House Sunset Committee approves multiple board continuances, an 811 extension and a new board governance course

The Alabama House Sunset Committee on an unlisted date approved an amendment to HB 282 and gave favorable reports to a slate of sunset and renewal bills, moving continuations for several boards and adopting a new governance-training requirement for board members.

Chair Margie Wilcox opened the committee, called roll and confirmed a quorum before the panel considered HB 282. A sponsor said the bill moves the statutory start date for some gubernatorial appointments into March so the Senate can participate in confirmations at the time the appointment is made; the committee adopted an amendment that, among other technical edits, set a beginning date of Oct. 1, 2026, and clarified term-end language. The committee then gave HB 282 a favorable report as amended.

The committee also approved SB 126, which continues the Alabama Private Investigation Board through Oct. 3, 2028, and SB 101, a two-year renewal of the Board of Electrical Contractors (continuing its existence and functions through Oct. 1, 2028). SB 128, a sunset bill for the Alabama Sickle Cell Oversight and Regulatory Commission, was amended in committee to transfer commission property to a state department, change appointment language, and repeal Code of Alabama section 22-10b-7; the amendment and bill were approved.

Members discussed SB 102, a one-year continuance (to Oct. 1, 2027) for the Board of Home Medical Equipment. Committee members asked why a separate board exists and whether sunsetting the board could disrupt insurance reimbursement; committee staff said the short extension is intended to allow further study so patients and local providers are not harmed. The motion to give SB 102 a favorable report passed.

The committee unanimously endorsed SD 104, a measure to require members of boards and commissions subject to sunset review to complete at least five hours of board-governance training provided by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. The sponsor said the curriculum would include the Open Meetings Act, contract review, legislative oversight and policies on travel and compensation.

On HB 298 (an 811-related technical extension), Representative Marcus presented the bill to extend the 811 provision to Jan. 2036. Representative Carrie Underwood summarized the group’s recent finances, saying, “they don't bring in a ton of money... they would get around 1,500,000.0,” and noted the entity generally breaks even and has undergone audits and reviews. The committee approved HB 298.

The committee adjourned after completing the listed business. No roll-call tallies for individual yes/no votes were recorded in the transcript excerpt; votes were recorded verbally as "aye" and motions were announced as adopted or granted.