HB 580

This act adds Articles 2, 3, and 4 to Chapter 5A, Title 16, Code of Alabama 1975, to: (1) provide only the governing board of a public institution of higher education may establish a faculty senate; (2) abolish faculty senates established before October 1, 2026, unless in accordance with this act and ratified by the governing board; (3) require governing boards to adopt policies governing the selection and conditions of a faculty senate before establishing such, including ensuring adequate representation of each school or college and numbers of members; (4) authorize removal of faculty senate members by a university president under certain circumstances; (5) provide that a faculty senate is only advisory in capacity and may not issue public statements on behalf of an institution; (6) prohibit any accrediting agency from requiring a public institution of higher education to violate this act; (7) require governing boards to adopt policies governing faculty tenure; (8) authorize the dismissal of tenured faculty members, after providing due process, upon committing specified actions and require governing boards to adopt policies authorizing such dismissals; (9) require periodic review of tenured faculty members at least every six years but not more than annually; and (10) require that each governing board approve the courses and curriculum required to obtain a degree from the respective institution and control the courses taught at the institution. This act also designates Section 16-5A-1 as Article 1 of Chapter 5A, Title 16, Code of Alabama 1975.