SB424 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Class 1 municipalities (Birmingham), racing commission, appointment of members by county legislative delegation, all members to vote, chairs to call meeting, Secs. 11-65-2, 11-65-5 am'd.

Summary

SB424 changes who fills vacancies on Class 1 municipalities' racing commissions by expanding host county delegations to all members and by shifting vacancy-appointment responsibility to the delegation chair.

What This Bill Does

It redefines the host county House and Senate delegations to include all members of the respective host county delegations. It requires the chair of the host county House or Senate delegation to call meetings to fill vacancies on the racing commission positions appointed by those delegations. It keeps open public meetings and majority approval for appointments, and maintains a 30-day window before a mayor can step in to fill a vacancy if the delegation fails to act; it also preserves existing qualifications for appointees (residency, moral character, etc.).

Who It Affects

• Members of the host county's House and Senate delegations (they become the full group responsible for appointing racing commission members and for calling vacancy meetings).
• Sponsoring municipalities and their mayors (the vacancy-appointment role may shift to delegation chairs if delegations do not act within the set timeframes, with the mayor able to fill after 30 days).

Key Provisions

• Host county delegations (both House and Senate) shall consist of all members of the respective host county legislative delegations (not limited by district composition).
• The chair of the host county House or Senate delegation must call a meeting to fill a vacancy on the racing commission when a host-appointed seat is vacant.
• Appointments to fill vacancies require a majority vote at a public meeting that is open to the public, with written notice given in advance; if a delegation fails to appoint within 30 days, (but not removing ex officio members) the mayor may fill the vacancy.
• Appointed commissioners must meet specified residency and qualifications (including five-year residency in the host county, eligibility as a qualified elector, and good moral character) and may be subject to affidavits and potential removal processes.
• The act takes effect immediately upon passage and 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

Municipalities