HB475 Summary

• Creates the Creek War and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission as a 29-member body to commemorate these historical events that shaped Alabama's development and settlement.

• Commission tasked with planning statewide observances, educational programs, heritage tourism initiatives, archaeological research, and creating educational materials including websites, trail maps, and biographical pamphlets related to the era.

• Commission membership includes representatives from 10 designated counties, 4 major cities, and employees from state agencies including the Alabama Historical Commission, Department of Archives and History, Department of Education, and other relevant entities.

• Members serve without compensation (except state employees receive regular salaries) and the commission exempts itself from competitive bidding requirements, open meetings laws, public records laws, and administrative procedure requirements.

• Commission terminates September 30, 2015, at which time all documents, materials, and artifacts transfer to the Alabama Department of Archives and History and remaining funds deposit into the State General Fund.