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 stipulates that if there are more than 16 directors, an executive committee of nine members must be formed, which will include a sheriff or representative and a judge of probate, provided they are serving on the board. Additionally, the bill prohibits the corporation from imposing additional qualifications for board members beyond those established by the governing bodies and mandates that board appointments reflect the diversity of the service area.

Further amendments include the establishment of a quorum for meetings, which requires one-third of the entire board or a majority of the executive committee, and the requirement for the board to conduct its meetings in accordance with the Alabama Open Meetings Act. The bill also introduces provisions for the removal of board members for poor attendance and clarifies 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