HB496 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 11-43-2 to allow municipalities that grow to 12,000+ residents after a federal census to hold a referendum on whether the mayor's role changes from sitting on council to not sitting on council.

• Requires municipalities to hold a public hearing within 180 days of receiving official census figures showing population growth to 12,000+ persons to inform the public of the proposed change.

• Allows a referendum on the change if 10% or more of qualified electors petition the city clerk or governing body within 60 days following the public hearing.

• Municipal election on the change must be held within 90 days of petition filing, with the change taking effect only if a majority votes in favor; if no petition is filed, the change takes effect automatically.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.