AL SB49

Proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Tuscaloosa County, the City of Tuscaloosa, and the City of Northport to merge into a single urban-county form of government, subject to voter approval in both cities.

Establishes an Advisory Council on Metro Government with 10 members (4 appointed by the county probate judge, 4 by Tuscaloosa's mayor, and 2 by Northport's mayor) to propose a charter for the merged government by the 2026 General Election.

Funds the advisory council with costs split 50% by Tuscaloosa County, 40% by the City of Tuscaloosa, and 10% by the City of Northport.

Prohibits additional ad valorem taxes and sales/use taxes without voter referendum approval; restricts zoning authority in unincorporated county areas until 2043, requiring voter-elected zoning boards before Metro Council control expands.

Requires financial operations merger to be effective January 1, 2028, with a full-time elected Metro Mayor and part-time Metro Council elected from single-member districts apportioned by population; elections conducted on a nonpartisan basis.