HB23 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Phillip PettusRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: University of North Alabama, Board of Trustees, revised to replace State Superintendent of Ed with at-large member, districts amended to reflect current congressional districts.
Summary: HB 23 would remove the State Superintendent of Education from the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees and add an extra at-large member appointed from inside or outside Alabama.
What This Bill Does
It changes the board’s makeup to six district trustees and four at-large trustees (three from the state at large plus one additional at-large member from within or outside the state), with the Governor still serving as ex officio president. The Governor appoints trustees with the Senate's advice and consent, and the appointment plan aims to reflect gender, race, and geographic diversity. Trustees have long, staggered terms and may be appointed for six-year terms thereafter, with limits on pay and eligibility rules for university employees staying off the board. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects
The State Superintendent of Education and the Alabama Department of Education, who lose a seat on the UNA Board of Trustees and are no longer part of the board’s at-large representation.
Alabama residents who could serve as trustees, including six district representatives from specific congressional districts and four at-large trustees (three from the state at large plus one at-large member from within or outside the state), with appointment and diversity rules guiding who serves.

Key Provisions
Replace the State Superintendent of Education on the UNA Board of Trustees with an additional at-large member appointed from within or outside of Alabama.
Maintain six district trustees (representing specified congressional districts) and add four at-large trustees (three from the state at large plus one extra at-large member from within or outside the state), with the Governor as ex officio president.
Trustees are appointed by the Governor with the Senate’s advice and consent; terms are staggered and initially range up to six years, with six-year terms thereafter; diversity in appointments is required.
Trustees cannot be paid beyond actual expenses, and university employees are not eligible to serve on the board; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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