HB325 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kyle South

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Surface Mining Commission, requires commission to meet every two months or as the Governor otherwise requires, Sec. 9-16-73 am'd.

Summary

HB325 changes how often the Alabama Surface Mining Commission must meet, from monthly to every two months unless the Governor requires more frequent meetings.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 9-16-73 to require the Alabama Surface Mining Commission to meet once every two months, or as the Governor otherwise requires. The bill keeps the existing governance framework for the commission, including seven members appointed by the Governor with Senate approval and the established officer structure. The Governor retains authority to call for more frequent meetings if needed. The act specifies when it would take effect after passage and Governor approval.

Who It Affects

• The Alabama Surface Mining Commission members: their meeting schedule changes to bi-monthly unless the Governor requires more frequent meetings.
• The Governor and state officials: retain power to require more frequent meetings than bi-monthly if necessary.
• Public stakeholders and coal-producing counties: potential changes in how often the commission meets and communicates on surface mining issues.

Key Provisions

• The commission must meet once every two months, or as the Governor requires, changing the prior monthly meeting requirement.
• The commission remains composed of seven members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, with specified terms and diversity requirements.
• Nominees for the commission must file a disclosure with the Secretary of the Senate detailing coal-related income, roles, and affiliations, and commissioners cannot have direct financial interests in coal mining operations or participate in related proceedings with certain conflicts.
• The commission appoints a Director (and possibly a Deputy Director), defines their duties and powers, and may contract with private entities for assistance, subject to commission approval and statutory limits.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Surface Mining Commission