SB27 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris ElliottSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Department of Archives and History; composition of board and method of filling board vacancies further provided for, retroactive effect

Summary

SB27 would expand and restructure Alabama's Department of Archives and History Board of Trustees to 17 members, change how members are appointed, and apply these changes retroactively to January 1, 2025.

What This Bill Does

It enlarges the Board of Trustees and revises appointment rules. Some seats would be filled by the Governor, while others would be filled by the Speaker of the House or the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, with input from minority leaders for certain seats, and some terms would be at-large. The bill requires Senate confirmation for new appointments and vacancies, sets six-year terms for most members, and staggers first terms for new appointees. It also directs the process to reflect statewide diversity in race, gender, geographic location, urban/rural status, and economy, and makes minor non-substantive updates to the code. The act is retroactive to January 1, 2025 and becomes effective immediately.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents across all districts who use or rely on archival resources and who would be represented by a more diverse board
• State officials and nominees who would appoint or be appointed to the board (Governor; House Speaker; Senate President Pro Tempore; minority leaders) and Senate confirmation staff

Key Provisions

• Expands the board to 17 members and revises how members are chosen.
• Apportionment of seats includes district-based appointments by the Governor and at-large appointments by the Governor, House Speaker, and Senate leaders, with minority-leader input for some seats.
• Vacancies are filled by the appointing authority with Senate confirmation; terms are six years for most members; initial terms are staggered.
• Board to reflect statewide diversity in race, gender, geography, urban/rural status, and economy.
• Retroactive effect to January 1, 2025; immediate effectiveness; non-substantive language updates.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

State Government