Education in Alabama | MyRepTracker

signed · Alabama · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 580: Public institutions of higher education; faculty senates limited to advisory role, tenure policy required, review and dismissal of tenured faculty authorized, governing board authority over courses and curriculum provided

This bill modifies governance rules for public higher education institutions by limiting faculty senates to advisory roles and requiring tenure policies to be established by governing boards. It grants governing boards authority over course content and curriculum decisions while allowing them to continue existing post-tenure review policies if they meet new requirements. The legislation also clarifies that faculty members on faculty senates cannot exceed minimum standards set by the governing board unless specifically authorized. These changes shift more decision-making power from faculty groups to administrative boards regarding academic standards and faculty oversight.

Topics ✗ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education

passed · Alabama · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 584: Public education; screen-based instruction limited in kindergarten through fifth grade, State Board of Education required to adopt standards, Instructional Technology Task Force established

This bill establishes the Alabama Balanced Instruction and Screen Use Act to limit screen-based instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms. It defines screen-based instruction as delivering educational content primarily through digital devices like laptops or tablets instead of direct teacher-led instruction. The bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt standards for screen use, including regular vision breaks and compliance with privacy laws. An Elementary Instructional Technology Task Force will be established to review research on screen use and make recommendations annually until 2030. Exceptions are made for online high school courses, summer school, and brief technology use for formative assessments during teacher-led instruction.

Topics ✗ Education ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Teachers

in committee · Alabama · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SB 331: 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

SB 331 would prohibit classroom instruction about gender identity or sexual orientation for all public preK-12 students in Alabama, expanding current restrictions that only applied to grades K-5. It bans teachers and school staff from displaying LGBTQ+-related flags or symbols on school property and requires staff to use pronouns matching a student’s biological sex at birth. The bill also mandates that schools enforce these rules through state board regulations. Currently pending in the Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee, it would take effect on July 1, 2026, if passed.

Topics ✗ Education

passed · Alabama · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 190: Railroad Modernization Act of 2019, to increase the cap on income tax credits and extend the sunset date for five years through tax year 2032

HB 190 extends Alabama's Railroad Rehabilitation Tax Credit program through 2032, increasing the annual credit cap from $3.7 million to $4.5 million and raising the per-mile credit amount from $3,500 to $4,100. It directly affects railroad companies owning or leasing track in Alabama by allowing them to claim tax credits covering 50% of eligible rehabilitation costs, with credits transferable at 85% value. The program is funded through sales tax revenues in the Education Trust Fund, with specific annual limits on total credits issued across the extended period.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✗ Education ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Income Tax Sales Tax Tax Credits Rail

in committee · Alabama · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 216: Ten Commandments; required to be displayed in certain public schools, subject to the availability of donations

HB 216 would require Alabama public schools to display the Ten Commandments alongside a context statement in history classrooms (grades 5-12) and common areas of schools serving grades 5 and above, but only if donated displays or funds are available. The bill mandates the State Department of Education to identify free resources to help schools comply with this requirement. It does not create a state-funded mandate and is currently pending committee review in the Alabama House of Representatives as of January 2026. The legislation cites historical references to religious elements in founding documents as justification, but the policy focuses solely on display requirements subject to donations.

Topics ✗ Education

signed · Alabama · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 209: Public K-12 schools; sex education (sex ed) curriculum further provided for, sexual risk avoidance established as sex ed curriculum, policies of local boards of education related to sex ed further provided for, parent or guardian notice of sex ed curriculum required, Attorney General authorized to enforce

SB 209 requires all public K-12 schools in Alabama to teach only "sexual risk avoidance" curriculum, emphasizing abstinence as the sole effective method to prevent pregnancy and STIs. It prohibits any instruction about contraception, abortion referrals, or sexually explicit materials, and bans sex education for students in kindergarten through fourth grade. The bill mandates that parents receive notice before such curriculum is taught and can opt their child out. It also requires schools to provide specific information about pregnancy costs, Alabama's abortion laws, adoption, and healthy relationship practices. The Attorney General is authorized to enforce these requirements.

Topics ✗ Education ✗ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Women's Health

signed · Alabama · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 122: Teacher Excellence and Accountability for Mathematics and Science (TEAMS) Salary Schedule Program; participating teacher with over 20 years of advanced contract criteria service may be offered contract for up to five years instead of required offer of five years

HB 122 amends Alabama's TEAMS program to allow school districts to offer mathematics and science teachers with over 20 years of service (who meet advanced contract criteria) a contract for "up to five years" instead of requiring a mandatory five-year contract. This change, effective October 1, 2026, modifies Section 16-13-334(e) of the Alabama Code. The bill directly affects experienced math and science teachers participating in the TEAMS program who hold the required specialized certifications. It does not alter certification requirements or professional development rules but adjusts contract term flexibility for eligible veteran teachers.

Topics ✗ Education

Sub-Topics Teachers

in committee · Alabama · House Jan 13, 2026

HR 7: U.S. Supreme Court and Congress to Safeguard Fairness and Safety in Women's Sports, urging

This is a resolution (not a bill) introduced by the Alabama House of Representatives, urging the U.S. Supreme Court and Congress to protect women's sports. It argues that maintaining sex-based athletic teams is necessary due to biological differences between males and females, citing concerns about competitive fairness, safety, and privacy. The resolution specifically references Alabama’s 2021-2023 laws banning transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports in public schools and colleges, based on biological sex at birth. It calls for reaffirming Title IX’s protections and enacting federal legislation to ensure women’s sports remain reserved for females. The resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Rules and is pending further action.

Topics ✗ Education

in committee · Alabama · House Jan 13, 2026

HB 23: 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.

Topics ✗ Education

in committee · Alabama · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SB 3: Public K-12 schools, sex education (sex ed) curriculum further provided for, sexual risk avoidance established as sex ed curriculum, policies of local boards of education related to sex ed further provided for, parent or guardian notice of sex ed curriculum required, Attorney General authorized to enforce

SB 3 requires Alabama public K-12 schools to teach only abstinence-focused sex education, banning any instruction about contraception or abortion referrals. Parents must receive notice and can opt their children out of sex education classes. The bill mandates specific content, including pregnancy costs, abortion laws, adoption processes, and parenting responsibilities, while prohibiting demonstrations of contraceptive use or sexually explicit materials. School boards cannot partner with organizations that advocate for abortion or non-abstinence approaches, and the Attorney General is authorized to enforce these requirements.

Topics ✗ Education ✗ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Women's Health

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