SB252 Summary: Alabama Growth Alliance Act

• Establishes the Alabama Growth Alliance as a public corporation separate from the state, governed by a board combining ex officio members (Governor, Secretary of Commerce, legislative leaders, Innovate Alabama chair) and private-sector at-large members appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders.

• Authorizes the corporation to provide input on long-range economic development strategies, review economic development incentives biennially, coordinate state agency efforts, and support specific development objectives including manufacturing, rural economic growth, minority-owned businesses, and ecotourism.

• Grants the board broad powers to enter contracts, employ staff, manage investments, and grant funds to public and private entities without compliance with certain state procurement and ethics laws for private contractors involved.

• Requires the board to support the Department of Commerce in developing an annual strategic economic development plan and to submit annual reports to the Legislature beginning in 2026.

• Takes effect October 1, 2024, and allows dissolution by three-quarters board vote; amended application provisions for governance changes may be filed by the Governor, Speaker, and President Pro Tempore or by five board members.