HB2 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Alabama A & M University, board of trustees, nominating committee established, development of training program, at-large appointment may be from outside of Alabama, powers expanded, Secs. 16-49-20, 16-49-21, 16-49-23 am'd.; Sec. 16-49-25 repealed (2011-20426)

Summary

HB2 restructures how the Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees is formed by creating a nominating committee, allows some at-large seats to be filled from outside Alabama, and requires trustee training.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a nominating committee to select three candidates for each trustee vacancy, with specified members from the university community and local organizations who will nominate the slate to the Governor. The Governor then appoints one of the three nominees with the Senate's confirmation, and vacancies follow defined holdover and timing rules; terms are six years with a maximum of 12 years, and some appointments may be retroactive to the previous term. The bill also allows at-large trustees to be from outside the state and requires annual training for trustees on fiduciary duties, and it repeals the existing vacancy-filling provision. Additionally, it clarifies that the board’s role is to set policy and oversee higher-level governance, not day-to-day operations.

Who It Affects

• Alabama A&M University’s governance stakeholders (students, faculty, alumni, and the Huntsville/Madison County community) because trustees will be selected through a new nominating committee, some seats may be held by individuals from outside Alabama, and annual fiduciary training is required.
• The Governor and the Alabama Legislature (Senate) because appointments will come from a three-person nominee slate and require Senate confirmation, with specific timelines and holdover rules for vacancies.

Key Provisions

• Amended Sections 16-49-20, 16-49-21, and 16-49-23 to create a Board of Trustees with 12 members, including district-based and at-large seats, plus the Governor as ex officio president and nonvoting ex officio student/faculty leaders.
• Establishes a nominating committee to select three candidates for each vacancy, with defined membership including a board member, faculty/staff reps, student government president, Huntsville Chamber rep, Madison County delegation member, national alumni president, and a community representative.
• Requires the Governor to appoint one of the three nominees, with Senate approval; outlines timing for confirmation depending on whether the Legislature is in session.
• Specifies that vacancies and terms include holdover provisions, retroactive appointments when applicable, and rules if a nominee is not confirmed, with processes restarting as needed.
• Allows at-large trustees to be selected from outside the state, expanding the pool of potential trustees beyond Alabama residents.
• Requires the board to conduct annual trustee training on fiduciary responsibilities and other topics it deems appropriate.
• Repeals Section 16-49-25, removing the previous method for filling trustee vacancies.
• Reaffirms the board’s broad governance powers (setting policy, appointing the president, and managing university affairs) while stating the board should not interfere with day-to-day operations.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Alabama A & M University