HB613 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rod Scott

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Class 1 mun., city council, use of city passenger automobile authorized, Act 448, 1967 Reg. Sess., am'd.

Summary

HB 613 would regulate and restrict how Class 1 municipalities (large cities) own and use city passenger cars, detailing who may use them, how cars must be stored and identified, and penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It amends Act 448 of 1967 to apply to large cities and sets rules for ownership, use, operation, maintenance, and storage of city passenger cars. The city generally cannot provide passenger cars to city council members, but the council can authorize temporary official use by ordinance; officials cannot buy fuel or parts from the city and cars must display the city’s name unless unmarked cars are authorized. Cars must be stored in a central city garage when not in use, and assignments longer than a week require written direction from the Mayor; violations include criminal penalties and fines.

Who It Affects

• City officials and governing body members in Class 1 municipalities (e.g., city council members and the mayor or chief executive officer) who would be restricted in receiving or using city passenger cars and who may face requirements and prohibitions on use, fuel purchases, and car handling.
• City administration and operations (including the Mayor/CEO and city garages) responsible for enforcing labeling, storage, assignment, and prohibition rules, and liable for penalties if violations occur.

Key Provisions

• Applies only to Class 1 municipalities (cities with population 300,000 or more).
• Defines 'automobile' as a passenger automobile and generally prohibits city-owned passenger cars for council members unless an ordinance allows temporary official use for city business.
• Prohibits council members from buying fuel, oil, tires, or other automotive items from the city and from private use of city cars; prohibits gifts of fuel or accessories to council members.
• Requires city-owned cars to display the city’s unobscured name in at least four-inch letters, unless the Mayor authorizes unmarked cars for city use.
• Requires that assignments longer than one week be in writing from the Mayor; mandates central storage of city cars when not in use and restricts residential or non-central storage.
• Bans non-city use of city cars and any improper use; defines violations as misdemeanors with fines up to $500 and may include up to 12 months of hard labor.

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

Subjects

Class 1 Municipalities