The House of Representatives Education Policy Committee gave a favorable report Wednesday to legislation calling for a constitutional amendment on whether to replace the elected State Board of Education with an appointed commission.

SB 397 by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, would allow voters to decide whether to create the Alabama Commission on Elementary and Secondary Education with nine members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. It also would replace the state superintendent of education position with a cabinet-level secretary of elementary and secondary education. 

The commission would include at least one member from each Alabama congressional district. Members would serve no more than two consecutive six-year terms. The amendment requires the governor to ensure the commission reflects the geographical, gender and racial diversity of students enrolled in public K-12 education in the state.  

If the measure were to pass the full House, a statewide referendum would be held March 3, 2020.