HB 178 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

Public K-12 education; process for the consolidation of city school systems provided

HB 178 modifies the process for consolidating city school systems and their governing boards. It requires a majority of qualified voters residing in the combined territory of all affected city schools to approve such consolidations, replacing the prior voting threshold. This change directly affects cities considering merging their school districts and boards. The State Board of Education must also adopt implementing rules for this new process.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

House Passage

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Signed Apr 17, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed → Enrolled · 6 edits · Apr 17, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was finalized as an enrolled act, changing the effective date to October 1, 2026. The process for consolidating city school systems was significantly altered to require a public referendum if a protest is filed, with elections now held on the next regular general election day rather than a specific date set by a judge. The new rules also mandate that ballots explicitly list 'For Consolidation' and 'Against Consolidation' and expand the responsibilities of the resulting multi-city board.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a simple administrative merger to a process requiring public approval via referendum if contested, and it now creates a 'multi-city board of education' instead of a single remaining city board.

TIMELINE

Changed the timing of the consolidation referendum election from a date set by a judge to the next regularly scheduled general election.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for a public referendum election if a protest is filed, replacing the previous requirement for a special election ordered by a judge.

Mandated that referendum ballots must explicitly print 'For Consolidation' and 'Against Consolidation' to clarify the vote.

Expanded the duties of the new board to include defining roles and duties for members and explaining how the board will operate.

Updated the notice requirements for the referendum to be issued by the sheriff of each affected county rather than just the county where the board is located.

DEFINITION

Changed the resulting governing body from a 'remaining controlling city board' to a 'remaining controlling multi-city board of education'.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Garrett Motion to Concur In and Adopt Senate Amendment - Adopted Roll Call 1327

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1247

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Orr motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1246

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Introduced

Finance and Taxation Education 1st Amendment Offered (Finance and Taxation Education)

upper

Feb 25, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

upper

Feb 25, 2026

Introduced

Finance and Taxation Education 1st Amendment (Finance and Taxation Education)

upper

Feb 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Finance and Taxation Education)

upper

Feb 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 238

lower

Feb 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 237

lower

Feb 3, 2026

Introduced

Garrett 1st Amendment Offered

lower

Feb 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 236

lower

Feb 3, 2026

Introduced

Ways and Means Education 1st Substitute Offered (Ways and Means Education)

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

lower

Jan 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Ways and Means Education)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors