The bill seeks to extend the operations of the Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board until October 1, 2026, under the Alabama Sunset Law. It amends Section 34-5A-3 of the Code of Alabama 1975, mandating the Department of Mental Health to provide essential support services for the board, including financial, legal, and IT services, as well as dedicated office space and personnel. The board will consist of seven members with specific qualifications and terms, tasked with enforcing regulations, investigating complaints, and taking disciplinary actions against licensed behavior analysts. Key modifications include the requirement for the board's membership to reflect the state's diversity and the replacement of the term "person" with "individual" for clarity and inclusivity.

Additionally, SB131 introduces new legal language aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in government contracting. It includes provisions that ensure all contracts are publicly accessible and subject to review, as well as establishing stricter guidelines for conflict of interest disclosures among public officials. The bill also removes previous exemptions that allowed certain contracts to bypass public scrutiny, thereby closing loopholes that previously enabled less oversight in government spending. Overall, SB131 aims to foster greater integrity and public trust in government operations by reinforcing transparency and accountability in the procurement process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34-5A-3, 34-5A-3
Enrolled: 34-5A-3, 34-5A-3