The bill mandates that all members of boards and commissions subject to the Alabama Sunset Law complete a board governance course. Specifically, it defines "board member" and requires those serving on or after October 1, 2025, to complete the course by March 1, 2026, or within 150 days of starting their term. The course, which will be provided by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, will cover essential topics such as the Alabama Open Meetings Act, travel and compensation policies, and best practices for board operations. The course will be available online and will require participants to affirm their commitment to ethical decision-making and public service principles.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the recording and maintenance of course completion evidence by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. The act will take effect on October 1, 2025. There are no deletions from current law noted in the text, but the new requirements for board members represent significant changes to the governance of boards and commissions in Alabama.