Sen. Donnie Chesteen

Maddy summarySB 257 amends existing law related to the Alabama Educational Television Foundation Authority. Currently, the Authority is prohibited from engaging in activities that influence legislation or involve propaganda. This bill would authorize the Authority to use its funds for fundraising, soliciting donations, and otherwise securing additional funding. These activities must comply with the Internal Revenue Code and applicable federal regulations. This change directly affects the Authority by expanding its capacity to seek financial support.

Maddy summarySB 215 modifies the process for local boards of education that are under state educational intervention. It grants the State Superintendent of Education the authority to summon witnesses and subpoena records during an intervention. The bill also allows the State Superintendent to reinstate educational intervention for a local board within five years if the specific conditions of its previous release were not satisfied. This changes existing law, which allowed for unconditional release from intervention and required new procedures to return a board to intervention.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 184 expands the existing Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP) to include licensed athletic trainers. This bill authorizes the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to award loan assistance to eligible athletic trainers working in K-12 schools or higher education institutions within the state. To qualify, athletic trainers must hold an approved master's degree, be licensed in Alabama, provide at least 20 hours of athletic training services per week, and have outstanding federal student loans. Eligible individuals can receive up to $7,500 per year for a maximum of four consecutive years to help repay their student loan debt.

Maddy summarySB 95 proposes to revise the compensation structure for the board of directors of the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority, a public corporation providing bulk electric power to municipalities. Currently, board members can receive up to $600 per meeting, subject to a unanimous vote. This bill would change this to a monthly fee, allowing board members to be paid up to $1,750 per month and the board chair up to $2,000 per month.

Maddy summarySB 92 aims to regulate technology use and promote online safety for students in public K-12 schools. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the bill prohibits students from using or possessing wireless communication devices during the instructional day on school grounds, with exceptions for educational purposes, emergencies, or as allowed by local policy. It also requires local school boards to adopt internet safety policies for district-owned devices, limiting access to age-inappropriate content and social media. Finally, the State Department of Education must develop a social media safety course, which all students will complete prior to entering eighth grade.

Maddy summarySB 59 allows dependents of active-duty military personnel in Alabama to use copies of their military medical records - showing age-appropriate immunizations - as proof of vaccination for school enrollment, instead of the standard Blue Card. This directly affects military-connected students and their families, who often face challenges obtaining new immunization records when relocating. The bill amends Alabama Code §16-30-4 to permit this substitution for all public and private schools serving kindergarten through 12th grade. It does not change immunization requirements but streamlines enrollment by accepting military medical documentation. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum monthly compensation for members of local school boards in Alabama from $600 to $900. To receive this payment, board members must complete specific continuing education and training programs developed by the state; if they fail to meet these requirements, their compensation is held in escrow until they become compliant. If a board member leaves their position while funds are still in escrow, the money reverts to the local school board rather than being paid out. The changes take effect on October 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new diploma option called the Workforce Pathways diploma for Alabama high school students who plan to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Under this pathway, students can earn their diploma by completing fewer math and science credits and instead taking career and technical education courses that prepare them for specific jobs. The legislation also authorizes the state to build or upgrade career centers closer to schools and provides funding for short-term training scholarships at community colleges.

Education; Military

Education