Alabama 2023 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB369

Introduced
4/20/23  

Caption

Relating to municipalities; to add Section 11-43-23 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to prohibit the employment of city managers by certain municipal governments after a certain date.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would result in significant changes in the way municipalities operate across Alabama. It effectively removes the option for certain municipalities to employ city managers after the specified date, which could lead to shifts in management practices and potentially reduce the level of professional administration in those towns that lose their city managers. The removal of city manager positions could lead to a reversion to other forms of governance, such as mayor-council systems, depending on the municipalities' existing structures.

Summary

House Bill 369 aims to amend the Code of Alabama 1975 by adding Section 11-43-23. This new section prohibits certain municipal governments from employing city managers unless these positions were created prior to January 1, 2023. The bill essentially places restrictions on the hiring practices of some local governments regarding the managerial structure, thereby changing how municipal governance can be structured in the state.

Contention

While proponents may argue that the bill is a necessary step to limit government overreach and encourage local control, it raises concerns among critics regarding the potential for mismanagement or inefficient governance without professional city management. Additionally, there may be discussions around the implications for existing city managers who will be impacted by this legislative change, particularly those hired after the specified cutoff date. The bill may lead to debate about the best governance models for local municipalities and the role of professional management in local government.

Notable points

Notable points of contention in discussions about HB369 may include the definition of local governance, the qualifications required for city leadership, and the implications for recruits in municipal management fields. The push to eliminate the city manager role in certain locales could ignite further debate about the effectiveness of individual governance models versus the need for standardization across municipalities in Alabama.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB565

Municipal elections, certain municipalities required to provide a copy of the new boundaries of its municipal voting districts to the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment following an adjustment of the boundaries

AL HB414

Municipalities, municipal audits further provided for

AL HB510

Temporary release program; to revise periods for distributing monies and the effective date for opt-in by municipalities

AL HB185

Municipalities, authorizes a municipality to resume collection of taxes in their police jurisdiction once in compliance with reporting requirements

AL SB260

State government, governmental bodies and governmental entities prohibited from purchasing or using certain unmanned aircraft systems

AL SB174

Business taxes, requires annual reports from counties and municipalities, provides for causes of action, and revises the jurisdiction of the Alabama Tax Tribunal

AL SB216

Class 3 municipalities organized under Act 618 of the 1973 Regular Session (Montgomery), mayor and council , expense allowance and salary

AL HB217

Relating to gross income; to amend Section 40-18-14, Code of Alabama 1975; to exclude difficulty of care payments from gross income.

AL HB288

Montgomery County and municipalities 5,000 or more, county-wide personnel system, exempt positions in municipalities, further expanded.

AL HB69

Firearms; Class 1 municipalities; possession of certain firearms prohibited under federal law; possession of firearms by prohibited person under federal law, penalty provided

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.