Alabama is the only state in the southeast that deprives counties of local control, forcing county governments to seek legislative approval for even the most mundane of matters. That could include things such as leash laws, rodent control, billboard regulation, court costs and fire protection, among other things.
Our state legislature spends almost half its time debating local issues, and over 70% of Alabama’s more-than 800 amendments apply to a single city or county.
It also means that voters statewide are asked to vote on issues that have absolutely no impact on them at all. Do you care about animal control in a county 250 miles from your home town? You may still be asked to vote on it!
“Home Rule” is the idea that local governments should deal with local problems. Under our present system, power is concentrated in the legislature in Montgomery. Home Rule brings that decision-making power back home, where it belongs.