Alabama House Bill HB459

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/19/25
• Refer: 3/19/25
• Report Pass: 4/2/25
• Refer: 4/9/25
• Report Pass: 4/16/25

Caption

University of South Alabama; membership of Board of Trustees revised, meetings of the board further provided for

Impact

The bill also removes the requirement for at least one trustee to be appointed from specific combinations of state senatorial districts. This provision could streamline the appointment process and allow the Governor greater flexibility in selecting board members that better represent the current needs and demographics of the university community. The current trustees holding these designated seats will be allowed to complete their terms, ensuring continuity during the transition to the new board structure.

Summary

House Bill 459 proposes amendments to the composition and operational procedures of the Board of Trustees of the University of South Alabama. Specifically, the bill seeks to increase the number of at-large trustees from both the state and the United States. The number of state at-large members will increase from five to nine, while the number of at-large members from the United States will increase from two to three. These changes are intended to enhance the governance structure of the university by allowing for a broader representation from various stakeholders.

Contention

Another significant change included in this bill is the alteration of meeting requirements for the Board of Trustees. The bill mandates that regular annual meetings be held every June instead of on the first Monday of June and modifies the notification process for special meetings. Previously requiring a 10-day notice, the bill allows for shorter notice, stating it could now be provided as soon as practicable but no less than 24 hours before the meeting. This change aims to increase the board's responsiveness and adaptability to urgent matters, potentially sparking discussion regarding the adequacy of short-notice meetings in ensuring transparency and adequate public participation.