Alabama. Commission to Preserve the Peace (1963-1978).

Authority: Acts 1963, No. 3 (House Joint Resolution No. 5), pp. 380-381.

The Alabama Legislative Commission to Preserve the Peace was established in 1963 for the purpose of preserving the peace and dignity of the state, "since certain persons had been engaged in activities of an unlawful nature, endangered state sovereignty, and threatened the peace and dignity of the state."

It was a joint legislative committee, composed of five members: three from the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker and two from the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate. The officers included a Chairman and Vice-Chairman, elected by the Commission, who could employ a secretary and assistants. The members received no pay, but were reimbursed for travel expenses. The duties of the Commission were: (1) To study, investigate, analyze, and interrogate persons, groups, and organizations who may be engaged in activities of an unlawful nature against the sovereignty of the state and against the peace and dignity of the state; (2) to hold hearings; (3) to determine its meeting places, whether open or closed to the public; and (4) to report its fundings to the Legislature and the Governor, together with recommendations, if any, for legislation.

The Commission was terminated in 1978, pursuant to the provisions of the Sunset Law of 1976. (Acts 1978, No. 115 [Senate Joint Resolution No. 323], pp. 142-143)

From the description of Agency history record. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 145407705