The bill amends Section 41-29-1 of the Code of Alabama 1975, focusing on the Department of Commerce's structure and the process for setting salaries for its leadership. Key changes include the replacement of the phrase "a person possessed with extensive responsible" with "an individual with extensive" experience in economic development. The bill also revises the salary-setting process for the Secretary of Commerce, allowing the Governor to set the salary in accordance with Section 36-6-6, rather than capping it at $40,000 above the highest authorized salary for Merit System employees. Additionally, the language regarding the appointment and compensation of deputy secretaries has been updated to reflect that their salaries will be set by the secretary and approved by the Governor.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of diversity among the assistant secretaries and mandates that the Department of Commerce's economic development functions must receive pre-approval from the Secretary of Commerce or the Governor. It also clarifies that the Alabama Community College System will continue to provide a range of career-technical courses and training programs. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-29-1
Enrolled: 41-29-1