Bill > HB425

This bill revises the composition and governance of Regional Mental Health Authority Boards by making several key changes to their structure and membership. The bill modifies how board members are appointed, specifying that governing bodies can appoint nine members if the service area is within a single jurisdiction, and allows for more flexible appointment processes when multiple jurisdictions are involved. The bill introduces new requirements for board diversity, mandating that appointments reflect racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and economic diversity of the service area. It also establishes that board members must be residents of the area they represent and have demonstrated concern for mental health programs. The legislation provides more flexible rules about board size and executive committee formation, allowing for up to 16 directors with the possibility of creating a nine-member executive committee. New provisions allow for member removal if they attend less than half the meetings, clarify meeting requirements (including monthly meetings and compliance with the Alabama Open Meetings Act), and standardize term lengths at six years. The bill aims to create more inclusive, representative, and efficient mental health authority boards while maintaining their core governance responsibilities.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search