SB386 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kim Benefield

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Linda Coleman-MadisonPriscilla DunnVivian Davis FiguresHarri Anne Smith

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Women's Commission, qualifications, duties, funding, terms of office, altered, Secs. 41-9-415, 41-9-416 added; Secs. 41-9-410, 41-9-411, 41-9-413 am'd.

Summary

SB386 would reorganize and fund the Alabama Women's Commission, changing its structure, duties, and funding to study and advocate for women's issues.

What This Bill Does

Creates a continuing Alabama Women's Commission with specified composition (3 House members, 2 Senate members, and 10 Governor-appointed members) and staggered terms, including at least seven women among Governor appointees. Authorizes hiring an executive director and staff, sets compensation decisions by the Commission, and provides office space. Establishes the Women's Commission Fund to receive and manage money from fees, gifts, and appropriations, with carryover from year to year. Assigns the Commission broad duties to study the status of women, make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, and promote action on issues such as employment, education, health, legal rights, political participation, and quality of life, plus coordination with other agencies.

Who It Affects

• Women in Alabama: may benefit from policy research, recommendations, and programs aimed at improving employment, education, health, legal rights, political participation, and overall quality of life.
• State government and taxpayers: funding, governance, and oversight of the Commission through a dedicated fund, potential user fees, and administrative processes.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a continuing Women's Commission with 3 House members appointed by the Speaker, 2 Senate members appointed by the President Pro Tem, and 10 Governor-appointed members, with at least seven of the governor-appointed members being women.
• Governor-appointed members include five from congressional districts and five at-large; legislative members serve two-year terms; governor-appointee terms include five-year and three-year terms, with successors serving three to five years.
• Vacancies are filled in the same manner as initial appointments and replacements serve the remainder of the term.
• Members receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses.
• Organizational session to elect a chair and other officers; adopt procedures; create committees; provide office space and equipment; may hire staff and consultants; may hold public hearings.
• Authorizes employment of an executive director and staff; sets compensation by the Commission; provides for benefits and office space.
• Creates the Women's Commission Fund in the State Treasury to receive funds from fees, gifts, and appropriations; funds carry over year to year and are used to administer the Commission's purposes.
• May impose user fees up to reasonable costs; waivers allowed; funds are exempt from state taxation; all revenue and expenditures are subject to audit and record-keeping requirements.
• Gives the Commission authority to study and advise on policies affecting women, monitor pending legislation, and coordinate with federal, state, local, and international agencies.

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

Subjects

Women