The bill amends Sections 22-51-8 and 22-51-9 of the Code of Alabama 1975, focusing on the governance structure of regional mental health authority boards. Key changes include the requirement for each board to have a minimum of nine members, with specific appointments from local governing bodies. The bill prohibits the corporation from imposing additional qualifications for board members beyond those established by the governing bodies and mandates that the board's composition reflect the diversity of the service area. It also introduces provisions for the appointment of local officials, such as sheriffs and judges of probate, to the executive committee, ensuring their representation on the board.

Additionally, the bill outlines the terms of office for board members, stipulating that they serve six-year terms with staggered expirations. It establishes that a quorum for board meetings requires one-third of the members, while the executive committee requires a majority for decision-making. The bill also emphasizes compliance with the Alabama Open Meetings Act for conducting meetings and specifies that board members will not receive compensation for their services. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-51-8, 22-51-9
Engrossed: 22-51-8, 22-51-9