SB291 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Larry StuttsSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

University of North Alabama, board of trustees, terms of office revised, meetings by teleconference, Secs. 16-51-3, 16-51-4 am'd.

Summary

SB291 changes UNA's Board of Trustees terms and meeting rules, including allowing teleconferencing and establishing emergency meeting procedures.

What This Bill Does

It redefines the UNA Board composition and term structure, creating staggered six-year terms starting in 2015 and outlining a specific initial mix of two-, four-, and six-year terms. It sets rules for regular, special, and emergency meetings with notice requirements and authorizes meetings by telephone or video while requiring a physical presence for conducting business. It also ensures compliance with the Open Meetings Act, limits board service to non-employees with expense-based reimbursement, and makes the governor and state superintendent ex officio president and participants in the appointment process. The changes take effect immediately upon the governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• UNA Board of Trustees members and the Governor/State Superintendent of Education who appoint them — terms, staggered appointment cycles, and eligibility/appointment rules are updated, with diversity considerations.
• The university community and the public — meeting formats include teleconference options and emergency procedures, with public access requirements under the Open Meetings Act.

Key Provisions

• Board composition: six members from the 7th and 8th congressional districts plus three at-large members, with the Governor and the State Superintendent of Education serving as ex officio president.
• Term structure: initial terms adjusted to 2, 4, and 6 years in 2015, thereafter all successors serve six-year terms, with reappointment allowed and a goal of diverse representation.
• Meeting rules: regular annual meeting on the first Monday in June (subject to change), and provisions for special and emergency meetings with specific notice requirements.
• Emergency meetings: can be called by the Governor, president pro tempore, or three board members; notice must be given at least 72 hours in advance unless urgent circumstances require shorter notice.
• Teleconferencing: trustees may participate by telephone or video and be counted as present, but a majority of the quorum must be physically present to conduct business; must comply with the Open Meetings Act and maintain public access.
• Eligibility and compensation: no university employee may serve on the board; trustees are paid only actual expenses incurred in discharging duties.

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 North Alabama