SB88 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: April WeaverSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Alabama Fire College; Add new seat to commission.
Summary: SB88 expands the Alabama Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission from seven to nine members, adding two Senate-appointed seats focused on mentorship.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, the commission would have nine members instead of seven, including two new seats appointed by the Senate Presiding Officer for mentorship-focused roles (one for mentoring aspiring firefighters and one for mentoring aspiring volunteer firefighters). The appointment sources remain the same (professional and volunteer firefighter associations, the State Fire Marshal, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Governor) and members serve four-year terms with a limit of two consecutive terms, with the appointing authorities directed to reflect the state's diversity. If a vacancy occurs, the original nominating authority appoints a replacement to serve the remainder of the term, and nominees must be confirmed by the Senate; reconfirmation is generally required except for the State Fire Marshal. The act takes effect on October 1, 2024 and includes nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the code language.

Who It Affects
Certified firefighters (both career and volunteer) who will gain two new Senate-appointed seats focused on mentorship and training, increasing their representation on the commission.
Alabama residents and the firefighting community, who may benefit from a more diverse and representative commission due to the requirement that appointments reflect statewide diversity.

Key Provisions
Increases commission membership from seven to nine members.
Adds two Senate-appointed seats: one for a firefighter experienced in mentorship of aspiring firefighters and one for a volunteer firefighter experienced in mentorship of aspiring volunteer firefighters.
Keeps existing appointing sources: Professional Firefighters Association of Alabama, Alabama Firefighters Association, Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs, Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments, the State Fire Marshal, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Governor.
Sets four-year terms for all members and limits to two consecutive terms.
Establishes vacancy replacement procedures and Senate confirmation requirements; reconfirmation is required for most members, with an exception for the State Fire Marshal.
Requires appointing authorities to coordinate to ensure membership diversity reflecting race, gender, geography, urban/rural status, and economic diversity.
Effective date: October 1, 2024.
Includes nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the code language.

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