Starting January 1st of 2025, the Mayor and City Council members must brush up on the education of laws and duties concerning their positions.

The new law, SB291, was introduced by State Senator  Jabo Waggoner of Vestavia Hills. The bill was voted on and became a law in May of 2024, but did not become required until January 1, 2025.

The new laws states each individual elected to serve as mayor or as a member of the governing body of any municipality shall enroll in, participate in, and satisfactorily complete, during each year of their first elected term that commences after January 1, 2025, a training course that meets the requirements of subsection (b). (b) A training course shall consist of at least 10 hours and shall include instruction in each of the following subjects:

 (1) The general powers of municipalities.

(2) The duties of mayors and governing bodies of municipalities.

 (3) Ethics.

 (4) Annexations.

 (5) The authority to expend municipal funds.

(6) Parliamentary procedure.

(7) Conflicts of interest.

(8) Legislative advocacy.

(9) Liability.

(10) Public records.

(11) Police and planning jurisdiction.

(12) Public works bidding.

(13) Revenue sources.

(14) Competitive bid laws.

(15) Budgeting.

(16) Audit requirements.

(17) The public purpose doctrine.

(18) The Open Meetings Act.

(19) Municipal boards.

(20) Zoning.

(21) Any other subject recommended by the Alabama League of Municipalities.

While the new law provides for payment of the courses, it does not provide and repercussions for Mayors and Council members who do not comply.