HB593 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Artis McCampbellPebblin W. WarrenThad McClammyChris EnglandSteve HurstVictor GastonAlan Boothe

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Colleges and universities, boards of trustees, authorized to participate in meetings by telephone or video conference under certain conditions

Summary

HB593 would let public four-year college boards meet by phone or video while keeping public access.

What This Bill Does

The bill would allow the board of trustees, the executive committee, or any other committee of public four-year higher education institutions to participate in meetings by telephone conference, video conference, or similar equipment, provided notice is given under the Open Meetings Act and the public can simultaneously listen to or observe. Participation by these remote means would count as being present in person for all purposes, including establishing a quorum. Notice of such meetings must follow the Alabama Open Meetings Act, and the equipment must allow the public to listen or observe as well. The act would take effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Board of trustees and their committees for public four-year higher education institutions in Alabama — may participate remotely and have that participation count as presence for quorum.
• Members of the public and general audience — retain the right to listen to or observe the meetings remotely via the same equipment.

Key Provisions

• Permits participation in meetings by telephone conference, video conference, or similar equipment.
• Remote participation counts as in-person presence, including for quorum purposes.
• Notice must be provided under the Alabama Open Meetings Act and public access must be preserved.
• Effective immediately following Governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Colleges and Universities