HB506 Summary

• Amends Section 22-22A-6 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to expand qualifications for one Environmental Management Commission member position to include certification by the National Ground Water Association (successor to National Water Well Association) or licensure as a hydrogeologist or geologist in Alabama.

• Changes term limits for commission members appointed on or after July 1, 2012, from 18 years total service to a maximum of two terms, with exceptions for members serving unexpired terms or pending successor appointments.

• Maintains existing seven-member commission structure with specialized professional qualifications including physician, engineer, attorney, chemist/veterinarian, water/geology specialist, biologist/ecologist, and at-large resident member.

• Requires commission membership to reflect racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state with annual reporting to the Legislature on compliance.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and Governor approval.