Last week, the Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee voted to give a favorable report to a bill that would allow the state to conduct a one-time audit of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).

SB99, sponsored by State Sen. Lance Bell (R-Pell City), is a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by 13 of the 35 state senators.

“As you know, there has been a lot of discussion about the AHSAA,” Sen. Bell told the committee. “I think this audit may do more to answer questions. My hope is that it will open up a lot of discussion to answer questions.”

“I think it's going to be a clean audit when we come back,” Bell said. Maybe things will clear up for them for a while so they don't have six or seven bills coming up next year. ”

“This one-time audit will clear up any confusion or questions,” Bell said. “They just do what the code says and leave it alone. That's my hope and my intention.”

Founded in 1921, the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) is the governing body for high school sports in Alabama. The AHSAA is comprised of 414 high schools and 287 middle schools and middle schools, overseeing more than 100,000 student-athletes.

AHSAA's responsibilities include writing rules, determining student eligibility, and administering championship events. Additionally, he oversees the training and registration of athletic contest officials and strengthens the commitment to integrity and quality in high school athletics across the state.

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Alvin Briggs is the Executive Director of AHSAA. Mr. Briggs requested a hearing to address the committee.

“I am neither against nor for this bill,” Briggs said. “I just want to say we don't need the bill. All I'm saying is we offered an audit. As a nonprofit, we give the IRS every year a 99-point rating.” must be given.”

“We've always had our doors open,” Briggs said. “Since I’ve been here as a member of the committee, we’ve had several councilors come in and look at our finances.”

“We do the best with what we get,” Briggs continued. “Like any large school system, we have a one-year contingency period.”

“We have given over $25 million to our members,” Briggs said. “Also, our member has not paid dues in 33 years. Our member has not paid dues since 1991. We are one of the few associations that do not charge dues to our members.”

“We know we have a clean audit,” Briggs concluded. “All I'm saying here is we don't need the bill.”

The committee's chairman, Sen. Donnie Chestin (R-Dothan), told Briggs, “I appreciate everyone's efforts to work with the senators.” “We appreciate the collaborative spirit of both of you in getting us to this place.”

Mr. Briggs was the only person to address the committee during the hearing, and the committee received a favorable report.

The bill would direct the Alabama Office of Public Accounts Review to conduct one-time audits of organizations that make decisions about the eligibility of high school athletes to participate in high school sports, according to the fiscal report. The bill also includes the creation of an ad hoc legislative committee to review the audit.

The AHSAA receives much of its funding from school sporting events, particularly the football and basketball playoffs. SB99 is now considered by the full Senate. Thursday was the ninth day of the 2024 Alabama regular legislative session.

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