SB278 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Garlan GudgerSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Boards and commissions, Alabama Small Business Commission, appointing authority further provided, Sec. 41-29-240 am'd.
Summary: SB 278 updates how the Alabama Small Business Commission is appointed and requires an annual report to the Governor.
What This Bill Does
It changes who can appoint commission members and sets a two-year term with a possible one-term renewal. It designates the Lt. Governor as the chair and places administrative duties with the Director of the Business Development Division. It ensures broad representation from multiple industry sectors and emphasizes diversity and small business ownership. It also requires the commission to prepare and submit an annual report to the Governor by December 31 of each year.

Who It Affects
Small business owners, especially those with 50 or fewer employees, who are intended to be represented on the commission.
Industry groups and sectors listed for appointing authority (homebuilders, retail, banking, medical, farming, trucking, general contractors, auto dealers, manufacturing, forestry, service/hospitality/tourism).
State leaders and appointing authorities (Lieutenant Governor, Governor, Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore) responsible for making or approving appointments.

Key Provisions
Revises appointment rules for the Alabama Small Business Commission, outlining seats from various districts and industry groups with terms of two years and a possible one-term renewal.
The Lieutenant Governor chairs the commission; the Director of the Business Development Division handles administrative tasks.
Requires diversity in appointments (gender, race, geography) and aims to represent small businesses, including those with 50 or fewer employees.
Specifies various appointed seats: by Governor from multiple industry lists, by Lieutenant Governor from forestry, at-large by Lieutenant Governor, and House/Senate appointments by leadership.
Mandates an annual report to the Governor from each appointing authority by December 31 each year.
Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage.

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