SB337 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

T.D. “Ted” Little

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Creek War and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, established, members, powers, duties, termination, Secs. 41-9-1060 to 41-9-1067, inclusive, added (2010-20685)

Summary

Creates the Creek War and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to plan, coordinate, and oversee Alabama’s statewide commemorations, education, and heritage-tourism efforts for the Creek War and War of 1812, with a defined term and funding rules.

What This Bill Does

Establishes a 29-member Creek War and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission with diverse appointments from counties, cities, state agencies, and organizations to plan and run commemorations. Authorizes the commission to develop programs, calendars, maps, websites, exhibits, and teaching materials; coordinate with federal, state, and local partners; and seek gifts or donations. Sets rules for staffing, meetings, reporting, termination after a final report, and transfer of materials to the Alabama Archives and History upon termination.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents (including students) who would benefit from statewide commemorations, educational programs, and heritage tourism related to the Creek War and War of 1812.
• State and local government agencies, museums, historical societies, universities, schools, and tribal groups (such as the Poarch Band of Creek Indians) that participate in appointments, programs, staffing, governance, and collaboration with the commission.

Key Provisions

• Article 44 adds the Creek War and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to Chapter 9, Title 41 and defines its purpose, powers, duties, operations, and termination.
• Commission composition: 29 members appointed to reflect Alabama’s diversity, with specific appointment sources (counties, mayors, various state agencies, and historical/cultural organizations); terms run for the life of the commission; vacancies filled by majority vote of the full commission.
• Powers and duties: plan, develop, execute, and coordinate commemorations; establish statewide observances; create calendars, state and national park materials, websites, maps, exhibits, and educational content; cooperate with federal and private entities and promote heritage tourism.
• Funding and resources: activities are subject to available funds; authority to accept gifts/donations; can employ staff and contract for services; no lasting obligation on state funds; audits and final disposition of funds required; funds at termination go to the State General Fund.
• Governance and operations: initial and minimum meeting requirements; chair and vice-chair; executive director appointment; travel reimbursements; administrative support from the Alabama Historical Commission; independence from some state procedural laws (Open Meetings Act, Administrative Procedure Act) with certain exceptions.
• Legal status and liability: commission and members have tax exemptions, immunity from civil liability for duties performed, and can enter contracts while being exempt from competitive bidding; employees may participate in state retirement and health programs where applicable.
• Termination and disposition: the commission terminates after submitting a final report; documents and exhibits related to the period are transferred to the Alabama Department of Archives and History; some items may be de-accessioned if not mission-aligned; items produced for sale may go to Alabama Historical Commission or Archives for use in retail outlets.
• Educational and collaborative focus: requires collaboration with the Department of Education, Archives and History, colleges/universities, and the Alabama Humanities Foundation to develop teaching materials, workshops, and a public speakers’ bureau; coordinates with other states to share information and joint programs.
• Archaeological and historical inventory: works with the State Archaeologist to update inventories of archaeological sites; conducts surveys for identification and preservation; develops a Bicentennial Trail map by 2012 for public distribution.
• Diversity and public outreach: explicit requirement that commission members reflect racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of Alabama.

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

Subjects

Creek War and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission