HB339 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jack Williams
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Colleges and Universities, ethics training for members of public boards of trustees required, trustees required to file statements of economic interest
Summary: HB339 would require all current and future trustees of Alabama public colleges and universities to complete ethics training and to file annual statements of economic interests.
What This Bill Does
Requires ethics training for board members on the State Ethics Law, board governance, and accreditation standards, administered or approved by the Alabama Ethics Commission, with options for in-person training or online review. Sets timelines: existing trustees must complete training within six months; new appointees must complete training within 120 days of appointment. Directs each board to consider adopting a code of ethics and to develop an ethics compliance form that is completed annually by all current and future board members, including disclosures of relationships and financial interests and a pledge to comply. The ethics compliance form must be signed, notarized (or sealed) and may be signed electronically; the act aims to ensure boards follow ethics standards.

Who It Affects
Board members of public colleges and universities in Alabama (currently serving and future trustees) who must complete ethics training and file annual statements of economic interests.
The colleges and universities themselves (their boards of trustees/directors and administrations) which must implement the training, adopt or consider a code of ethics, and require annual ethics compliance forms from board members.

Key Provisions
Mandatory ethics training for all board members, covering the State Ethics Law, board governance, and relevant accreditation standards; training approved by the Alabama Ethics Commission and available in-person or online.
Training deadlines: existing board members within six months of the section taking effect; new appointees within 120 days of appointment.
By June 1, 2016, boards must consider a code of ethics resolution and develop an ethics compliance form that requires annual completion by current and future members.
Ethics compliance form contents include: (a) business or professional relationships with other board members or affiliated entities; (b) substantial contractual, employment, and financial interests; (c) a statement of intent to comply with governing board standards and accrediting agency requirements.
Form must be signed, notarized and sealed; signatures may be electronic.
The law targets compliance by constitutionally created boards of trustees with these requirements.

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