SB163 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Armory Commission, membership increased from nine to 15 members, Sec. 31-4-1 am'd.

Summary

SB 163 would enlarge the Armory Commission of Alabama from nine to 15 members and set new appointment, diversity, and meeting rules.

What This Bill Does

It expands the commission to 15 members, adding three appointees each from the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House, while keeping the Governor as chair along with the other listed state officials. Appointments are for six-year terms, and all future appointments require Senate confirmation. The bill requires appointing authorities to coordinate to reflect diversity in gender, race, and geography. It also requires the commission to meet at least twice per year, allows meetings in Montgomery or other designated places, and permits reimbursement of expenses for members; it may delegate duties to an executive committee.

Who It Affects

• Governor and other appointing authorities (Lieutenant Governor and Speaker) who will appoint three members each to the expanded commission.
• Armory Commission members (current and future) who will serve six-year terms as part of a 15-member body.
• Alabama National Guard officers (Adjutant General, top Army NG officer, top Air NG officer) and other state officials who are part of the commission.
• Alabama residents indirectly, through requirements for diverse and representative membership and the commission’s meeting practices.

Key Provisions

• Membership increased from 9 to 15; specific composition includes Governor, Adjutant General, Attorney General, two highest Army National Guard officers, highest Air National Guard officer, three Governor-appointed electors, three Lieutenant Governor-appointed members, and three Speaker-appointed members.
• Appointments for six-year terms; future appointments subject to Senate confirmation; Governor remains the chair; authorities must coordinate to ensure gender, race, and geographic diversity.
• The commission may sue, contract, acquire property, and perform other duties; members serve without pay but may be reimbursed expenses.
• The commission must meet at least twice per year; a majority constitutes a quorum; may delegate duties to an executive committee of at least three members; meetings can occur in Montgomery or other designated places on the Governor’s call.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Armory Commission