SJR117 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul Sanford
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Arthur Orr Shadrack McGill Bill Holtzclaw Clay Scofield
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: National Solar Observatory, recognized
Summary: SJR117 is a formal resolution recognizing the National Solar Observatory and urging its headquarters to be located at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
What This Bill Does
The resolution acknowledges NSO as a key solar research facility and notes its goal to improve space weather data. It requests the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy relocate NSO's headquarters to the University of Alabama in Huntsville, noting it as one of two possible sites. It commits the Alabama legislature to work with the Governor and the university on a long-range plan to boost solar physics instruction and research. It also highlights expected benefits, such as potential relocation of about 61 highly skilled professionals and enhanced research infrastructure, funding, and national recognition for Alabama.

Who It Affects
The Huntsville area and The University of Alabama in Huntsville, which could gain the NSO headquarters, improved research infrastructure, and related economic and educational benefits.
NSO staff and the broader national solar research community, whose relocation and collaboration could be influenced, including potential relocation of about 61 professionals to Alabama.

Key Provisions
Recognizes NSO as a primary provider of key ground-based solar facilities and describes its mission to improve space weather prediction, with NSO managed by AURA under the direction of the NSF.
Urges the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy to relocate the NSO headquarters to the University of Alabama in Huntsville, noting Huntsville and the University of Colorado Boulder as the identified potential sites.
Includes a commitment by the Alabama Legislature to work with the Governor and the university on a long-range plan to enhance and expand solar physics instruction and research.
Notes that relocation could bring benefits to Huntsville and Alabama, such as 61 highly skilled professionals relocating, stronger research infrastructure, support for NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal, increased future research funding, and international recognition.

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