AL HB69

Amends Alabama Code Section 11-43-2 to allow cities with populations under 12,000 to hold a referendum if federal census results show their population has increased to 12,000 or more persons.

Requires municipalities to hold a public hearing within 180 days of receiving official census figures showing the population change, to inform the public and solicit comments.

Allows a referendum election if a petition signed by at least 10 percent of qualified electors is filed with the city clerk within 60 days of the public hearing.

Municipal election on the population-triggered governmental change must be held within 90 days of petition filing, with majority voter approval required for the change to take effect; if the majority votes against the change, the mayor continues to serve on and vote with the council.

If no petition is filed within the 60-day period, the governmental change takes effect automatically as required by state law.