SB 211 expands sick leave options for public education employees in Alabama. It allows direct sick leave donations between employees at different schools or institutions (like K-12 districts and public colleges), removes limits on how much extended medical leave an employee can donate, and requires the State Board of Education to create a model policy for this. All public education authorities (including local school boards and colleges) must adopt this policy, including provisions for sick leave banks and direct donations. The bill affects teachers, support staff, and administrators working in Alabama’s public education system.
HB 183 allows homeschool students in Alabama to enroll in public school career and technical education (CTE) programs starting in the 2027-2028 school year, provided they pay the same course fees as public school students and enroll as non-enrolled participants. It requires public schools to consider homeschool students for CTE programs only after filling spots with current public school students if capacity is limited. Full-time, standalone CTE schools may choose not to accept homeschool students, but all other public schools must follow the rules. The State Board of Education and local school boards must create specific policies to implement these provisions.
HB 306 would create a temporary teaching certificate for military veterans seeking to teach in Alabama K-12 schools. It would allow veterans with 48 months of honorable military service to qualify for a temporary license if they have 60 college credits (2.5 GPA), pass a state teaching exam, and meet other requirements. The certificate would be valid for five years (non-renewable) and require mentorship for two years, but time teaching under it wouldn’t count toward regular certification. If passed, this bill would directly affect veterans transitioning to teaching careers in fields typically requiring a bachelor’s degree.
HB 329 requires all Alabama public K-12 students to complete an approved computer science course to graduate, starting with the 2032 graduating class. The bill expands the definition of computer science to include AI and algorithmic processes, and establishes standards for approved courses that must focus on creating technology, not just using it. Approved computer science credits can count toward math, science, or career education graduation requirements without increasing the total credit count. School districts must implement phased course offerings: high schools by 2020-2021, middle schools by 2021-2022, and elementary schools by 2022-2023. The State Department of Education will develop course standards and maintain an approved course list.
SB 168 prohibits Alabama public K-12 schools from using the "three-cueing system" (which teaches reading through meaning, sentence structure, and visual cues) for foundational reading skills like decoding and word recognition. Instead, it requires all reading materials and teacher training to use evidence-based "structured literacy" methods focused on phonics, phonemic awareness, and systematic instruction. The law applies to textbooks, instructional materials, and educator preparation programs, banning visual memory strategies for word recognition while allowing context and vocabulary support for comprehension. It takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year, with violations requiring public notification by the State Board of Education.
SB 201 requires Alabama public schools with JROTC programs to make those programs available to homeschool and private school students who live in the school's neighborhood district and are dependents of active-duty military parents performing specific types of military service. This includes service members on federal or state orders requiring a permanent or temporary relocation (like deployments or base changes). The bill applies to students meeting standard JROTC eligibility requirements, ensuring military-connected students have access to these programs regardless of their school type. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.
HB 124 renames Alabama's AMSTEP program to the LASEA Program (Loan Assistance in Support of Educators in Alabama) and expands eligibility to include educators certified in any subject designated as having an acute shortage by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE). The bill provides standard loan assistance to educators certified in shortage subjects and adds supplemental payments for those teaching in public K-12 schools or systems identified as having acute educator shortages. ACHE, in consultation with the State Department of Education, determines which subjects and school locations qualify as "acute shortage" areas. The program aims to attract and retain teachers in high-need fields and schools through targeted financial support.
HB 239 would increase salaries for Alabama public education employees by 2% starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It applies to K-12 teachers, support staff (including bus drivers), and employees at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB), as well as two-year postsecondary education staff. The bill requires all affected employees to receive this automatic increase regardless of experience level, with local salary schedules adjusted to reflect the change. The pay increase is mandated to be applied in addition to any existing step increases or local adjustments.
HB 187, known as Alyssa's Law, requires all Alabama public K-12 schools to provide designated staff (including teachers, administrators, and support personnel who interact with students daily) with mobile emergency response systems by October 1, 2030. These systems must instantly connect to emergency services and pinpoint the user's location indoors (room/floor level) and on school grounds. The bill mandates school systems to train staff on the systems, requires the State Superintendent to approve vendors, and allows using existing school safety funds (like the School Security and Fire Safety Fund) for purchases. The law does not require staff to use personal devices, though schools may offer that option with written consent.
HB 78 sets age-based screen time limits for children in early childhood education settings, directly affecting licensed child-care facilities, prekindergarten programs, and public kindergarten classrooms in Alabama. It prohibits screen time for children under two, limits it to 30 minutes daily (90 minutes weekly) for ages two to four, and requires all screen use to be "high-quality" and adult-supervised. The bill mandates annual staff training on screen time guidelines and requires the Department of Early Childhood Education to develop and publicly share free, research-based guidelines for parents. Compliance is tied to facility licensure and enforced by the Department of Human Resources, Department of Early Childhood Education, and local school boards. The law aims to align with pediatric recommendations by reducing excessive screen exposure during critical developmental years.
