It sets nine council members to be elected from districts and to take office on the fourth Tuesday in October. It requires candidacy filings 45 days before elections with specified fees and prohibits primaries, while detailing ballot and printing rules. It also prescribes that the first council meeting occurs the fourth Tuesday in October, establishes vacancy procedures for the mayor (including acting mayor rules and timing for special elections), and repeals Act 507 from 1969, which never became operative.

Who It Affects
Residents and voters in Class 1 municipalities (e.g., Birmingham) by changing when council take office, when meetings happen, and how mayoral vacancies are filled.
Candidates, judges of probate, election officials, and city staff by outlining candidacy filing rules, required fees, ballot procedures, and vacancy election timelines.

Key Provisions
Nine council members elected from single-member districts take office on the fourth Tuesday in October of the election year.
Candidacy filings for council seats must be made at least 45 days before the election; council candidates pay a $50 qualifying fee; ballots must list candidates under 'For members of the council'; primaries are not held.
First council meeting must occur on the fourth Tuesday in October; councils must meet at least weekly and keep meetings open to the public.
Candidacy filings for mayor must be made at least 45 days before the election; mayoral candidates pay a $300 qualifying fee; ballots must list candidates under 'For Mayor'; primaries are not held.
If a mayoral vacancy occurs, the council president acts as mayor (no compensation as council member while acting, cannot vote), and a special election must be held within 70-90 days unless a regular/scheduled election will occur within 120 days.
The act repeals Act 507 of the 1969 Regular Session, which never became operative.
The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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: Jefferson County