SB339 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Larry StuttsSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

University of North Alabama, Board of Trustees revised to replace State Superintendent of Ed with at-large member, congressional districts amended to reflect current districts.

Summary

SB339 would change the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees by removing the State Superintendent of Education as a member and adding an at-large member from within or outside the state, while updating district representation to reflect current congressional districts.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends the law governing the UNA Board of Trustees to replace the State Superintendent of Education with an at-large member appointed from within or outside the state. It keeps a board structure described as six district-based trustees, three trustees from the state at large, and adds one at-large member from within or outside the state. Trustees are appointed by the Governor with Senate approval, serve long terms with staggered reappointments, and cannot be university employees or receive pay beyond expenses.

Who It Affects

• University of North Alabama and its governance, through changes to the Board of Trustees composition.
• The State Superintendent of Education, who would no longer hold a seat on the UNA Board under this bill.
• The Governor (as the appointing authority) and the Senate (as the body giving advice and consent for appointments).
• Alabama residents who are considered for trustee seats, including those in designated congressional districts and at-large nominees (within or outside the state).
• University employees, who remain ineligible to serve as trustees.

Key Provisions

• Replace the State Superintendent of Education with an at-large member on the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees (appointed from within or outside the state).
• Maintain a board structure of six district-based trustees, three trustees from the state at large, and one additional at-large member from within or outside the state.
• Trustees are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; terms are long and designed for staggered reappointments, with the initial at-large member term set at six years and six-year terms for successors thereafter; diversity in appointments is encouraged.
• No trustee may be paid beyond reimbursement for actual expenses, and no university employee may serve as a trustee.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and Governor's 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

University of North Alabama