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 to state leaders detailing their membership and any actions taken regarding their collections.

Furthermore, the bill allows for the creation of joint library services between counties and municipalities, enabling them to contract with one another for library services. The provisions clarify that the governing bodies of the respective political units can determine the size and appointing authorities of the joint library board. 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