SB205 Summary

• Creates a 9-member State Transportation Commission appointed by the Governor, with one member from each of Alabama's nine transportation divisions, replacing direct gubernatorial appointment of the Department of Transportation director.

• Commission members serve staggered initial terms (2, 4, or 6 years) followed by 6-year terms; receive 30 percent of cabinet member compensation; and must reflect the state's racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity.

• Prohibits commission members from employment with or contracting with companies doing business with the Department of Transportation during service and for two years after; also prohibits employment in roadbuilding or affiliated industries or as lobbyists.

• Transfers director appointment authority from the Governor to the Commission, which must name a new director within 90 days of a vacancy; the chief engineer serves as acting director until replacement is selected.

• Exempts the Department of Transportation from the Budget Management Act, preventing the Governor or Finance Director from withholding or redirecting funds contrary to the commission's five-year or annual revenue and expenditure plans.