The Alabama Senate is considering a bill that would change how members of the Alabama Department of Archives and History Board of Trustees are appointed, shifting that authority to the governor and legislative leaders.

The legislation follows outrage from many Republican lawmakers over the department’s past programming decisions.

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SB5, introduced by Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) and substituted in committee, would give the governor the power to appoint eight board members while also making the governor a voting member. The Speaker of the House and the Senate President Pro Tem. would each appoint four members. The bill also requires the Speaker and President Pro Tem. to select one member each from a list compiled by the Senate Minority Leader, ensuring some representation from minority party recommendations.

During discussion of the bill in the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee, Elliott noted that while the Department of Archives and History had not formally opposed the bill, “they’re probably not thrilled with it.” He described the legislation as a compromise, saying, “I’m also kind of neutral on the bill, which might mean that we’ve compromised enough to move it along.”

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On Feb. 18, the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee approved the bill, sending it to the full Senate for consideration.

If passed, the bill would shift appointment power to the state’s executive and legislative leaders. SB5 awaits a vote on the Senate floor.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at grace@yellowhammernews.com.