HB624 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Louise Alexander

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Class 5 municipalities, require each council member and mayor to reside in the district he or she represents, Sec. 11-43D-2 am'd.

Summary

HB624 would require district residency for Class 5 municipalities' mayor and council candidates and mandate district residency for current officials for the entire term.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill would amend Section 11-43D-2 to require a mayor or city council candidate in a Class 5 municipality to be a resident of the district they seek to represent for at least 365 consecutive days before the qualifying deadline and to be a qualified elector. It also requires every council member and the mayor to reside in the district they represent for the entire term of office. The bill would set district boundary planning within 90 days of adoption and align elections with general election laws, with the municipality governed by a mayor, one at-large council member, and six district council members. It would take effect on the first day of the third month after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Candidates for mayor or city council in Class 5 municipalities organized under Chapter 43D must have resided in the district they seek to represent for at least 365 consecutive days before qualifying, and be a qualified elector.
• Incumbent mayors and council members in those municipalities must reside in their district for the entire term of office.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 11-43D-2 to require a candidate for mayor or city council to be a resident of the district they seek to represent for at least 365 consecutive days immediately preceding the qualifying deadline and to be a qualified elector.
• Requires each council member and the mayor to reside in the district they represent during the entire term of office.
• Sets the duty to establish district boundaries within 90 days after adoption and to take steps necessary to comply with the federal Voting Rights Act.
• Describes the municipal government structure as a mayor plus one at-large council member and six district council members, with elections governed by ordinance and general election laws, and with terms beginning on a specified date (first Monday in October after election). The act also specifies that newly elected officials assume office then and that the old terms end.

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 5 Municipalities