The bill amends Sections 41-6-3 and 41-6-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which pertain to the Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History. 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 process for filling vacancies has been updated, transferring the responsibility from the board of trustees to appointing authorities, who must submit appointee names to the Senate for confirmation. The bill emphasizes the importance of diversity in board membership, ensuring representation across racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and economic lines. Additionally, it clarifies that appointed members serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority and establishes that a majority constitutes a quorum.

Furthermore, the bill proposes amendments to the governance structure of the department, including the election of a director and the appointment of other officials. It also mandates the publication of historical materials under the director's supervision. Notably, the bill removes the term "such" from language regarding the control and expenditure of appropriations for the department's maintenance and from the clause about performing necessary acts to fulfill the article's intent. The bill is retroactive to January 1, 2025, and will take effect immediately upon passage, having been approved by the Senate with a vote of 26 in favor and 5 against on April 17, 2025.

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