The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish a structured framework for faculty governance at public institutions of higher education, designating Section 16-5A-1 as Article 1 and introducing three additional articles that detail the creation, membership, and responsibilities of faculty senates, which are advisory bodies only. It mandates that each governing board adopt a tenure policy, conduct periodic post-tenure reviews, and maintain control over curriculum and course offerings. Existing faculty senates established before October 1, 2026, will be abolished unless they meet specific criteria outlined in the new articles. The bill also includes provisions that prohibit accrediting agencies from compelling institutions to violate the new regulations or taking adverse actions based on compliance.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the tenure and dismissal of faculty members, requiring governing boards to adopt dismissal policies for tenured faculty based on serious misconduct, ensuring due process rights are upheld. It specifies that periodic post-tenure reviews can lead to the revocation of tenure if incompetency or neglect of duty is found, and mandates that governing boards define "serious misconduct" and designate administrators for dismissal hearings. The bill emphasizes the authority of governing boards to manage their institutions without interference from accrediting agencies, clarifying that no private cause of action is created under this article. The effective date for the act is set for October 1, 2026, with various insertions and deletions made to existing law to implement these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-5A-1
Engrossed: 16-5A-1
Enrolled: 16-5A-1