Alabama House Bill HB369

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/23
• Refer: 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.