AL HB256

Applies only to Class 2 municipalities in Alabama.

Amends Section 11-44C-22 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to regulate the timing of special elections to fill council vacancies.

Council vacancies must be filled by special election with dates set by the council no later than 120 days and no sooner than 60 days after the vacancy occurs, except vacancies occurring less than one year before the next regular election.

Special elections shall be held in conjunction with any general, special, or constitutional election falling within the specified timeframe; otherwise the mayor calls the election on the council-set date.

Vacancies with less than one year remaining in the unexpired term shall be filled by mayor appointment with council confirmation; reapportionment provisions maintain old district boundaries for filling vacancies that occur after reapportionment but before new districts take effect.