The bill amends Sections 11-90-2 and 11-90-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975, focusing on the governance and appointment processes for county and municipal library boards. Key changes include the establishment of a five-member library board that will be appointed by the governing body of the county or municipality that created the library. Each member will serve a four-year term and can be removed at any time by a two-thirds vote of the appointing authority. Additionally, the bill mandates that library boards submit an annual report detailing their membership and any actions taken regarding the review or removal of items in their collection.

Furthermore, the bill allows for the establishment of joint library services between different political units, enabling them to contract with one another for library services. The provisions clarify that the appointing authorities can determine the size and composition of the joint library board, which will have the same powers and duties as individual county or municipal library boards. The bill also emphasizes the importance of diversity in library board appointments, ensuring that the membership reflects the racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and economic diversity of the state. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 11-90-2, 11-90-2
Engrossed: 11-90-2, 11-90-4