The proposed 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 stipulates that those serving on or after October 1, 2026, must complete the course by March 1, 2027, or within 150 days of starting their term if they begin after that date. 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 effective board governance.
Additionally, the bill outlines that the course will be available online and may be conducted in person. Upon completion, board members must sign a form affirming their commitment to ethical decision-making and attendance at meetings. The act will take effect on October 1, 2026. There are no deletions from current law mentioned in the text, but the new requirements for board members represent significant changes to governance practices for these entities.