The Alabama House of Representatives unanimously voted on Thursday to make the winner of the annual Miss Alabama competition an official state ambassador.
House Bill 407, sponsored by Representative Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, would create an honorary, unpaid role for Miss Alabama to represent the state for “ceremonial and public outreach purposes.”
The voluntary position would authorize the pageant winner, during her term as Miss Alabama, to serve as a “representative designated to promote goodwill and civic engagement” on behalf of any Alabama government office, including the governor’s, alongside other state departments, boards, bureaus and commissions.
Duties set out by the bill include representing the state at ceremonial, educational, civic, tourism-related and economic development events, as well as promoting Alabama’s communities, culture, history, workforce, military families and public service initiatives.
“This organization provides scholarship funds for higher education to young women in the state of Alabama. These young ladies represent the best of the best of Alabama—talented, intelligent, poised, articulate and with a heart for service,” the representative said.
“Their year of service as Miss Alabama is a full-time role. They are not enrolled in school or employed,” said DuBose. “So, we thought this would be a perfect opportunity, mutually beneficial, for our state and for our reigning Miss Alabama to partner with the state to act as a hostess or a goodwill ambassador and represent the state, when invited, to events or ceremonies.”
Representative Jaundalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, spoke before the House in support of the legislation, thanking DuBose and Terry for bringing the measure.
“You have an opportunity to meet some of the Miss Alabamas as they come through, but I don’t know if I’ve met a nicer, a nicer Miss Alabama in most recent years than Emma,” Givan said.
“So, I have no problem with the legislation. I appreciate you bringing it, and I also now appreciate the fact that we have an official face of the state outside of just the governor of the state of Alabama,” she added.
Representative Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, while supporting the legislation, expressed concern that the ambassador position would be unpaid.
“I read this bill with interest some weeks ago, and I was concerned about how much we’re expecting of this young lady,” Clarke said. “If we have such high expectations of her, I think we should pay her.”
“I don’t think she would be opposed to that,” DuBose responded. “I personally have not included that in this bill, and it may be something that we can consider for the future.”
Clarke went on to ask DuBose if she would accept the inclusion of language providing pay for the position as a friendly amendment.
“I don’t think I’m ready to accept that today. I’d like this to pass as it is, but I would consider that in the future,” she replied.
“I’m trying, Emma. I think you deserve to be paid,” Clarke said. “Thank you for your service to our state.”
The version of HB407 passed by the House was a substitute presented in committee by Representative Chris Sell, R-Greenville, which would declare Miss Alabama “an official” state ambassador, as opposed to “the official” state ambassador as proposed by the original bill.
If passed in the Senate and enacted, HB407 will take effect on June 1, 2026.
