Senate Bill 180 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Will BarfootSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Board of Pardons and Paroles; commencement date changed to March 1

Summary

SB180 shifts the Board of Pardons and Paroles’ term start date from July 1 to March 1 and updates the appointment and transition rules for new and existing members.

What This Bill Does

New board members will have six-year terms that begin on March 1 (instead of July 1). If you are a board member serving on October 1, 2026, your term ends on the last day of February after six years. Vacancies will be filled by the Governor from five nominees chosen by a nominating committee, with a defined timeline for appointment and Senate confirmation (including ad interim appointments and a deeming-confirmation rule if the Senate does not vote before sine die). The board will continue to have three members, must reflect statewide diversity, include at least one current or former law enforcement officer with 10 years’ experience, and two members will be needed to form a quorum; compensation remains set by law and paid from the State Treasury. The act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: Board of Pardons and Paroles members and future appointees — their terms will start on March 1, there are six-year terms, and vacancies follow a new five-nominee nomination process with defined appointment timelines.
• Group 2: Governor, Senate (and legislative leadership), and Alabama residents — the Governor handles appointments from a nominated list, Senate confirmation rules apply (with interim processes and a deeming-confirmation provision), and the bill emphasizes diversity and continued board operations for public safety.

Key Provisions

• Change of term start date: new board members' six-year terms commence on March 1 (instead of July 1); effective October 1, 2026 for transition rules.
• Transition rule for current members: those serving on October 1, 2026 have terms ending on the last day of February following the sixth year of their term.
• Vacancy process: vacancies filled by the Governor from a list of five nominees, submitted by a nominating committee consisting of the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; Governor appoints within 10 days; appointments begin immediately and remain until Senate confirms or rejects; interim appointments allowed when the Senate is not in regular session; deemed confirmed if the Senate does not vote by sine die.
• Nominating committee process: committee selects five names by majority vote after meeting to fill vacancies and submits them to the Governor.
• Board composition and leadership: three-member board; diversity requirements across race, gender, geography, urban/rural status, and economics; at least one member must be a current or former law enforcement officer with 10 years’ experience; Governor designates the chair to preside over sessions.
• Operational rules: two members constitute a quorum; members may not hold another paid office during their term; compensation remains as provided by law and paid from the State Treasury.
• Impeachment and inquisition: members take the constitutional oath; subject to impeachment with procedures; Governor can seek an inquisition for incapacity, with potential vacancy and replacement rules.

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

Subjects

Authorities, Boards, & Commissions