HB492 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Lesley Vance

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Indian Affairs Commission, Kawita Creeks in Russell County recognized, one member from tribe appointed to commission, Sec. 41-9-708 am'd.

Summary

The Kawita Creeks of Russell County are recognized and given one representative on the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds Kawita Creeks of Russell County to the groups eligible for representation on the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission and requires the Governor to appoint one Kawita Creeks member. That member will have voting powers like other members and will serve an initial four-year term (with subsequent four-year terms). If a member cannot serve, the Governor must appoint a qualified member from the same tribe to fill the unexpired term. The act updates the governing statute (Section 41-9-708) accordingly and becomes effective after a specified period following passage.

Who It Affects

• Kawita Creeks of Russell County — will gain one seat on the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission, with a four-year term and voting rights.
• State-recognized Indian tribes and bands in Alabama (as a group) — representation on the Commission is expanded to include Kawita Creeks; the Governor's appointment process and the Commission’s composition remain focused on majority Indian membership.

Key Provisions

• Recognizes Kawita Creeks of Russell County as a state-recognized Indian group eligible for a representative on the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission.
• Adds one Kawita Creeks representative to the Commission, appointed by the Governor, to serve an initial four-year term (and four-year terms thereafter) with voting rights equal to other members.
• If a Commission member cannot serve, the Governor shall appoint a qualified member from that tribe to fill the unexpired term.
• Amends Section 41-9-708 to reflect Kawita Creeks' inclusion; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and Governor approval.

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

Subjects

Russell County