AL SB218

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

Allows the Director to appoint up to 11 non-merit system executive level employees with board approval, with salaries determined by comparison to comparable positions in other states and private industry.

Non-merit system employees receive standard state benefits including retirement, sick leave, annual leave, and insurance, with the Port Authority required to pay monthly employer contributions to the State Employees' Insurance Fund.

Authorizes the Port Authority to employ additional non-merit system employees beyond the 11 executive positions as necessary for operations, with board approval.

Effective October 1, 2024.