HB564 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

State Superintendent of Education, election of, required, term of office, Sec. 16-4-1 am'd.

Summary

HB564 would make the State Superintendent of Education an elected four-year office (contingent on ratifying a constitutional amendment), replacing the current Board-appointed system.

What This Bill Does

If the constitutional amendment is ratified, the State Superintendent of Education would be elected by qualified voters for a four-year term beginning in 2018 and every four years thereafter. The Superintendent's salary would be set by the State Board of Education within cabinet-level pay ranges. The act would take effect only if the constitutional amendment passes, and the Board could contract for up to four years of the Superintendent's services.

Who It Affects

• Qualified electors of the state would vote to elect the State Superintendent for a four-year term starting in 2018 (and every four years after, if the amendment passes).
• The State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Education would shift to an election-based system, with the Board setting the salary within cabinet-level pay ranges and overseeing the election process (and may contract for up to four years of service).

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 16-4-1 to switch from appointment by the State Board of Education to election by qualified electors for a four-year term, starting in 2018 and every four years thereafter, contingent on a constitutional amendment.
• Salary set by the State Board of Education within the range established for cabinet-level positions, paid from the State Department of Education's budget.
• Effective date is contingent upon ratification of Amendment No. 284 to the Constitution of Alabama 1901, which would provide for the election of the Superintendent of Education.
• The State Board of Education may contract with the elected Superintendent for services for a period not to exceed four years.

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

Subjects

Education