The Alabama Senate today gave final approval to a bill requiring cities to get legislative approval for occupational taxes, effectively blocking a 1% tax approved by the Montgomery City Council last week.

The Republican majority passed the retroactive bill 27-7 over opposition from Democrats, who said the Legislature should not take away the authority of city officials responsible for providing services to the constituents who elect them.

The bill had already passed the House, so Gov. Kay Ivey could sign it into law.

Ivey’s press secretary, Gina Maiola, said in a statement Thursday supports the intent of the bill:

“Governor Ivey does not want to see unfair burdens placed upon hardworking Alabamians. Occupational taxes would not only hurt employees living within those city limits where they are proposed, but also those men and women who commute in from surrounding areas. She wants to keep a great working relationship with municipalities, but as with any legislation sent to her desk, the governor will thoroughly review for any unintended consequences it may impose."

Proponents of the bill said a large portion of those who would be affected by the Montgomery tax live outside the city and commute daily to their jobs, so they don’t have a say in who serves on the city council. They said the requirement for legislative approval gives those people who live outside the city a voice in the decision through their legislator.

Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, handled the bill in the Senate. It was sponsored by Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville.

Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, said the requirement for legislative approval makes it unlikely any any city will be able to pass an occupational tax. Singleton said it will take just one member of a local legislative delegation to effectively block a tax bill.

“Our statutes give the cities the ability to tax and spend and we’re now as big brothers taking that away from them and saying we’re going to tell you how to run your taxes and your city, and we’re taking that tool away from them," Singleton said.

Although the Montgomery tax is already approved, the bill says it applies to any tax not already in place by Feb. 1. Singleton said the retroactive nature of the bill was punitive to Montgomery.

The Montgomery tax is an initiative supported by Mayor Steven Reed, who said it would support efforts to hire police and firefighters and improve public safety. Reed spoke at a legislative committee meeting in opposition to the bill.

Reed issued a statement today after the Senate passed the bill:

“The passage of House Bill 147 today is another example of government overreach and undermines the ability of mayors and city councils all around Alabama to address issues at the local level, in particular those regarding revenue," Reed said. "It stands in stark contrast to those who promote local governance and home rule as the signing of this bill all but does away with that. The state senate’s action severely undermines the ability of our city to fund police, fire and other public safety duties at a level needed to provide our citizens with the safest community possible. It should concern every citizen that powerful special interests have succeeded in taking authority from local governments and are consolidating it in the state legislature. Despite this, my administration will continue to work to improve the future of our city.”

The mayors of Alabama’s 10 largest cities signed an open letter to the Legislature opposing the bill.

Chambliss, who handled the bill in the Senate today, also released a statement.

“As was brought in the debate today, representation is fundamental in our country. Lack of representation is what moved our country toward independence. Being subject to an occupational tax without representation is no different. Passage of HB 147 simply gives us that representation."

Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre, said in a statement, “Today is a great day for hard working Alabamians. The occupational tax is harmful to economic development. I was proud to be one of the Senators who worked to raise this issue and bring it to the forefront and I think that our state will benefit as a whole thanks to its passage. I feel like Alabamians are better off now that the legislature has put accountability in place for these taxes."

The bill marks the latest move by the Legislature to restrict city governments on certain issues. Lawmakers passed a bill to block cities from passing minimum wages after the Birmingham City Council did so. Cities are prohibited from removing or moving historical monuments that have been on public property more than 40 years.

This story was updated at 5:38 p.m. to add statements from Mayor Reed and Sens. Chambliss and Jones. Updated at 8:21 a.m. Feb. 28 to add statement from Gov. Ivey’s office.