Council.

Ala. Code tit. 11, tit. 2, ch. 43, art. 3

in effect

Ala. Code § 11-43-40 Composition of City Councils; Voting by President of Council.

11-43-40. Composition of City Councils; Voting by President of Council. (a) Except as provided in Section 11-43-2 as it relates to the legislative functions of the mayor in cities and towns having a population of 12,000 or more but less than 25,000 inhabitants according to the most recent or any subsequent federal decennial census, in cities having a population of 12,000 or more, the following officers shall be elected at each general municipal election, who shall compose the city council for the cities and who shall hold office for four years and until their successors are elected and qualified, and who shall exercise the legislative functions of city government and any other powers and duties which are or may be vested by law in the city council or its members: (1) In cities having seven wards or less, a president of the city council and two aldermen from each ward, to be elected by the qualified voters of the several wards voting separately in every ward; except, that in cities having a population of less than 20,000, the two aldermen from each ward shall be elected by the electors of the city at large. (2) In cities having more than seven wards, one alderman from each ward, and a sufficient number of aldermen from the city at large to make the total number of aldermen 14 exclusive of the president of the council; provided, that in cities having a population of 50,000 or more, the city council may create not more than 20 wards. (3) In cities having a population of more than 30,000 according to the most recent federal decennial census or according to any census of the city made pursuant to Sections 11-47-90 through 11-47-95, and having only five wards, a president of the council and five aldermen, if the governing body shall so provide by ordinance or resolution adopted by two-thirds vote of the governing body at least six months prior to a general municipal election. If an ordinance or resolution is adopted, one alderman shall reside in each of the respective wards of the city, the president and all of the aldermen shall be elected by the voters of the city at large, and the president shall vote only in case of a tie. (4) Notwithstanding subdivisions (1), (2), and (3), the governing body of any city having a population of 12,000 or more may by ordinance or resolution, if adopted by two-thirds vote of the governing body more than six months prior to any general municipal election, provide that the city council of the city shall consist of five aldermen to be elected from the city at large. (5) Notwithstanding subdivisions (1), (2), (3), and (4), the governing body of any city having a population of 12,000 or more which does now elect council members from single-member districts or cities presently operating with five single-member districts as established under a federal court order, by ordinance or resolution, if adopted by two-thirds vote of the governing body more than six months prior to any general municipal election, may provide that the city council of the city shall consist of eight aldermen to be elected from single-member districts (wards) with the president of the city council to be elected by the qualified voters of the several wards voting separately in every ward. (6) Notwithstanding subdivisions (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5), the city council of any Class 6 municipality, having a population of 19,000 or more, operating under a mayor-council form of government elected on a citywide basis, by ordinance adopted by a majority vote of the city council more than four months prior to the general municipal election for which the ordinance is to take effect, may provide for staggered terms of office for the city council as follows: a. Each of the council seats established for the city shall be designated by separate number or place. b. The initial term of office for persons holding the odd-numbered council seats shall be established at two years and the initial terms of office for persons holding the even-numbered council seats and that of the mayor of the city shall remain at four years. c. Upon expiration of the initial two-year terms of office to be served by the council members holding odd-numbered seats, each council member elected to the seats shall thereafter hold office for a term of four years so that the mayor and all council members are elected for four-year terms of office with the terms to be staggered as provided. d. This subdivision may not be construed to authorize the governing body of any municipality to which it applies by ordinance or otherwise to shorten the term of any elected official serving on April 15, 2004. (7) Notwithstanding subdivisions (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5), the city council of any Class 8 municipality having a population of 60,000 or more inhabitants elected by the qualified voters operating under a mayor-council form of government on a citywide basis, by ordinance adopted by a two-thirds vote of the city council more than three months prior to the general municipal election for which the ordinance is to take effect, may provide for the city council to consist of either five or seven aldermen to be elected from the municipality at large. (b) Unless provided otherwise in this section, the president of the council shall have the right to vote on all questions the same as any other member of the council. (Code 1907, §1067; Acts 1909, No. 56, p. 100; Code 1923, §1757; Acts 1927, No. 608, p. 706; Acts 1931, No. 371, p. 436; Code 1940, T. 37, §426; Acts 1956, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 21, p. 288; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §2; Acts 1987, No. 87-474, §1; Acts 1987, No. 87-652, p. 1157, §1; Acts 1988, 1st Sp. Sess., No 88-918, p. 512, §1(1); Act 2004-239, p. 317, §1; Act 2004-311, p. 443, §1; Act 2018-281, §§1,2.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-41 Filling of Vacancies in Office of Aldermen.

11-43-41. Filling of Vacancies in Office of Aldermen. Vacancies in the office of the aldermen in any city or town shall be filled by the council at the next regular meeting or any subsequent meeting of the council, the person so elected to hold for the unexpired term. (Acts 1931, No. 371, p. 436; Code 1940, T. 37, §427.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-42 Exercise of Functions of Mayor During Absence or Disability of Mayor; Filling of Vacancies in Offices of Mayor, President, and President Pro Tempore of Council.

11-43-42. Exercise of Functions of Mayor During Absence or Disability of Mayor; Filling of Vacancies in Offices of Mayor, President, and President Pro Tempore of Council. (a) In case of the absence of the mayor from a city of 12,000 or more inhabitants or his inability to serve on account of sickness or any other good reason, the president of the council or the president pro tempore of the council in case of absence or disability of the president of the council shall act as mayor pro tempore with the power and authority of the mayor during such time. In the event of a failure or refusal of the president of the council or the president pro tempore of the council to act, the council may appoint one of its members to act as mayor pro tempore with like effect, which appointment shall be entered in the minutes of the council. In the event of a vacancy from any cause in the office of mayor, the president of the council shall succeed to the office of mayor for the unexpired term. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the president of the council, the president pro tempore shall, in like manner, be president of the council for the unexpired term. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the president pro tempore, the office shall be filled from the membership of the council. (b) In cities of less than 12,000 inhabitants and in towns, in case of the absence or disability of the mayor, the functions of the office shall be exercised by the chairman pro tempore of the council and, during his absence or disability, by such person as the council may appoint from its membership, which appointment must be entered upon the minutes of the council. In the event of a vacancy from any cause in the office of mayor, the council shall fill the vacancy either from its own membership or from without the membership of the council. The person elected by the council to fill the vacancy in the office of mayor shall be a qualified elector in the municipality and must meet all other legal qualifications required by law for the performance of the duties of the office to which elected. (c) In cities having a population of 12,000 or more which have, by ordinance or resolution, adopted by two thirds vote of the city council more than six months prior to any general municipal election, provided that the city council shall consist of five aldermen to be elected from the city at large, there shall be elected by the council and from its members a president of the council and a president pro tempore of the council, which appointments must be entered upon the minutes of the council. In such cities, in case of the absence or disability of the mayor, the functions of the office shall be exercised by the president of the council and, during his absence or disability, by the president pro tempore of the council. In the event of a vacancy for any cause in the office of mayor, the president of the council shall succeed to the office of mayor for the unexpired term. In the event of a vacancy for any cause in the office of president of the council, the president pro tempore shall, in like manner, be president of the council for the unexpired term. (d) The provisions of this section shall not apply to cities operating under commission form of government. (Code 1907, §1188; Acts 1923, No. 95, p. 81; Code 1923, §1904; Code 1940, T. 37, §428; Acts 1943, No. 451, p. 414; Acts 1951, No. 604, p. 1041; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §3.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-43 Powers and Duties Generally.

11-43-43. Powers and Duties Generally. All legislative powers and other powers granted to cities and towns shall be exercised by the council, except those powers conferred on some officers by law or ordinance. The council shall perform the duties required by this title and other applicable provisions of law. (Code 1907, §1192; Code 1923, §1908; Code 1940, T. 37, §429; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §4.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-44 Organizational Meeting.

11-43-44. Organizational Meeting. The members of such council shall, on the first Monday in November after their election, assemble and organize the council. (Code 1907, §1192; Code 1923, §1908; Code 1940, T. 37, §429; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §4; Act 2006-354, p. 937, §2.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-45 Officers - Election or Appointment.

11-43-45. Officers - Election or Appointment. All elections of officers shall be made viva voce, and a concurrence of a majority of the members to the council shall be required, and all members of the council may vote any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding. On the vote resulting in an election or appointment, the name of each member and for whom he voted shall be recorded. (Code 1907, §1192; Code 1923, §1908; Code 1940, T. 37, §429; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §4; Acts 1984, No. 84-286, p. 497, §2.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-46 Officers - Terms of Service.

11-43-46. Officers - Terms of Service. The council shall fix by ordinance the terms of service, not to exceed the term of the mayor, of all the officers appointed or elected whose terms are not prescribed by law. (Code 1907, §1192; Code 1923, §1908; Code 1940, T. 37, §429; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §4.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-47 Officers - Powers and Duties.

11-43-47. Officers - Powers and Duties. The council shall prescribe by an ordinance the powers to be exercised and the duties to be performed by the officers appointed or elected so far as such duties and powers are not prescribed by law. (Code 1907, §1192; Code 1923, §1908; Code 1940, T. 37, §429; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §4.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-48 Proceedings - Quorum.

11-43-48. Proceedings - Quorum. In all towns or cities, a majority of the whole number of members to which such corporation is entitled, including the mayor in towns and cities of less than 12,000 population, shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. (Code 1907, §1192; Code 1923, §1908; Code 1940, T. 37, §429; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §4.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-49 Proceedings - Time and Place of Meetings Generally; Appointment of Temporary Chairman or Election of President Pro Tempore.

11-43-49. Proceedings - Time and Place of Meetings Generally; Appointment of Temporary Chairman or Election of President Pro Tempore. The council shall determine the time and place of holding its meetings, which at all times shall be open to the public, and, in towns and cities of less than 12,000 population, in the absence of the mayor, shall appoint a temporary chairman, which appointment shall be entered of record. In cities of more than 12,000 population, it shall elect viva voce a president pro tempore. (Code 1907, §1192; Code 1923, §1908; Code 1940, T. 37, §429; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §4.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-50 Proceedings - Regular and Special Meetings; Cancelling and Rescheduling Meetings.

11-43-50. Proceedings - Regular and Special Meetings; Cancelling and Rescheduling Meetings. (a) There shall be at least two regular meetings of the council in each month, except that in towns, as defined in Section 11-40-6, there shall be at least one regular meeting of the council in each month; but provided, however, the council of any town may, by ordinance, mandate at least two regular meetings of the council in each month, and the presiding officer shall call special meetings whenever in his or her opinion the public interest may require it and whenever two council members or the mayor request the presiding officer in writing to call a meeting. Upon the failure or refusal of the presiding officer to call a meeting when requested, the two council members or the mayor making the request shall have the right to call the meeting. (b) A council member may notify the presiding officer in writing when the member will be unable to attend a council meeting. If the presiding officer receives sufficient written notice to indicate that a quorum will not be present at a meeting, the presiding officer may cancel the meeting and give notice that the meeting is canceled. If a meeting canceled pursuant to this subsection is a regular meeting, the presiding officer may reschedule the meeting provided proper notice is given pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 36-25A-3. (Code 1907, §1198; Code 1923, §1914; Code 1940, T. 37, §430; Acts 1983, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 83-828, p. 49, §1; Act 2013-308, p. 1040, §1.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-51 Proceedings - Compulsion of Attendance of Members.

11-43-51. Proceedings - Compulsion of Attendance of Members. The council may compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as it may prescribe. (Code 1907, §1192; Code 1923, §1908; Code 1940, T. 37, §429; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §4.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-52 Proceedings - Rules of Procedure; Journal.

11-43-52. Proceedings - Rules of Procedure; Journal. The council shall determine the rules of its own proceedings and keep a journal thereof, which shall be open to the inspection and examination of all citizens and shall have the force and effect of a record, and a copy thereof, certified by the clerk, shall be prima facie evidence in any court or elsewhere. (Code 1907, §1192; Code 1923, §1908; Code 1940, T. 37, §429; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §4.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-53 Aldermen Not to Hold Other Municipal Offices or Have Interest, Etc., in Municipal Contracts, Etc.; Penalty.

11-43-53. Aldermen Not to Hold Other Municipal Offices or Have Interest, Etc., in Municipal Contracts, Etc.; Penalty. (a) No member of any city or town council shall, during the time for which he has been elected, be appointed to any municipal office which shall be created or the emoluments of which shall be increased during the term for which he shall have been elected; nor shall he be interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract or job for work or material, or the profits thereof or services to be performed for the corporation, except as provided in this title. (b) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00, and may also be sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than six months. (Code 1907, §1193; Acts 1909, No. 200, p. 197; Code 1923, §§1909, 5084; Code 1940, T. 37, §§431, 432.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-54 Aldermen Not to Vote on Certain Matters; Removal.

11-43-54. Aldermen Not to Vote on Certain Matters; Removal. No councilman shall be entitled to vote on any question in which he, his employer, or employee has a special financial interest at the time of voting or was so interested at the time of his election. For violating this section or Section 11-43-53, a councilman may be removed. (Code 1907, §1197; Acts 1909, No. 200, p. 197; Code 1923, §1913; Code 1940, T. 37, §433.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-55 Establishment, Organization, Etc., of Police Force.

11-43-55. Establishment, Organization, Etc., of Police Force. Except as otherwise provided in this title, the council shall have power to establish a police force and to organize the same under the general supervision of the chief of police, and to provide one or more station houses and to require all things necessary for the maintenance of an efficient police department. (Code 1907, §1192; Code 1923, §1908; Code 1940, T. 37, §429; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §4.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-56 Management and Control of Finances and Property of Municipality.

11-43-56. Management and Control of Finances and Property of Municipality. Except as otherwise provided in this title, the council shall have the management and control of the finances and all of the property, real and personal, belonging to the city or town. (Code 1907, §1192; Code 1923, §1908; Code 1940, T. 37, §429; Acts 1961, No. 666, p. 910, §4.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-57 Annual Appropriation of Funds for Expenditures of Departments and Interest on Indebtedness.

11-43-57. Annual Appropriation of Funds for Expenditures of Departments and Interest on Indebtedness. In all cities, the council shall appropriate the sums necessary for the expenditures of the several city departments and for the interest on its bonded and other indebtedness, not exceeding in the aggregate within 10 percent of its estimated receipts, and such city council shall not appropriate in the aggregate an amount in excess of its annual legally authorized revenue. But nothing in this section shall prevent such cities from anticipating their revenues for the year for which such appropriation was made, or from contracting for temporary loans as provided in the applicable provisions of this title, or from bonding or refunding their outstanding indebtedness or from appropriating anticipated revenue at any time for the current expenses of the city and interest on the bonded and other indebtedness of the city. (Code 1907, §1196; Acts 1915, No. 469, p. 489; Code 1923, §1912; Code 1940, T. 37, §434.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-58 Judging of Qualifications and Election of Mayor, President of Council, Etc.

11-43-58. Judging of Qualifications and Election of Mayor, President of Council, Etc. The council shall judge of the qualifications and election of the mayor, the president of the council and of each alderman, and such other officers as may be elected by the people, and the resolutions and ordinances that may be adopted by the council under this section shall not be subject to the approval or disapproval of the mayor. (Code 1907, §1065; Acts 1909, No. 56, p. 100; Code 1923, §1756; Code 1940, T. 37, §435.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-59 Adoption of Fire Limits, Building Laws and Ordinances, Etc.; Condemnation of Buildings, Etc.; Charges for Inspections.

11-43-59. Adoption of Fire Limits, Building Laws and Ordinances, Etc.; Condemnation of Buildings, Etc.; Charges for Inspections. The council may prescribe fire limits in any city or town, and buildings of wood or other inflammable material shall not be erected therein. The council may do all things necessary to prevent conflagration and give security to the inhabitants of the city or town from fires. The council may adopt building laws and may employ building inspectors to see that the laws are not violated and that the plans and specifications for buildings are not in conflict with the ordinances of the city or town and may exact fees to be paid by the owners of the property inspected. The council may secure the safety of persons from fire in hotels and halls and in such other buildings as may be designated by the council, to have and maintain ample means of exit in case of fire, and may refuse to license and may prevent the use of such buildings for such purposes until such ordinances have been complied with. The council may adopt ordinances requiring buildings to be equipped with fire escapes when in the opinion of the council they are necessary. The council may condemn buildings, parts of buildings, or structures dangerous to the public and prohibit the use thereof and abate the same as a nuisance. The council may make reasonable charges for the service of plumbing and electric wiring inspection, inspection of foods and feedstuffs, meats and vegetables, and weights and measures. (Code 1907, §1264; Code 1923, §2012; Code 1940, T. 37, §436.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-60 Regulation of Storage, Use, Etc., of Explosives; Compulsion of Efficient Service by Public Utility Corporations.

11-43-60. Regulation of Storage, Use, Etc., of Explosives; Compulsion of Efficient Service by Public Utility Corporations. (a) The council may regulate and control or prohibit the erection of powder magazines within the police jurisdiction of the city or town, and prevent explosives and dangerous substances from being stored within the city or town and regulate the manner in which explosives may be hauled or kept within the police jurisdiction. (b) The council may compel public utility corporations using a franchise obtained from the municipality to render efficient service to the inhabitants thereof. (Code 1907, §1271; Code 1923, §2019; Code 1940, T. 37, §437.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-61 Regulation of Running, Switching, Etc., of Cars, Trains, and Locomotives on Streets, Crossings, Highways, Etc.

11-43-61. Regulation of Running, Switching, Etc., of Cars, Trains, and Locomotives on Streets, Crossings, Highways, Etc. The council may prescribe reasonable regulations for the running of cars, trains, and locomotives on, over, upon, or across the streets, avenues, alleys, or public places of the city or town. The council may prescribe appliances on grade crossings for the safety of the public and regulate and control the switching of cars on crossings or highways of the municipality. (Code 1907, §1272; Code 1923, §2020; Code 1940, T. 37, §438.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-62 Regulation of Use of Streets for Telephone, Telegraph, Etc., Lines; Sale or Lease of Franchises and Disposition of Moneys Therefrom.

11-43-62. Regulation of Use of Streets for Telephone, Telegraph, Etc., Lines; Sale or Lease of Franchises and Disposition of Moneys Therefrom. The council shall regulate the use of the streets for the erection of telegraph, telephone, electric, and all other systems of wires and conduits and may require the same to be placed underground if deemed necessary for the public convenience and safety and generally to control and regulate the use of the streets for any and all purposes. The council may sell or lease in such manner as it may deem advisable any franchise which it has power to grant, and the moneys received therefor shall be paid into the city treasury. (Code 1907, §1268; Code 1923, §2016; Code 1940, T. 37, §439.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-63 Division of Municipality into Single-Member Districts.

11-43-63. Division of Municipality into Single-Member Districts. Any city or town council of this state not currently electing its members from single-member districts pursuant to state law may, not less than six months prior to the regular general municipal election, by ordinance adopted by a majority of the membership of the council, divide the municipality into single-member districts (wards) of not less than five nor more than seven districts (wards). Provided, however, that the number of districts (wards) in any Class 1, 2, or 3 municipality may not exceed nine districts (wards). Such ordinance shall be considered only after two weeks public notice has been given, outlining generally the voting districts under consideration. The ordinance shall provide that candidates for election for a place on the council, where the council has been divided into districts, shall reside within the boundaries of said district (ward) for which he or she seeks election, and shall continue to reside in the district he or she represents so long as he or she remains a member of said council and further that candidates for election to a place on the council shall have resided within the district from which he or she seeks election for a period of 90 days immediately preceding the date of the election. Only electors residing within a district shall be entitled to vote for candidates seeking election for said district. The ordinance establishing the districts shall describe the territory composing the district by metes and counts, or census tracts, and the municipal clerk, within five days after the adoption of the ordinance, shall file with the judge of probate of the county or counties in which the municipality lies a certified copy of such ordinance accompanied, by a map or plat of the city or town, showing the boundaries of all such districts. (Acts 1987, No. 87-191, p. 278.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-64 Procedural Requirements for Increasing Number of Single-Member Districts in Class 3 Municipalities.

11-43-64. Procedural Requirements for Increasing Number of Single-Member Districts in Class 3 Municipalities. Notwithstanding other provision of law, including but not limited to Section 11-43-63, a Class 3 municipality may, by ordinance adopted by a majority of the membership of the council 90 days prior to the regular general municipal election, increase the number of single-member districts (wards) in the municipality up to and including nine members. The ordinance may only be considered after two weeks’ public notice has been given, outlining generally the voting districts under consideration. The ordinance shall provide that candidates for election for a place on the council, where the council has been divided into districts, shall have resided within the boundaries of the district (ward) for which he or she seeks election for at least 30 days immediately preceding the date of the election, and shall continue to reside in the district he or she represents so long as he or she remains a member of the council. All terms of office for city council members shall be concurrent with the mayor of the municipality. Only electors residing within a district shall be entitled to vote for candidates seeking election for the district. (Acts 1993, No. 93-634, p. 507, §1.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-65 Filling Vacancies on City Council in Class 6 Municipalities.

11-43-65. Filling Vacancies on City Council in Class 6 Municipalities. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a vacancy on the city council of a Class 6 city may be filled by either of the following ways: (1) The city council may appoint a person to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term. (2) The city council may call a special election to fill the vacancy. A special election called pursuant to this subdivision shall be conducted as provided by the general laws of this state regarding municipal elections. The successor, upon election and certification, shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term. (Act 2001-314 p. 405, §1.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-65.1 Election and Terms of Mayor and City Council Members in Certain Class 6 Municipalities.

11-43-65.1. Election and Terms of Mayor and City Council Members in Certain Class 6 Municipalities. (a) This section shall apply to any Class 6 municipality in which the city government on March 18, 2022, consists of a mayor and five members of the city council elected for staggered terms. (b) In any Class 6 municipality to which this section applies, the city council of the municipality may adopt an ordinance revising the election dates and terms of the city council and mayor as provided in this section. The ordinance, if enacted, shall provide: (1) That the members of the city council to be elected at the general municipal election in 2022 shall be elected for terms of five years commencing on the first Monday in November 2022, and successors shall be elected for terms of four years at a general municipal election in 2027, for terms commencing on the first Monday in November 2027, and every four years thereafter. (2) The terms of the mayor and the members of the city council set to expire in 2024 shall be extended by one year to expire in 2025, and successors to the offices of mayor and city council shall be elected for terms of four years at a general municipal election in 2025, for terms commencing on the first Monday in November 2025, and every four years thereafter. (c) The provisions of this section are supplemental and shall not be construed to repeal any law not in direct conflict with this section. (Act 2022-155, §§1-3.)

Ala. Code § 11-43-66 Increases to Compensation for Members of City Council in Class 1 Municipalities.

11-43-66. Increases to Compensation for Members of City Council in Class 1 Municipalities. Not less than six months prior to each general election for the election of the city council, the city council of any Class 1 municipality may increase the compensation of the members of the city council to the amount prescribed by the city council payable in equal monthly installments from the general fund of the municipality, which increase in compensation shall be effective on the first day of the new term. (Act 2008-407, p. 801, §2.)

Source: Alabama Legislature (alison.legislature.state.al.us)URL: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabamaFetched: 10/20/2026