SB339 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

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

SB339 would require Alabama public colleges and universities to train trustees in ethics and governance and to file annual economic-interest disclosures.

What This Bill Does

It requires all current and future trustees to complete mandatory training on the State Ethics Law, board governance, and relevant accreditation standards (including SACS). Trustees would be subject to the State Ethics Law and must file annual economic-interest statements with the State Ethics Commission. Training must be completed within six months for existing trustees and within 30 days after appointment for new trustees, and no official action or votes may be taken until training is completed. The bill also requires additional disclosures of all business relationships with other trustees on the same board and allows for immediate dismissal if SACS finds wrongdoing implicating a trustee.

Who It Affects

• Public colleges and universities in Alabama and their boards of trustees (current and future) will be required to undergo ethics and governance training and to file annual economic-interest disclosures.
• The State Ethics Commission will receive trustees' annual economic-interest disclosures and administer the ethics filings and related disclosures.

Key Provisions

• Mandatory trustee training on the State Ethics Law, board governance, and relevant accreditation standards (including Southern Association of Colleges and Schools standards).
• Trustees are subject to the State Ethics Law and must file a statement of economic interests with the State Ethics Commission annually.
• Existing trustees must complete training within six months after the act's effective date; new trustees must complete within 30 days after appointment.
• No official action or vote may be taken by a trustee until training is completed.
• A trustee named in a finding of wrongdoing by SACS shall be immediately dismissed from the board.
• Trustees must file an additional disclosure detailing all business relationships and transactions with any other trustee on the same board.
• Filing timelines: trustees serving on the effective date must file within 60 days; trustees appointed after the effective date must file within 30 days, and file annually thereafter.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and 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

Colleges and Universities