SB371 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Holtzclaw

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Climatologist, office established, powers and duties

Summary

This bill creates the State Climatologist's Office in Alabama, appoints a State Climatologist and an Assistant, and defines their duties, powers, and interactions with state government and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

What This Bill Does

The bill establishes the Office of the State Climatologist and names the head of the office. The President of the University of Alabama in Huntsville would appoint the State Climatologist and an Assistant, with the Governor's approval, and would fix their salaries. The State Climatologist may hire assistants and may teach up to six hours per week at the University of Alabama in Huntsville related to climatology, as long as it does not unduly interfere with duties, and such teaching does not entitle them to retirement benefits. The State Climatologist will lead climate work, establish and run a state climate program, coordinate studies, share climate data and advice with agencies and the public, seek grants, and cooperate with the federal government and other states; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• State Climatologist and Assistant State Climatologist — their appointment process, salaries, at-will status, ability to hire assistants, and limited teaching duties at UAHuntsville.
• State agencies, public institutions of higher education, and the general public — will receive climate data, coordinated climate programs, and advisory services; they will participate in the state's climate program and benefit from grants and intergovernmental coordination.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Office of the State Climatologist within Alabama and designates the administrative head as the State Climatologist.
• Appointments: The President of the University of Alabama in Huntsville shall appoint the State Climatologist and an Assistant, with the Governor's approval, and fix their salaries; both serve at the will of the appointing authority.
• Teaching: The State Climatologist and Assistant may teach up to six hours per week at UAHuntsville in climatology-related courses, if duties are not unduly interfered with and teaching does not entitle them to Teachers' Retirement System membership.
• Staffing and funds: The State Climatologist may appoint assistants (subject to Merit System) and funds cannot be used to pay University teaching staff.
• Duties and program: The Climatologist must assist the state in understanding climate processes, cooperate with the federal government, promote climate knowledge, establish a state climate program per the National Climate Program Act, seek and use grants, and disseminate climate data and guidance to state agencies, local bodies, and the public; administer the state intergovernmental climate program.
• Collaboration: The Climatologist shall seek the help of the Atmospheric Science Program at UAHuntsville and other appropriate agencies for scientific support.
• Effective date: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following 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

Climatologist