HB537 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Terri CollinsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Superintendent of Education, appointed by the Governor, member of Governor's cabinet, Amendment 284 (Section 264, Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended), am'd., const. amend.

Summary

The bill would change how the State Superintendent of Education is chosen by making the Governor appoint the Superintendent, who would then serve as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet.

What This Bill Does

If approved, the Governor would appoint the State Superintendent of Education instead of the State Board of Education, and the Superintendent would be a member of the Governor’s Cabinet. The State Board of Education would still determine the Superintendent’s authority and duties under regulations set by the Legislature. The Superintendent’s salary would be set by the Legislature and paid from the state treasury, like other cabinet members. The amendment would take effect only if voters approve it, and it would not change the current election or term of the Superintendent for those already in office when it becomes valid.

Who It Affects

• State Superintendent of Education: would be appointed by the Governor and would serve as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet; salary and duties would be governed by the new arrangement.
• Governor and Governor’s Cabinet: would gain the Superintendent as a cabinet member and would influence education leadership through appointment.
• State Board of Education: would continue to determine the Superintendent’s authority and duties, but under regulations prescribed by the Legislature.
• Legislature: would fix the Superintendent’s salary and enact laws to implement the amendment.

Key Provisions

• The Governor would appoint the State Superintendent of Education, who would serve as a member of the Governor's Cabinet.
• The State Board of Education would determine the Superintendent's authority and duties in accordance with regulations set by the Legislature.
• The Legislature would set the Superintendent's annual salary, paid from the state treasury, like other cabinet members.
• The amendment repeals conflicting provisions in other articles but does not affect the election or term of the Superintendent in office before the amendment takes effect.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments