Legislature passes the Byrne bill

The Legislature has passed a bill that Republicans believe is the response to the quick appointment by the State Board of Education of former Republican state Sen. Bradley Byrne as chancellor of the two-year college system in 2007.

The Senate passed the bill 24-1 on Wednesday.

The bill, which already passed the House, would require notices of vacancies in education positions at various levels including state superintendent of education, chancellor of post secondary education, and county and city superintendents of education.

Democrats fought the appointment of Byrne, who was chosen by Gov. Bob Riley for the position and selected by the board. The chancellor was appointed and has fought double dipping policies, in which some lawmakers also work in the two-year college system. Most of those lawmakers are Democrats.

Republicans delayed voting on the bill on Wednesday, but supported it during the vote.

Democratic supporters said giving notice allows qualified people to apply and gives the appointing board or official more applicants to select from in filling the position.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen