HB194 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Victor Gaston

Republican

Co-Sponsors

James E. BuskeyChad FincherElaine BeechAlan BakerHarry ShiverRandy DavisSteve McMillanJoe FaustJamie IsonAdline ClarkeDonnie ChesteenNapoleon Bracy

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

University of South Alabama, board of trustees, members, term decreased, chair pro tempore authorized to call special meetings, Secs. 16-55-2, 16-55-5, 16-55-6 am'd.

Summary

HB194 would reform the University of South Alabama's Board of Trustees by changing its membership, shortening terms, realigning district representation, and giving the chair pro tempore power to call special meetings.

What This Bill Does

It changes who sits on the board by adding five state-at-large members and two US-at-large members, and removes the State Superintendent of Education from the board. Trustees would be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the State Senate, and appointment districts would be updated to match the 1963 Senate district boundaries. Terms for new appointees would drop from 12 years to six years, with the board divided into three classes for staggered appointments, so roughly one third are chosen every four years. The chair pro tempore would be authorized to call special meetings of the board (along with the Governor) with notice requirements, and the act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Board of Trustees members and University of South Alabama governance: composition changes (more at-large seats, removal of a former member), district realignment for appointments, and shorter six-year terms for new appointments.
• Governor and State Senate (state-level oversight and appointment power): continued role in appointing trustees with Senate consent, and new authority for the chair pro tempore to call special meetings, affecting how and when board business can be conducted.

Key Provisions

• Board composition revised to include three Mobile County members, five state-at-large members, and two United States at-large members; the State Superintendent of Education is removed as a board member; the Governor remains ex officio president; appointments are by the Governor with the advice and consent of the State Senate; one trustee from each specified senatorial district.
• Terms shortened from 12 years to six years for all trustees appointed after the effective date; existing terms continue until expiration; the board is divided into three classes for staggered appointments so roughly one third are appointed every four years.
• Senatorial district boundaries used for trustee appointments are realigned to reflect the districts as they existed in 1963.
• Special meetings may be called by the chair pro tempore of the board or by the Governor, with written notice at least 10 days in advance; any three or more trustees can request a special meeting; emergency exceptions apply.

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

Subjects

University of South Alabama