The bill SB128 proposes a significant overhaul of public health governance in Alabama by abolishing the State Board of Health and transferring its responsibilities to the State Committee of Public Health, effective September 30, 2024. The State Committee will inherit all powers and duties previously held by the Board, with a revised membership structure that includes specific qualifications for the State Health Officer. The bill mandates that the Governor appoint the State Health Officer from a list provided by the Committee, rather than through an election, and clarifies that the officer must hold a full, active, and unrestricted medical license in Alabama. Additionally, the Committee is required to hold monthly meetings with a majority quorum and will have the authority to review and potentially discipline the State Health Officer's actions.

Moreover, the bill introduces new requirements for emergency rules and directives issued by the State Health Officer, stipulating that they must receive approval from the Governor and be filed with the Secretary of State before taking effect. While the State Health Officer can still issue individualized orders for public health violations without prior approval, the bill explicitly prohibits both the State Health Officer and the Governor from mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024, with certain provisions regarding the appointment of the State Health Officer becoming operative upon a vacancy in that office. The bill also includes technical revisions to ensure clarity and consistency in the law, such as changing the term "chairman" to "chair" and removing the requirement for the State Board of Health to act in session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-1-1, 22-2-1, 22-2-4, 22-2-5, 22-2-6, 22-2-8
Engrossed: 22-1-1, 22-2-1, 22-2-4, 22-2-5, 22-2-6, 22-2-8
Enrolled: 22-1-1, 22-2-1, 22-2-4, 22-2-5, 22-2-6, 22-2-8