SB335 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kirk HatcherSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Class 3 municipalities, Blight Review Board, created

Summary

SB335 would let Class 3 municipalities create a Blight Review Board to hear nuisance complaints and guide actions against blighted properties.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes Class 3 municipalities to establish a Blight Review Board by ordinance. The board mirrors the governing body in size, with residency-based appointments, two-year terms, and rules for vacancies and removal; it must meet at least monthly and act by majority vote. The board can receive complaints about abandoned or dilapidated structures, develop action plans, and recommend measures such as penalties, demolition, or eminent domain, and it can subpoena witnesses and issue minutes, reporting quarterly to the mayor, council, and public.

Who It Affects

• Residents of Class 3 municipalities who may serve on the Blight Review Board and must meet residency and appointment requirements (two-year terms, possible removal for cause).
• Property owners of blighted or nuisance structures in Class 3 municipalities, as the board may meet with them, require action plans, and recommend penalties, demolition, or eminent domain.

Key Provisions

• Class 3 municipalities may establish a Blight Review Board by ordinance.
• Board composition: equal number of members as the governing body; one appointee per governing member; appointees must be residents (and districts if applicable).
• Terms and removals: two-year terms; limit of two consecutive terms; vacancies filled by successor to the appointing member’s seat; removal for cause.
• Leadership and administration: annual election of chair and vice chair; possible board secretary with minutes; non-member secretary does not become a board member; no automatic compensation.
• Meetings and voting: meetings at least monthly; quorum required; majority vote to take action.
• Duties and powers: receive blight-related briefings; provide quarterly reports; make recommendations on improving blight, action plans, and penalties; may require demolition or eminent domain; can subpoena witnesses and administer oaths.
• Access to complaints: municipality must grant the board access to nuisance complaints and findings from maintenance inspections.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Class 3 Municipalities