The bill amends Sections 41-6-3 and 41-6-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which pertain to the governance of the Department of Archives and History and its Board of Trustees. Key changes include a revised board composition, now consisting of one member from each congressional district as of January 1, 2025, along with nine at-large members and the Governor or their designee. The bill emphasizes diversity in board membership, ensuring representation that reflects the state's racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and economic diversity. It also clarifies the process for filling vacancies, requiring appointing authorities to communicate new member names to the Senate for confirmation and to promptly fill any rejected nominations.

Additionally, the bill modifies the procedures for confirming board members and updates operational language, including quorum requirements and the Governor's role as a voting member. It specifies that board members will not receive compensation but will be reimbursed for travel expenses. The bill also proposes amendments regarding the election of a director and the appointment of officials, while removing the term "such" from certain provisions related to the control and expenditure of appropriations. The bill is retroactive to January 1, 2025, and will take effect immediately upon passage, having passed 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