AL SB291

Requires all newly elected mayors and municipal governing body members to complete at least 10 hours of training during their first term beginning January 1, 2025, covering 21 specified topics including ethics, conflicts of interest, budget procedures, and municipal powers.

Training course must include instruction in general municipal powers, mayoral duties, ethics, annexations, fund expenditure authority, parliamentary procedure, conflicts of interest, legislative advocacy, liability, public records, bidding laws, budgeting, audit requirements, zoning, and other subjects recommended by the Alabama League of Municipalities.

Individuals who have already completed the Certified Municipal Official Program administered by the Alabama League of Municipalities are exempt from the initial training requirement.

Requires all municipal officials to complete at least 5 hours of annual continuing education courses on topics listed in the training requirements beginning January 1, 2025.

All training expenses, including course costs and reasonable lodging, travel, and meal expenses, must be paid from the municipality's general fund; applies to all municipalities incorporated under Title 11 of the Alabama Code.