SB338 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kirk HatcherSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to any Class 3 municipality organized under Act 618 of the 1973 Regular Session (Acts 1973, p. 879), providing for the mayor-council form of government in certain municipalities having a certain population according to the 1970 federal decennial census; to amend Section 45-51A-33.64 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the passage of ordinances and resolutions by the city council and the delivery of the ordinances and resolutions to the Office of the Mayor for his or her consideration; to further provide for the necessary vote of the council if the mayor returns the ordinance or resolution of the council with his or her objections.

Summary

SB338 would apply to certain Class 3 Alabama municipalities and let the city council override a mayor’s veto with a two-thirds vote, while limiting the mayor’s veto power over appointments and investigations.

What This Bill Does

It amends the process for passing ordinances and resolutions in eligible Class 3 municipalities, including how votes are recorded and how documents are delivered to the mayor. If the mayor disapproves a measure, the council can override the veto with at least two-thirds of the council members present at the meeting, and the measure becomes law after publication if required. The bill also says the mayor cannot veto appointments or investigation-related actions by the council.

Who It Affects

• Mayors and city councils of Class 3 municipalities organized under Act 618 of 1973, who would follow the new veto override process and related procedures.
• Residents of those municipalities, who would see changes in how ordinances become law (including transparency and publication requirements) and in the scope of veto power over appointments and investigations.

Key Provisions

• Override veto provision: If the mayor vetoes an ordinance or resolution, the city council may override with two-thirds of the council members present at the meeting, and the measure becomes law after publication (if required) or upon passage if no publication is required, with votes recorded.
• Veto limitations: The mayor shall not have veto power over appointments or over any action relating to investigations as specified in §45-51A-33.242.

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