SB391 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Priscilla DunnJ.T. WaggonerMark Slade BlackwellRodger Smitherman

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Class 1 municipalities, (Birmingham), fiscal year city council authorized October 1, to move start date to deadlines for submission of budget proposal and adoption of general fund budget, budget hearing, publication of notice of meeting, Act 452, 1955 Reg. Sess.; Act 792, 1973 Reg. Sess., am'd.

Summary

SB391 lets Class 1 Alabama municipalities (including Birmingham) adopt an Oct 1–Sep 30 fiscal year, adjusts budget deadlines and public-notice rules, and provides transition rules and ratification for past notices.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes a Class 1 city to adopt a fiscal year running October 1 through September 30 and explains how to transition from the old July 1–June 30 year. It changes budget planning deadlines so the mayor’s budget proposals would be due by August 20, and the city council would have a specified deadline to adopt the general fund budget (by September 20 or the equivalent end date during a transition period). It allows budget hearing notices to be published in a newspaper with general circulation, including non-daily newspapers, and ratifies prior notices published under the new rules in Class 1 municipalities. It also sets a one-time transitional financial reporting period (either a 3-month July 1–Sept 30 period or a 15-month period July 1–Sept 30 of the following year) to help switch fiscal years smoothly.

Who It Affects

• Class 1 municipalities (e.g., Birmingham) and their mayors/councils, who would choose and implement the Oct 1–Sep 30 fiscal year and adjust budget deadlines and reporting accordingly.
• Residents, taxpayers, and newspaper publishers in Class 1 municipalities, who would receive budget information and notices through general-circulation newspapers (including non-daily papers) and participate in budget hearings.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes Class 1 municipalities to adopt a fiscal year that begins October 1 and ends September 30, with a one-time transition plan for moving from July 1–June 30.
• If the Oct 1–Sep 30 fiscal year is adopted, the mayor must submit the general fund budget and related budgets by August 20, and the council must adopt the general fund budget by September 20 (or the corresponding date during the transitional period).
• Provides a transitional financial reporting period (three months July 1–Sept 30 or 15 months July 1–Sept 30 of the following year) chosen by the council to ease the switch.
• Requires budget hearing notices to be published in a newspaper of general circulation and allows publication in non-daily newspapers; ratifies prior notices published under the new rules in Class 1 municipalities.
• Amends relevant sections of Acts 452 (1955) and 792 (1973) to implement the Oct 1–Sep 30 fiscal year, budget deadlines, and notice requirements.
• Effective date: becomes law immediately after 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

Class 1 Municipalities