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Council approves first reading to require proof of active bar status for attorney business licenses
Summary
On first reading the council approved an ordinance amendment requiring attorneys renewing a City of Birmingham business license to provide proof they are active and in good standing with the Alabama State Bar; staff said the change does not alter fees and councilors debated whether it adds unnecessary red tape.
The Birmingham City Council approved on first reading an ordinance amending Part 3 (Appendix A) of the city's General Code to require attorneys who renew a city business license to provide proof of active membership and good standing with the Alabama State Bar.
A city staff representative told the council the change "is not changing the fee structure at all" but was intended to add an accountability check so the city does not issue business licenses to individuals who are not authorized to practice law. "It's no different than making sure our contractors have license or insurance," the staff member said.
Council discussion focused on whether the requirement created unnecessary regulatory burden. Councilor Williams said he was "very hesitant to be supportive of anything where there is just additional red tape," and questioned whether the city was adding enforcement responsibilities better handled by the state bar. Supporters said the measure aligns city permitting practices for licensed trades.
The item passed on a voice vote; the clerk announced the item passed with eight votes recorded on the action. This was a first reading; the council did not change fees and no additional enforcement mechanism beyond proof of licensure was adopted in this session.
