SB28 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donnie ChesteenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Houston County, Houston County Health Care Authority, board members to be appointed by county commission

Summary

This bill would add a constitutional amendment to let the Houston County Commission appoint members to the Houston County Health Care Authority Board, changing how the board is staffed and replaced.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the Houston County Commission would appoint board members for the Houston County Health Care Authority (and any successor boards) at its discretion, instead of board nomination. Appointees must have good moral character and not have felony convictions or offenses involving moral turpitude. Existing vacancies or six-year terms that expire would have to be filled by the commission within 30 days after ratification, and those who have not completed a six-year term may finish their term. The board must amend its governing documents to reflect the new requirements, and the proposed amendment would be put to voters in an election for approval or rejection.

Who It Affects

• Houston County Commission — gains sole discretion to appoint and replace members of the Houston County Health Care Authority Board, with vacancies filled within 30 days after ratification.
• Members of the Houston County Health Care Authority Board (current and future) — appointments shifted to the county commission; term rules (six-year terms) and replacement processes apply, and governing documents must be updated to reflect the changes.

Key Provisions

• Transfers appointment and replacement authority for the Houston County Health Care Authority Board to the Houston County Commission, with appointments made at the Commission's discretion and without regard to board nominations; appointees must be of good moral character and shall not have felony convictions or offenses involving moral turpitude.
• Requires immediate vacating and replacement of any director who has completed a six-year term as of ratification or whose term expired, to be done by the Commission within 30 days after ratification; directors who have not completed a six-year term may finish their term.
• Directs the board to amend its governing documents to reflect the new appointment and term requirements, and ensures replacements meet these requirements.
• Outlines the ratification process: an election will be held, and the amendment becomes valid as part of the Alabama Constitution if approved by a majority of qualified electors; the Code Commissioner will number and place the amendment in the Constitution and may perform nonsubstantive revisions.

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

Subjects

Houston County