HB640 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: John F. Knight Jr
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Colleges, Alabama State University, membership of board of trustees increased, terms decreased from 12 to 6 year terms, nominating committee established, electronic meeting participation provided, compensation, Secs. 16-50-20, 16-50-26, 16-50-28 am'd.
Summary: HB640 would reform Alabama State University's Board of Trustees by adding seats, shortening terms, creating a nominating committee, and updating meeting and compensation rules.
What This Bill Does
It adds three at-large trustees and reduces term lengths from 12 years to 6 years, with a limit of two six-year terms. It creates a nominating committee made up of specific university and local representatives to nominate candidates for each vacancy, and it sets procedures for emergency meetings and for trustees to participate in meetings electronically. It also changes how trustees are compensated (reimbursed for actual expenses) and requires annual fiduciary training.

Who It Affects
Alabama State University’s Board of Trustees and the Governor/Senate: board size increases by three at-large seats, term lengths change, and a formal nominating and appointment process is established.
University community and local stakeholders (faculty, staff, students, alumni, and Montgomery County delegations): they gain a formal role in nominating trustees and are affected by new meeting rules and expense reimbursement provisions.

Key Provisions
Increase board membership by three at-large trustees.
Reduce trustee terms from 12 years to 6 years and limit each trustee to two six-year terms.
Create a nominating committee with specified members to nominate three candidates for each vacancy.
Establish procedures for emergency meetings and allow electronic participation in meetings (with quorum rules).
Provide that trustees may be compensated only for actual expenses incurred; no other pay.
Require annual trustee training on fiduciary responsibilities.

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