Public preK-12 education; discussions of gender identity prohibited, employees prohibited from displaying flags or insignia relating to sexual orientation or gender identity and from referring to students by pronouns inconsistent with student's biological sex

HB 23 prohibits public preK-12 teachers and staff from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation in classrooms for all grade levels (expanding current K-5 restrictions to all grades). It bans displaying LGBTQ+ flags or symbols on school property and requires staff to use pronouns matching a student's biological sex at birth. The bill directly affects all Alabama public school students, teachers, and staff in preK-12 settings. If enacted, it would take effect July 1, 2026, with the State Board of Education tasked with implementing enforcement rules.