Ala. Code § 9-15-44
The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources is hereby authorized to exchange school lands for other lands of equal value, with the approval of the Governor and the State Superintendent of Education. The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources shall have the title to the land to be received by the state examined; and, if in his opinion said title is without defect, he shall so certify to the Governor and, provided the Governor and the State Superintendent of Education approve, the Governor shall cause patents to be issued to those exchanging said lands. Such patent shall vest a fee simple title in the grantee named therein. The title to the land received in exchange for school land shall be in the State of Alabama in trust for the use of schools and shall be classified as school land as defined by law.
Ala. Code § 9-15-44 (1975)