HB253 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama State Port Authority as a body corporate with authority to employ non-merit system employees in addition to Merit System employees.

• Director may appoint no more than 11 executive-level non-merit system employees with board approval; director sets their salaries based on comparable positions in other states and private industry.

• Non-merit system employees are excluded from Merit System classifications but entitled to retirement, sick and annual leave, insurance benefits, and employer contributions to the State Employees' Insurance Fund.

• Port Authority may establish and fund retirement plans for non-Merit System employees, life and health insurance plans for employees and dependents, and employee compensation incentive plans.

• Act becomes effective October 1, 2024.