SB321 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Gerald H. AllenBobby D. SingletonGreg J. Reed

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

University of Alabama, board of trustees, age limit for service increased, Section 264 (Section 264, Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended), am'd., const. amend.

Summary

SB321 would amend the Alabama Constitution to raise the age limit for serving on the University of Alabama Board of Trustees from 70 to 75.

What This Bill Does

It proposes changing Section 264 so trustees may serve until they are 75 years old. The change keeps the board’s structure and election/confirmation process (board selects new trustees and the Senate confirms them), and it sets six-year terms with a limit of three consecutive terms. It also specifies retirement at the annual board meeting after the trustee’s 75th birthday, limits trustee pay to expenses, and allows an honorary 'trustee emeritus' status after retirement. The amendment would need approval by a majority of voters in a future statewide election.

Who It Affects

• University of Alabama Board of Trustees: the retirement age is increased to 75, allowing eligible trustees to continue serving longer; existing trustees remain until their terms expire under current rules.
• Alabama voters: will vote on the constitutional amendment to raise the age limit; their yes/no decision decides whether the change takes effect.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 264 to increase the age limit for service on the UA Board of Trustees from 70 to 75.
• Maintains the board’s composition (two members from each congressional district, one additional member from the district containing the first campus, the superintendent of education, and the governor as ex officio president).
• Trustees retire at the annual meeting following their 75th birthday; initial and continuing terms are six years, with a maximum of three consecutive full six-year terms.
• New trustees are elected by the board, confirmed by the Senate; Senate may reject and the board elects replacements; names are certified to the Senate each legislature for confirmation.
• Trustees may not be paid beyond reimbursement of actual expenses; emeritus status may be granted upon retirement with no duties or privileges attached.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments