The bill amends Section 11-88-6 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the governance of water, sewer, and fire protection authorities by allowing individuals holding state, county, or municipal office to serve as uncompensated members on authority boards. This change is significant as it opens up opportunities for public officials to contribute their expertise to these boards, which was previously restricted. Additionally, the bill includes several technical revisions to streamline the language of the existing law, such as deleting duplicative phrases and updating terms to reflect current legal standards.

Key amendments include the restructuring of director terms, with the first term of newly elected directors being staggered and subsequent terms lasting six years. The bill also clarifies that while directors may be reimbursed for expenses incurred during their duties, those serving as state or local officials cannot receive compensation for their role on the board. Furthermore, it establishes a process for increasing board membership when a service area is annexed by a municipality, ensuring that the board can adapt to changes in governance and service responsibilities. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 11-88-6
Engrossed: 11-88-6