HB19 Summary

• Creates a five-member State Transportation Commission with one member appointed by the Governor from each of the Department of Transportation's five regions to coordinate and develop department activities.

• Commission members serve staggered terms (initial terms of 2, 4, or 6 years, then 6-year terms thereafter) with a maximum of one consecutive term, and must reflect the state's racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity.

• Shifts appointment of the Transportation Department Director from the Governor to the State Transportation Commission, with the director serving at the commission's pleasure and subject to commission delegation of duties.

• Prohibits commission members from working for or contracting with companies doing business with the department during their service and for two years afterward, and subjects them to the Alabama Ethics Law.

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