Senate Bill 250 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Will BarfootSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Alabama Indian Affairs Commission; commission authority and membership revised, additional tribes recognized

Summary

SB250 would expand the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission to nine tribal representatives (recognizing two additional tribes), authorize state funding, and update the commission’s leadership and governance rules.

What This Bill Does

It expands the Commission's tribal representation from seven to nine by recognizing two additional tribes. It allows the Commission to seek and receive state appropriations in addition to federal funds, and it protects tribal records from being disclosed to membership organizations. It sets qualifications and duties for the executive director (including age, residency, and salary limits) and authorizes staff hiring, while also making nonsubstantive technical updates to the code.

Who It Affects

• The nine Alabama tribes (and their members) will gain one seat on the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission, increasing tribal representation on the body.
• Federally recognized tribes in Alabama not currently represented on the commission could gain representation through a new unrepresented-tribe seat, if selected.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 41-9-708, 41-9-710, 41-9-713, and 41-9-714 to increase the number of Indian representatives on the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission from seven to nine and to recognize two additional tribes.
• Enumerates the nine tribes to be represented on the commission and establishes that each shall have one representative; provides for an unrepresented-tribe Alabama resident member and an at-large member, with the majority of members required to be Indian.
• Allows the commission to seek and receive state appropriations in addition to federal funds to support its work.
• Notwithstanding records sharing requirements, states that the commission may not be compelled to disclose certain tribal records to membership organizations.
• Creates salary provisions for the executive director, including a salary cap at the maximum for pay grade 84, and sets age (at least 30) and residency (Alabama resident and citizen for at least five years) requirements; designates the director as secretary and chief administrator and allows hiring of necessary staff.
• Includes nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the code language to current style; the act would become effective October 1, 2026.

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