Bill > SB249

This bill amends Alabama's municipal ordinance procedures, primarily focusing on how cities and towns can adopt or increase taxes and license fees. The legislation requires that any ordinance intended to be permanent cannot be adopted at the same meeting it is introduced, unless there is unanimous consent. For cities over 12,000 inhabitants, a majority of elected council members must vote in favor of the ordinance, while smaller towns require a majority of the entire council, including the mayor. The bill introduces a new provision mandating a specific process for adopting new taxes or increasing existing taxes and license fees: the council must hold a public hearing at least 30 days after introducing the ordinance, with a detailed public notice that includes the proposed ordinance's substance, the specific tax or fee amount, hearing details, and information on obtaining a copy. The notice must be published in a local newspaper and posted on the municipality's website and the Secretary of State's open meetings website. After the public hearing, the council can consider the proposed ordinance at a regular meeting. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to increase transparency and public participation in municipal tax and fee decisions.

Government Affairs

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search