SB 317 Alabama Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Innovation Corporation, staggered terms for board of directors provided

SB 317 modifies the structure of the Alabama Innovation Corporation, also known as Innovate Alabama, which supports technology and entrepreneurship in the state. The bill primarily affects the board of directors by establishing staggered terms for its six at-large members. It outlines a transition plan for existing at-large directors, adjusting their term end dates to December 31, 2025, 2026, or 2027. After this initial adjustment, all future at-large directors appointed by the Governor will serve for two-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive terms.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Apr 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

House Passage

May 2025

Signed into Law

May 2025

Introduced Apr 8, 2025 Signed May 14, 2025

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Enrolled · 7 edits · May 14, 2025

MODERATE

This bill establishes the governance structure for the Alabama Innovation Corporation, creating a board of directors with both ex officio members (state officials) and at-large directors appointed by the Governor. The bill sets specific term lengths, diversity requirements, and compensation rules for board members to ensure balanced leadership and representation.

Scope change

The bill adds a formal governance framework to the Alabama Innovation Corporation, which previously lacked detailed board composition rules.

REQUIREMENT

Establishes a board of directors with five ex officio members (Governor, Speaker, Senate President Pro Tempore, and House/Senate minority leaders) and six at-large directors appointed by the Governor.

Requires at-large directors to have experience in entrepreneurship, venture capital, technology, or commercializing intellectual property from research institutions.

Mandates diversity in board appointments based on gender, race, geography (urban/rural), and economic background.

Limits at-large directors to two consecutive terms with a two-year gap required before reappointment.

Prohibits director compensation but allows reimbursement for travel expenses.

Designates the initial chair as the leader of the Alabama Innovation Commission, with subsequent chairs appointed by the Governor from board members.

TIMELINE

Sets staggered two-year terms for at-large directors with specific expiration dates for initial appointments in 2025, 2026, and 2027.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 6, 2025

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1171

lower

Apr 29, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

lower

Apr 24, 2025

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Boards, Agencies and Commissions)

lower

Apr 24, 2025

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 812

upper

Apr 9, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

upper

Apr 8, 2025

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development)

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors