AL SB278

Allows municipalities with populations of 2,000 or more to publish a synopsis of ordinances relating to planning, zoning, or business licensing in local newspapers instead of publishing the full ordinance text.

Synopsis must include: a summary of purpose and effect, general description of affected property with common names, affected business categories, passage and effective dates, and a statement that the full ordinance is available from the city/town clerk.

Ordinances published in newspapers take effect immediately, while posted ordinances take effect five days after posting; municipalities must maintain postings for at least 30 days and include ordinances on their website for 30 days if one is maintained.

Clerk must append a certificate to the ordinance record stating the time and manner of publication, which serves as presumptive evidence of the facts stated.

Act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.