Alabama Senate Bill SB338

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/18/23
• Refer: 5/18/23

Caption

Relating to any Class 3 municipality organized under Act 618 of the 1973 Regular Session (Acts 1973, p. 879), providing for the mayor-council form of government in certain municipalities having a certain population according to the 1970 federal decennial census; to amend Section 45-51A-33.64 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the passage of ordinances and resolutions by the city council and the delivery of the ordinances and resolutions to the Office of the Mayor for his or her consideration; to further provide for the necessary vote of the council if the mayor returns the ordinance or resolution of the council with his or her objections.

Impact

The bill seeks to streamline the legislative process within these municipalities, aiming to balance the power between the mayor and the city council. By adjusting the voting threshold needed to overturn a mayoral veto from a simple majority to a two-thirds majority under certain circumstances, the bill potentially enhances council influence over local governance. This may lead to a more engaged legislative body capable of enacting ordinances that reflect community needs despite executive disapproval.

Summary

SB338 proposes amendments to the governance framework for Class 3 municipalities in Alabama, established under Act 618 of the 1973 Regular Session. The bill focuses on enhancing the mayor-council form of government by allowing the city council to override a mayor's veto more authoritatively. Specifically, it stipulates the conditions under which council resolutions and ordinances can be reinstated even if disapproved by the mayor, requiring only a two-thirds majority vote from council members present at certain meetings.

Contention

While proponents view SB338 as a necessary adjustment for local governments to operate more effectively, critics may argue that the legislation unduly empowers councils at the expense of executive leadership. This balance of power is often a topic of contention in local governance debates, where advocates for strong mayoral control may resist efforts to increase council authority, fearing it could lead to political gridlock or undermining the mayor's ability to lead effectively.