HB120 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Kerry UnderwoodRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Sunset Law; State Board of Genetic Counseling continued with modification until October 1, 2027
Summary: HB120 would keep the State Board of Genetic Counseling in Alabama in place through October 1, 2027 and modify how its members are chosen and distributed across the state.
What This Bill Does
The bill extends the existence of the State Board of Genetic Counseling until October 1, 2027 and preserves the current authority in Alabama law. It changes the board’s membership to include: one appointee from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Genetics Department; four Alabama genetic counselors with advanced degrees appointed by the Governor; one physician from the Medical Association of Alabama; one physician from the State Board of Medical Examiners; one pediatric geneticist appointed by the Lieutenant Governor; and one physician appointed by the Speaker of the House. Terms for governor-appointed members are two years, while other members serve until replaced. The board must annually elect a chair, vice chair, and secretary. Appointing authorities must coordinate to ensure the board reflects the state’s diversity, and starting June 1, 2025, membership should be distributed so there is one member from each congressional district with remaining members chosen from the state at-large. Members may participate remotely for most meetings, but in-person attendance is required for disciplinary actions; members serve without pay but may receive per diem and travel allowances if funds are available.

Who It Affects
Genetic counseling professionals in Alabama (the four practicing genetic counselors and the pediatric genetics physician) who will be part of the board and influence governance and standards.
Alabama residents and the public, who may be represented on the board by district-based and at-large appointments to ensure geographic and demographic diversity.

Key Provisions
Continues the State Board of Genetic Counseling until October 1, 2027 with modifications.
Amends §34-13A-3 to specify board membership: 1 from UAB Genetics, 4 genetic counselors, 3 physicians (one from each specified appointing authority: Medical Association, Medical Examiners, and a pediatric genetics physician), plus one more physician from the Speaker’s appointment.
Terms: governor-appointed members serve 2-year terms; other members serve until replaced.
Board must annually elect a chair, vice chair, and secretary.
Diversity and district-based appointment mandate: starting June 1, 2025, members must be appointed to reflect each congressional district with remaining members from the state at-large.
Remote participation allowed for regular meetings; in-person participation required for disciplinary actions.
Members serve without compensation, but may receive per diem and travel allowances if funds are available.

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