Alabama 2022 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB178

Introduced
2/1/22  

Caption

Athlete agents, Alabama Athlete Agents Commission, meetings by virtual means, authorized under certain conditions, Sec. 8-26B-30 am'd.

Impact

The impact of HB178 on Alabama state laws centers around the conduct of official meetings by the Alabama Athlete Agents Commission. By permitting virtual meetings, the bill aims to ensure continuity and accessibility in the Commission's operations, allowing members and the public alike to participate more easily. The implications of this allow the Commission to remain functional and responsive, particularly in circumstances where physical gatherings might be restricted or impractical.

Summary

House Bill 178, introduced by Representative Blackshear, amends existing provisions concerning the Alabama Athlete Agents Commission to authorize the Commission to conduct meetings via virtual means. This change is significant as it will allow the Commission to adapt to modern communication methods, particularly valuable in a post-pandemic society where virtual engagement has become more prevalent. Furthermore, the bill includes technical revisions to update the existing code to reflect contemporary legal language and practices.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HB178 involves its exemption from certain provisions of the Alabama Open Meetings Act regarding electronic meetings. Critics may argue that this could lead to reduced transparency and public accountability, a concern that arises whenever regulations are relaxed in the name of convenience. Ensuring that public entities remain accessible and that their decisions are made in an open forum is a principle that many advocate for, especially in the governance of sports and athlete representation.

Companion Bills

AL SB206

Same As Athlete agents, Alabama Athlete Agents Commission, meetings by virtual means, authorized under certain conditions, Sec. 8-26B-30 am'd.

Previously Filed As

AL SB45

Revised Uniform Athlete Agents Act; designee for Secretary of State on Alabama Athlete Agents Commission authorized

AL SB227

Alabama Athletic Commission, violations provided for, Class C felony

AL SB184

Alabama Commission on Higher Education; authorized to award loan assistance to athletic trainers under Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program

AL HB288

Alabama Commission on Higher Education; authorized to award loan assistance to athletic trainers under Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program

AL SB9

Alabama Athletic Commission, Attorney General authorized to bring action for violations, certain violations constitute Class C felony

AL HB489

High school athletics, student athletes permitted to receive compensation for name, image, or likeness, subject to restrictions

AL HB298

Public schools; athletic associations required to adjust athletic classification under certain circumstances

AL SB127

Alabama Athletic Commission, continued until October 1, 2027, without modification, pursuant to the Sunset Law

AL HB131

Sunset Law; Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers continued with modification until 2027

AL HB621

Teachers' Retirement System of Alabama, future Alabama High School Athletic Association employees prohibited from participating

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