SB510 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Del Marsh
Republican
Co-Sponsor: Tom Whatley
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Auburn University, board of trustees, selection process revised, Amendment 670, Constitution of Alabama of 1901, repealed, const. amend.
Summary: SB510 would rewrite Auburn University's Board of Trustees to a 15-member board with a new district-based structure, include the Lee County seat, a past Auburn Alumni Association president, five at-large members, and the governor as ex officio president, while repealing Amendment 670.
What This Bill Does
It establishes a 15-member Auburn University Board of Trustees with a defined district map and new inclusions. It creates an appointing committee chaired by the governor and requires Senate confirmation for all appointments, with procedures to solicit candidates and ensure diverse representation. It sets seven-year terms (with an age cap of 75 and a limit of two full terms or 20 total years), and lays out transition rules from the old district system to the new one beginning June 1, 2012. It repeals Amendment 670 and places the amendment's adoption to a statewide vote.

Who It Affects
Potential Auburn University Board of Trustees members and current trustees, who would gain or lose seats under the new district layout and term rules.
Alabama voters and state government (governor, Senate, and appointing committee), who would implement the new selection process, ratify the amendment, and oversee the transition.

Key Provisions
Creates a 15-member Auburn University Board of Trustees: Governor as ex officio president; seven district members; one Lee County member; the immediate past president of the Auburn Alumni Association; and five at-large members.
Districts are defined by specific Alabama counties, with at-large seats designated as At-Large Positions 1-5 and a majority electing a president pro tempore.
An appointing committee (chaired by the Governor or designee) selects candidates; the Senate must confirm by majority vote; the same name cannot be submitted for the same position more than once by the same nominating committee.
Terms are seven years for district, Lee County, and at-large positions; age limit is 75; no more than two full terms or 20 years total; an extended stay past term end is allowed only up to one year and reduces the successor’s term.
No trustee may be paid except for actual expenses; Auburn University employees cannot serve on the Board.
Transition provisions realign existing trustees to the new districts on June 1, 2012, and outline how incumbents and vacancies are handled, including vacancy appointments by the appointing committee.
Amendment 670 is repealed; the amendment to create this new system must be ratified by a statewide vote.

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