AL SB344

Proposes a constitutional amendment allowing voters in Tuscaloosa County to merge county government with the City of Tuscaloosa and City of Northport into an urban-county form of government.

Amendment requires approval by majority vote in both the City of Tuscaloosa and City of Northport to become effective.

Establishes an Advisory Council on Metro Government with 10 members (4 appointed by county judge, 4 by Tuscaloosa mayor, 2 by Northport mayor) to propose a charter for the merged "Metro Government of Tuscaloosa County" to be voted on at the 2026 general election.

Metro Council will exercise all powers previously held by Tuscaloosa County and both municipalities; merges financial operations effective January 1, 2028; elects mayor countywide and council from single-member districts on a nonpartisan basis.

Restricts additional taxation to constitutional limits and referendums; prohibits Metro Council zoning authority in unincorporated areas until 2043, when zoning must be managed by elected zoning board until then.