HB439 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jim CarnsRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Jefferson Co., civic center authority, board members, appointments by Jefferson Co. Legislative Delegation, procedures, Act 547, 1965 Reg. Sess., am'd.
Summary: HB439 rewrites how Jefferson County's Civic Center Authority Board is formed and chosen, shifting between legislative and gubernatorial selection methods and detailing terms, vacancies, and procedures.
What This Bill Does
Creates a nine-member Civic Center Authority Board with ex officio members (including the mayor of the largest municipality and the county's top executive) plus seven seats that are elected, some with residency requirements tied to county areas and branch courthouses. Moves the selection of the seven elected seats from a Legislative Electoral College to a system alternating between the Senate and House electors, with a transition provided so that after March 1, 1986, successors are elected by the respective bodies on an alternating basis and not by the Electoral College. Sets detailed rules for notices, term lengths, vacancy filling, and record-keeping, including conditions under which vacancies are filled, how certificates are filed, and how elections are conducted.

Who It Affects
Jefferson County residents, especially those in the area served by the branch courthouse and residents of the largest municipality, due to residency designations, voting roles, and board representation.
Members of the Alabama Legislature from Jefferson County (House and Senate) and county/city officials involved in the election process, since they will elect or determine successors for board seats and manage notice and certification procedures.

Key Provisions
Board composition: nine members, including the mayor of the largest municipality, at least two additional residents of that municipality, the county's President/Chairman, a potential branch courthouse area resident, and seven elected members with specified seats and terms.
Seven elected seats: designated as seats 1–7 with four-year terms; seat 1 must be a branch courthouse area resident; seats 2 and 3 must be residents of the largest municipality; initial elections and term designations are set with staggered expirations; election method changes after March 1, 1986.
Election process: prior to 1986, seven seats elected by the Legislative Electoral College (House and Senate members from the county); after 1986, elected separately by the Senate and House on an alternating basis with specific succession rules and term commencements.
Vacancies and transitions: detailed rules for filling vacancies (by the body that originally appointed), 60-day filing windows, and rules for continuation or deeming of terms if vacancies occur late in a term; if the Electoral College fails to elect within 60 days, ex-officio and other members fill.
Notices and records: certificates of election filed with the appropriate clerk/secretary, copies provided to the Executive Director and Probate Judge, and documentation spread on the Board’s official records.
Compensation: board members serve without pay but may be reimbursed for actual expenses; terms start October 1 and last four years; various provisions for term alignment and eligibility.
Effective date: act becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval (or as otherwise provided).

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