AL HB51

Amends Section 23-1-26 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to allow the Director of Transportation to appoint assistant counsel as necessary to transact the department's legal business, subject to state Merit System law.

Removes the limit of "not more than five" assistant counsel positions, expanding the director's authority to appoint additional counsel as needed.

Requires that all chief counsel and assistant counsel be commissioned as assistant attorneys general and take the oath required of other Attorney General assistants.

Mandates the director consider racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state when appointing assistant counsel.

Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.