The bill amends Sections 41-6-3 and 41-6-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which pertain to the Department of Archives and History and its Board of Trustees. Key changes include the board's composition, which will now consist of one member from each congressional district as of January 1, 2025, in addition to nine at-large members and the Governor or their designee. The process for filling vacancies has been revised to require appointing authorities to fill each vacancy, with terms specified for both congressional district and at-large positions. The bill also emphasizes the importance of diversity in the board's membership, reflecting the state's demographics in terms of race, gender, geography, and economic status.

Moreover, the bill modifies the procedures for filling vacancies, requiring the appointing authority to submit new member names to the Senate for confirmation. It clarifies that appointed members will serve six-year terms, with provisions for filling unexpired terms due to death or resignation. The bill also updates quorum requirements and the Governor's role as a voting member. Additionally, it proposes amendments to simplify language regarding the control and expenditure of appropriations and mandates the election of a director, along with the appointment of other officials. The bill establishes a retroactive effective date of January 1, 2025, and will take effect immediately upon passage, having received legislative support with a Senate vote of 26 in favor and 5 against.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-6-3, 41-6-4
Engrossed: 41-6-3, 41-6-4