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 specific terms for 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.

Additionally, the bill modifies the confirmation procedures for board members, mandating that the names of appointed members be submitted to the Senate for confirmation. If a nominee is rejected, the appointing authority must promptly fill the vacancy. The bill clarifies that appointed members serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority and outlines quorum requirements for board meetings. Furthermore, it proposes amendments to the governance structure of the department, including the deletion of the word "such" regarding the control and expenditure of appropriations, thereby clarifying the director's authority. The bill is retroactive to January 1, 2025, and will take effect immediately upon passage, having received significant support in the Senate with a vote of 26 in favor and 5 against.

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