SB134 Summary

• Clarifies the Alabama Fire College as an independent public institution of postsecondary education under the control of the Alabama Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission.

• Revises the commission membership to consist of seven members: nominees from Professional Firefighters Association of Alabama, Alabama Firefighters Association, Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs, and Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments (each serving four-year terms); the State Fire Marshal; and one member each nominated by the Lieutenant Governor and Governor.

• Establishes a Joint Legislative Oversight Committee composed of three members from each house of the legislature to study and oversee the commission, review its reports, and make recommendations.

• Requires commission employees (except executive leadership) to be transferred to the State Merit System as exempt employees with full due process protections regarding termination and appeals.

• Mandates the commission be audited annually by independent auditors and the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, with findings reported to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee.