SB294 Alabama 2023 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Robert L. StewartSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2023
Title: Regarding non-merit system state employees; to amend Section 36-26-10, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the number of exempt service employees allowable in each department or agency.
Summary: SB294 increases the number of exempt (non-merit) state positions agencies can have, with up to three per agency and up to four for certain large agencies.
What This Bill Does
It raises the limit of exempt positions per agency from two to three. For some larger agencies, it allows one additional exempt position, raising the total to four. The new exempt positions cannot be filled by the agency head and cannot replace or eliminate any classified positions. The act lists specific agencies that may get the extra slot and becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it.

Who It Affects
State agencies and departments: may hire more exempt (non-merit) staff (up to three, or up to four for certain large agencies).
Heads of agencies: cannot occupy these new exempt positions.
Classified employees: not affected in terms of elimination; existing classified positions remain in place.

Key Provisions
For each agency, up to three exempt positions in addition to any other exempt positions allowed by law (up from two).
For certain larger agencies—Conservation and Natural Resources; Corrections; Human Resources; Mental Health; Public Health; Revenue; Transportation; and the State Law Enforcement Agency—one additional exempt position may be added, for a total of four, and this position may not be occupied by the agency head; it must be in addition to any other exempt positions allowed by law.
The added exempt positions must not eliminate any classified positions.
The Governor may, by executive order, extend the exempt provisions to include additional positions or classes of positions.
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Exempt State Employees, raise the limit each agency is allowed to have