A bill that would change the governance structure of the Alabama Department of Archives and History is moving through the Alabama Senate.

On Tuesday, a bill introduced by state Sen. Chris Elliott passed the Senate County and City Government Committee.

invoice Specify All current board members will be removed and replaced with new members chosen by the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the House and Senate pro tem.

“It goes against the foundations of our country for unelected bureaucrats to assert superiority over the people they are meant to serve. State-funded institutions reflect the will of the people. Yet the Department of Archives and History is blatantly ignoring Alabama's long-standing commitment to defending democracy and instead promoting its own professional political class,” said State Sen. Elliott (R-Josephine). said. After the bill passes out of committee.

“Legislators listened to the concerns of voters across Alabama and we responded with legislative results that will deliver good governance. I am proud to sponsor legislation that protects our democracy for the people of Alabama.” I’m proud.”

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Elliott said in December that changes were needed to make the board truly serve Alabama's interests.

“In this way, people like the Archives and History Commission are asked what is good and what is not good, rather than actually responding and being accountable to elected officials and politicians. And we are on the dangerous path of deciding what to impose and instill on people with impunity.'' More importantly, for the people of Alabama. ”

Under the bill, current directors would be eligible for reappointment in the future. Last July, Mr. Elliott also introduced a bill to cut funding for the archives by $5 million, which did not advance, but led to a proposal that passed in committee on Tuesday.

State-funded institutions are intended to reflect the will of the people. However, the Department of Archives and History has blatantly ignored Alabama's longstanding commitment to preserving history and instead promoted its own social agenda. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/8uAwv5cawS

— Alabama Senate Republicans (@ALSenateRepubs) February 14, 2024

“The Department of Archives and History's board is the definition of self-perpetuating power within the bureaucracy. The current board has supported programming and education that undermines Alabama's values.” Alabama Senate Majority Leader said House Minority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro).

“Congress established the Archives to study and preserve Alabama's history, but not to use public funds to promote social agendas inconsistent with the state's principles.” Senate Republicans are committed to curbing the power of unelected boards and holding them accountable to the people, especially when it comes to spending taxpayer money.”

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.