Education Policy and Funding
LWVAL Action Priority Level II - Monitoring occurs; action dependent on opportunity and available resources.Click a bill to see sponsor(s), synopsis, link to the bill, League action and justification for that action, and progress of the bill through the legislative process.
Legend:
= LWVAL's support for the legislation. 
= LWVAL's opposition to the legislation.
= new bill activity; change from previous week's report such as new progress in the legislature and/or League action. Bill may be one newly added to the report. These updates are in green font.Contact information for legislators and committees referenced in the bills below:
Representatives Standing House Committees Senators Standing Senate Committees Find my legislators
LWVAL has taken a position on these bills:
HB76 - Child care facilities, church based, licensing required, Secs. 13A-6-29, 38-7-2, 38-7-3, 38-13-2, 38-13-3 am'd.
Sponsor(s): Representative Warren
Synopsis and Analysis: Under existing law, the Secretary of Early Childhood Education, is appointed by the Governor, and is responsible for the administration of the Department of Early Childhood Education. This bill would provide qualifications for the appointee to the office of Secretary of Early Childhood Education.
League Action and Justification: Support. LWVAL position advocates licensure without exemptions and supports quality day care and preschool.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
House:
01/09/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Children and Senior Advocacy (C&SA)
01/30/2018 - Reported from C&SA as Favorable with 1 substitute
02/01/2018 - Third Reading Passed; C&SA first Substitute Offered (190627-4); Motion to Adopt adopted; Farley Amendment Offered (191022-1); Farley motion to withdraw his amendment adopted Voice Vote; Farley Amendment Offered; Warren motion to Table lost; Motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Engrossed
Senate:
02/06/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary (JUDY);
02/22/2018 - Pending third reading on day 15; Favorable from Judiciary: Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
03/08/2018 - Third Reading Carried Over; Dial motion to Carry Over adopted; Further Consideration
03/08/2018 - Third Reading Carried Over; Dial motion to Carry Over adopted Voice Vote
03/13/2018 - Third Reading Carried Over to Call of the Chair; Dial motion to Carry Over to the Call of the Chair adopted Voice Vote
03/15/2018 - Third Reading Passed; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted
House
03/15/2018 - Passed Second House; Enrolled; Signature Requested; Clerk of the House Certification; Assigned Act No. 2018-278
Forwarded to Governor at 12:09 p.m. on March 15, 2018.
Synopsis and Analysis: Under existing law, the Secretary of Early Childhood Education, is appointed by the Governor, and is responsible for the administration of the Department of Early Childhood Education. This bill would provide qualifications for the appointee to the office of Secretary of Early Childhood Education.
League Action and Justification: Support. LWVAL position advocates licensure without exemptions and supports quality day care and preschool.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
House:
01/09/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Children and Senior Advocacy (C&SA)
01/30/2018 - Reported from C&SA as Favorable with 1 substitute
02/01/2018 - Third Reading Passed; C&SA first Substitute Offered (190627-4); Motion to Adopt adopted; Farley Amendment Offered (191022-1); Farley motion to withdraw his amendment adopted Voice Vote; Farley Amendment Offered; Warren motion to Table lost; Motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Engrossed
Senate:
02/06/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary (JUDY);
02/22/2018 - Pending third reading on day 15; Favorable from Judiciary: Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
03/08/2018 - Third Reading Carried Over; Dial motion to Carry Over adopted; Further Consideration
03/08/2018 - Third Reading Carried Over; Dial motion to Carry Over adopted Voice Vote
03/13/2018 - Third Reading Carried Over to Call of the Chair; Dial motion to Carry Over to the Call of the Chair adopted Voice Vote
03/15/2018 - Third Reading Passed; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted
House
03/15/2018 - Passed Second House; Enrolled; Signature Requested; Clerk of the House Certification; Assigned Act No. 2018-278
Forwarded to Governor at 12:09 p.m. on March 15, 2018.
HB96 - Higher education, tuition to two-year colleges to graduates with bachelor's degrees from state colleges and universities, granted in certain circumstances
Sponsor(s): Representative Jack Williams
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would provide a graduate of a state college or university, who cannot find meaningful employment upon graduation, tuition to attend a two-year technical or community college free of charge in order to attain an associate's degree or technical certificate.
There is no content in this bill on cost estimates or which department/fund would be charged with funding costs.
League Action and Justification: Support. While LWVAL has no specific program content addressing the proposal in the bill, we do support free public education with equal opportunity for all students.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means Education (W&ME)
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would provide a graduate of a state college or university, who cannot find meaningful employment upon graduation, tuition to attend a two-year technical or community college free of charge in order to attain an associate's degree or technical certificate.
There is no content in this bill on cost estimates or which department/fund would be charged with funding costs.
League Action and Justification: Support. While LWVAL has no specific program content addressing the proposal in the bill, we do support free public education with equal opportunity for all students.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means Education (W&ME)
HB175 - Education budget, appropriations for the support, maintenance, and development of public education
Sponsor(s): Representative Poole
Synopsis and Analysis : This bill makes appropriations for the support, maintenance and development of public education in Alabama, for debt service, and for capital outlay for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019.
League Action and Justification: Support based on the LWVAL’s position to provide adequate funding for education. No funding cuts are proposed.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/11/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means Education (W&ME)
02/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar with 1 substitute and 1 amendment
02/13/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 190681-2 W&ME first Substitute Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted; 191225-2 W&ME First Amendment Offered; Poole motion to Table adopted; 191529-1; Poole Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted; 191630-1 Hall Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Engrossed
Senate
02/13/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE); Pending committee action in 2nd house
03/13/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar with 1 substitute
03/15/2018 - Third Reading Carried Over to Call of the Chair; 190681-7 F&TE first Substitute Offered;Orr motion to Adopt adopted; 193360-1 Orr Amendment Offered; Singleton motion to Adopt adopted; 193436-2 Figures Amendment Offered; Figures motion to Adopt adopted; 193443-1 Brewbaker Amendment Offered; Brewbaker motion to Adopt adopted; 193445-1 Smitherman Amendment Offered; Smitherman motion to Adopt adopted; Orr motion to Carry Over to the Call of the Chair adopted; Third Reading Passed; 193415-1 Singleton Amendment Offered; Orr motion to Table adopted; 193456-1 Singleton Second Amendment Offered; Singleton motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted
House
03/20/2018 - Concurrence Requested; Poole motion to Non Concur and Appoint Conference Committee adopted; House appoints
03/21/2018 - Conference Committee Requested
Senate
03/21/2018 - Orr motion to Accede adopted; P&PO appoints Orr, Stutts and Singleton
03/22/2018 - Conference Committee Appointed
03/27/2018 - Conference Report; Poole motion to Suspend Rules adopted Roll Call; Poole motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted Roll Call
Senate
03/28/2018 - Motion to Carry Over as Unfinished Business adopted Voice Vote
03/29/2018 - Conference Report Concurrence Requested; Orr motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted Roll Call
House
03/29/2018 - Concurred in Conference Report
Senate
03/29/2018 - Signature Requested
House
03/29/2018 - Enrolled; Clerk of the House Certification; Assigned Act No. 2018-481.; 190681-9 Conference Committee on HB175; 2018RS first Substitute Offered; Forwarded to Governor on March 29, 2018 at 9:57 a.m. on March 29, 2018; 191225-2 Ways and Means Education first Amendment Offered
Synopsis and Analysis : This bill makes appropriations for the support, maintenance and development of public education in Alabama, for debt service, and for capital outlay for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019.
League Action and Justification: Support based on the LWVAL’s position to provide adequate funding for education. No funding cuts are proposed.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/11/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means Education (W&ME)
02/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar with 1 substitute and 1 amendment
02/13/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 190681-2 W&ME first Substitute Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted; 191225-2 W&ME First Amendment Offered; Poole motion to Table adopted; 191529-1; Poole Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted; 191630-1 Hall Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Engrossed
Senate
02/13/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE); Pending committee action in 2nd house
03/13/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar with 1 substitute
03/15/2018 - Third Reading Carried Over to Call of the Chair; 190681-7 F&TE first Substitute Offered;Orr motion to Adopt adopted; 193360-1 Orr Amendment Offered; Singleton motion to Adopt adopted; 193436-2 Figures Amendment Offered; Figures motion to Adopt adopted; 193443-1 Brewbaker Amendment Offered; Brewbaker motion to Adopt adopted; 193445-1 Smitherman Amendment Offered; Smitherman motion to Adopt adopted; Orr motion to Carry Over to the Call of the Chair adopted; Third Reading Passed; 193415-1 Singleton Amendment Offered; Orr motion to Table adopted; 193456-1 Singleton Second Amendment Offered; Singleton motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted
House
03/20/2018 - Concurrence Requested; Poole motion to Non Concur and Appoint Conference Committee adopted; House appoints
03/21/2018 - Conference Committee Requested
Senate
03/21/2018 - Orr motion to Accede adopted; P&PO appoints Orr, Stutts and Singleton
03/22/2018 - Conference Committee Appointed
03/27/2018 - Conference Report; Poole motion to Suspend Rules adopted Roll Call; Poole motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted Roll Call
Senate
03/28/2018 - Motion to Carry Over as Unfinished Business adopted Voice Vote
03/29/2018 - Conference Report Concurrence Requested; Orr motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted Roll Call
House
03/29/2018 - Concurred in Conference Report
Senate
03/29/2018 - Signature Requested
House
03/29/2018 - Enrolled; Clerk of the House Certification; Assigned Act No. 2018-481.; 190681-9 Conference Committee on HB175; 2018RS first Substitute Offered; Forwarded to Governor on March 29, 2018 at 9:57 a.m. on March 29, 2018; 191225-2 Ways and Means Education first Amendment Offered
SB163 - Appropriations, supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2018, from Education Trust Fund
Sponsor(s): Senator Orr
Synopsis and Analysis : This bill makes a supplemental appropriation from the Education Trust Fund to the Department of Veterans' Affairs in the amount of $4,294,859 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018; and makes a supplemental appropriation from the Education Trust Fund to the State Department of Education for the Alabama School of Cyber and Engineering in the amount of $500,000 for the fiscal year endingSeptember 30, 2018.
League Action and Justification: Oppose, since this will transfer money from the ETF to be used for purposes other than supporting public education.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/11/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE).
02/01/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 9; Favorable from F&TE; F&TE first Amendment offered [Amendment #?]
02/22/2018 - Third Reading Passed; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted;
House
02/22/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Ways and Means Education (W&ME); Pending committee action in 2nd house
03/15/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment; Pending third reading on day 21; Favorable from Ways and Means Education with 1 amendment; 192720-4 W&ME first Amendment Offered
Synopsis and Analysis : This bill makes a supplemental appropriation from the Education Trust Fund to the Department of Veterans' Affairs in the amount of $4,294,859 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018; and makes a supplemental appropriation from the Education Trust Fund to the State Department of Education for the Alabama School of Cyber and Engineering in the amount of $500,000 for the fiscal year endingSeptember 30, 2018.
League Action and Justification: Oppose, since this will transfer money from the ETF to be used for purposes other than supporting public education.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/11/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE).
02/01/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 9; Favorable from F&TE; F&TE first Amendment offered [Amendment #?]
02/22/2018 - Third Reading Passed; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted;
House
02/22/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Ways and Means Education (W&ME); Pending committee action in 2nd house
03/15/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment; Pending third reading on day 21; Favorable from Ways and Means Education with 1 amendment; 192720-4 W&ME first Amendment Offered
SB165 - Education budget, appropriations for the support, maintenance, and development of public education
Sponsor(s): Senator Orr
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill makes appropriations for the support, maintenance and development of public education in Alabama, for debt service, and for capital outlay for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019.
League Action and Justification: Support based on the LWVAL’s position to provide adequate funding for education. No funding cuts are proposed.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/11/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE).
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill makes appropriations for the support, maintenance and development of public education in Alabama, for debt service, and for capital outlay for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019.
League Action and Justification: Support based on the LWVAL’s position to provide adequate funding for education. No funding cuts are proposed.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/11/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE).
LWVAL is monitoring these bills:
HB13 - Education, time increased for public K-12 teachers to give notice of terminating employment from 5 to 30 days, requirement for postsecondary education employees deleted, Sec. 16-24C-11 am'd.
Sponsor(s): Representative Fincher
Synopsis and Analysis: A tenured K-12 or postsecondary education employee may not terminate his or her employment within the 30 calendar days’ prior to the beginning of a school term and is required to provide five days’ written notice at any other time. This bill will delete the requirements for postsecondary employees. Going forward the law will only apply to all K-12 teachers and would increase the time frame required for a teacher to give notice before terminating his or her employment at any other time of the year from five to 30 days.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL has no position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - First Read and referred to House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
01/25/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
02/08/2018 - Third Reading Indefinitely Postponed; Fincher motion to Substitute SB14 for HB13 adopted; Fincher motion to Indefinitely Postpone adopted
Synopsis and Analysis: A tenured K-12 or postsecondary education employee may not terminate his or her employment within the 30 calendar days’ prior to the beginning of a school term and is required to provide five days’ written notice at any other time. This bill will delete the requirements for postsecondary employees. Going forward the law will only apply to all K-12 teachers and would increase the time frame required for a teacher to give notice before terminating his or her employment at any other time of the year from five to 30 days.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL has no position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - First Read and referred to House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
01/25/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
02/08/2018 - Third Reading Indefinitely Postponed; Fincher motion to Substitute SB14 for HB13 adopted; Fincher motion to Indefinitely Postpone adopted
HB23 - University of North Alabama, Board of Trustees revised to replace State Superintendent of Ed with at-large member, congressional districts amended to reflect current districts.
Sponsor(s): Representative Pettus
Synopsis and Analysis: The University of North Alabama is under management of a Board of Trustees. This bill will revise the membership of the Board to replace the State Superintendent of Education with an at-large member appointed from within or outside of the state. This board member will be appointed by the Governor, as are all of the other members.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL has no position on higher education.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - First Read and referred to House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
01/11/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment
01/25/2018 - Third Reading Passed; EP Amendment Offered (189617-2); Motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Engrossed
Senate:
01/25/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED)
02/01/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 9; Favorable from ED
Synopsis and Analysis: The University of North Alabama is under management of a Board of Trustees. This bill will revise the membership of the Board to replace the State Superintendent of Education with an at-large member appointed from within or outside of the state. This board member will be appointed by the Governor, as are all of the other members.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL has no position on higher education.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - First Read and referred to House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
01/11/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment
01/25/2018 - Third Reading Passed; EP Amendment Offered (189617-2); Motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Engrossed
Senate:
01/25/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED)
02/01/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 9; Favorable from ED
HB24 - Education, personnel vacancies, posting of on local bd. of ed. website, at a minimum, or at each school campus and worksite, time to post decreased from 14 to 7 days before position to be filled, Sec. 16-22-15 am'd.
Sponsor(s): Representative Whorton
Synopsis and Analysis: Local boards of education are required to post notice of each personnel vacancy in a conspicuous place at each school campus and worksite at least 14 days before the position is to be filled. This bill would require local school boards of education to post notice of each personnel vacancy on the board website, at a minimum, or in a conspicuous place at each school campus and worksite, at least seven days before the position is to be filled.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL has no position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - First Read and referred to House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
02/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 2 amendments; Education Policy first Amendment Offered (189885-2); Education Policy second Amendment Offered (190494-4); Pending third reading on day 11; Favorable from Education Policy with 2 amendments
Synopsis and Analysis: Local boards of education are required to post notice of each personnel vacancy in a conspicuous place at each school campus and worksite at least 14 days before the position is to be filled. This bill would require local school boards of education to post notice of each personnel vacancy on the board website, at a minimum, or in a conspicuous place at each school campus and worksite, at least seven days before the position is to be filled.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL has no position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - First Read and referred to House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
02/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 2 amendments; Education Policy first Amendment Offered (189885-2); Education Policy second Amendment Offered (190494-4); Pending third reading on day 11; Favorable from Education Policy with 2 amendments
HB27 - Schools, public K-12 teachers and employees, charged with certain sexual crimes against students, paid administrative leave and discipline of school employees charged removed, Sec. 13A-6-83 repealed
Sponsor(s): Representatives Baker and Collins
Synopsis and Analysis: Under existing law, the Students First Act of 2011 provides due process procedures for the discipline and termination of employment of public K-12 teachers and employees. This bill will repeal an earlier provision of law that provides conflicting procedures for school employees charged with certain sexual crimes against students.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL has no position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - First Read and referred to House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
01/11/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
01/25/2018 - Third Reading Carried Over; Baker motion to Carry Over Temporarily adopted; Further Consideration
02/15/2018 - Third Reading Indefinitely Postponed; Baker motion to Substitute SB28 for HB27; Baker motion to Indefinitely Postpone adopted
Synopsis and Analysis: Under existing law, the Students First Act of 2011 provides due process procedures for the discipline and termination of employment of public K-12 teachers and employees. This bill will repeal an earlier provision of law that provides conflicting procedures for school employees charged with certain sexual crimes against students.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL has no position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - First Read and referred to House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
01/11/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
01/25/2018 - Third Reading Carried Over; Baker motion to Carry Over Temporarily adopted; Further Consideration
02/15/2018 - Third Reading Indefinitely Postponed; Baker motion to Substitute SB28 for HB27; Baker motion to Indefinitely Postpone adopted
HB31 - County Superintendent of Education, prohibition against additional employment removed, Sec. 16-9-12 am'd.
Sponsor(s): Representative Crawford
Synopsis and Analysis: Currently, county superintendents of education are required to devote their entire time to the office and the travel expenses, for certain county superintendents of education, are limited to $600 annually. This bill will remove the prohibition against a county superintendent of education having additional employment and would remove the limit on annual travel expenses for certain county superintendents of education.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL has no position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - First Read and referred to House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
01/25/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 7; Favorable from EP
02/20/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 02/20/2018 - 191934-1 Hill Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Engrossed
Senate
02/22/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED)
03/01/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 17; Favorable from ED
Synopsis and Analysis: Currently, county superintendents of education are required to devote their entire time to the office and the travel expenses, for certain county superintendents of education, are limited to $600 annually. This bill will remove the prohibition against a county superintendent of education having additional employment and would remove the limit on annual travel expenses for certain county superintendents of education.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL has no position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - First Read and referred to House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
01/25/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 7; Favorable from EP
02/20/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 02/20/2018 - 191934-1 Hill Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Engrossed
Senate
02/22/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED)
03/01/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 17; Favorable from ED
HB70 - Education, State Board of Education, membership, four nonvoting members added, Secs. 16-1-6, 16-1-41.1, 16-3-1, 16-3-3 to 16-3-7, inclusive, 16-3-9, 16-4-4 am'd.
Sponsor(s): Representative Collins
Synopsis and Analysis: The current State Board of Education consists of the Governor, as an ex officio member of the board, and eight members elected from districts. This bill would change the membership of the State Board of Education to include four nonvoting members to the board consisting of the most recent past and currently serving teachers of the year and one student delegate each elected by the then currently serving delegates to Alabama Boys State and Alabama Girls State. This bill would also require the State Superintendent of Education to employ an administrative director to act as a liaison between the superintendent and the State Board of Education.
This bill would make the Board of Education more representative of those it serves. It's an interesting idea. The addition of an administrative director may be an unnecessary redundancy.n Resources.
League Action and Justification: Support. LWVAL position advocates licensure without exemptions and supports quality day care and preschool.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
01/25/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment; EP first Amendment Offered (190367-2); Pending third reading on day 7 Favorable from EP with 1 amendment
Synopsis and Analysis: The current State Board of Education consists of the Governor, as an ex officio member of the board, and eight members elected from districts. This bill would change the membership of the State Board of Education to include four nonvoting members to the board consisting of the most recent past and currently serving teachers of the year and one student delegate each elected by the then currently serving delegates to Alabama Boys State and Alabama Girls State. This bill would also require the State Superintendent of Education to employ an administrative director to act as a liaison between the superintendent and the State Board of Education.
This bill would make the Board of Education more representative of those it serves. It's an interesting idea. The addition of an administrative director may be an unnecessary redundancy.n Resources.
League Action and Justification: Support. LWVAL position advocates licensure without exemptions and supports quality day care and preschool.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
01/25/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment; EP first Amendment Offered (190367-2); Pending third reading on day 7 Favorable from EP with 1 amendment
HB71 - Education, Early Childhood Education, secretary, provide qualifications for, Sec. 26-24-2 am'd.
Sponsor(s): Representative Collins
Synopsis and Analysis: Under existing law, the Secretary of Early Childhood Education, is appointed by the Governor, and is responsible for the administration of the Department of Early Childhood Education. This bill would provide qualifications for the appointee to the office of Secretary of Early Childhood Education.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL obviously supports the appointment of highly qualified individuals to manage our children's education. However, we have no position in our program.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
01/11/2018: Read for the second time and placed on the calendar. Pending third reading on day 3 Favorable from EP.
01/25/2018 - Third Reading Passed; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted
Senate:
01/25/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED)
02/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 11; Favorable from ED
Synopsis and Analysis: Under existing law, the Secretary of Early Childhood Education, is appointed by the Governor, and is responsible for the administration of the Department of Early Childhood Education. This bill would provide qualifications for the appointee to the office of Secretary of Early Childhood Education.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL obviously supports the appointment of highly qualified individuals to manage our children's education. However, we have no position in our program.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
01/11/2018: Read for the second time and placed on the calendar. Pending third reading on day 3 Favorable from EP.
01/25/2018 - Third Reading Passed; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted
Senate:
01/25/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED)
02/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 11; Favorable from ED
HB122 - Education, colleges and universities, boards of trustees required to develop policy, students under investigation criminal conduct, right to remain silent
Sponsor(s): Representative Jack Williams
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would require each board of trustees of a four-year college and the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Community College System to develop a comprehensive policy requiring students be notified that they have the right to remain silent in response to any questions about potential criminal conduct under investigation. This applies to school officials questioning students about potential criminal conduct subject to disciplinary proceedings. The guidelines would instruct the disciplinary adjudicators to not draw any inference from a refusal to answer questions and would allow a student to have an attorney actively participate in disciplinary hearings.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. The League supports the protection of the rights of individuals however our program does not have a position that would allow us to advocate in support of this bill.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would require each board of trustees of a four-year college and the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Community College System to develop a comprehensive policy requiring students be notified that they have the right to remain silent in response to any questions about potential criminal conduct under investigation. This applies to school officials questioning students about potential criminal conduct subject to disciplinary proceedings. The guidelines would instruct the disciplinary adjudicators to not draw any inference from a refusal to answer questions and would allow a student to have an attorney actively participate in disciplinary hearings.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. The League supports the protection of the rights of individuals however our program does not have a position that would allow us to advocate in support of this bill.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
HB258 - Education, public, providing that Biblical theory of creation be taught in public K-12 schools under certain conditions
Sponsor(s): Representative Hurst
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would enable public school teachers who teach kindergarten through 12th grade to include, as a portion of instruction regarding the scientific origins of man and the Earth, instruction regarding the Biblical theory of creation, so long as evolution is also taught. This bill would further allow any teacher who desires to instruct students regarding the Biblical theory of creation to read passages from the Bible in class which he or she deems necessary to propel the instruction forward.
League Action and Justification: Monitor only. No League position about this.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/18/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would enable public school teachers who teach kindergarten through 12th grade to include, as a portion of instruction regarding the scientific origins of man and the Earth, instruction regarding the Biblical theory of creation, so long as evolution is also taught. This bill would further allow any teacher who desires to instruct students regarding the Biblical theory of creation to read passages from the Bible in class which he or she deems necessary to propel the instruction forward.
League Action and Justification: Monitor only. No League position about this.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/18/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy (EP).
HB296 - Teacher tenure, attained unless notice of termination issued on or before June 15 of teachers third year, contingent on approval by voters of const. amend. proposing biennial budgeting sessions for the Legislature, Secs. 16-24C-4, 16-24C-5 am'd.
Sponsor(s): Representative Bill Poole
Synopsis and Analysis: In order to provide for the implementation of biennial budgeting periods, this bill changes the dates of notice of non-renewal and of non-tenure of teachers in the public schools of Alabama and the Alabama Community College System. This bill is contingent upon the approval in referendum of the constitutional amendment proposed by HB292 providing for biennial budgeting sessions of the legislature which is approved at statewide referendum as provided for by law.
League Action and Justification: Monitor since it is connected to the budgeting process.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/25/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Fiscal Responsibility (FR)
Synopsis and Analysis: In order to provide for the implementation of biennial budgeting periods, this bill changes the dates of notice of non-renewal and of non-tenure of teachers in the public schools of Alabama and the Alabama Community College System. This bill is contingent upon the approval in referendum of the constitutional amendment proposed by HB292 providing for biennial budgeting sessions of the legislature which is approved at statewide referendum as provided for by law.
League Action and Justification: Monitor since it is connected to the budgeting process.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/25/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Fiscal Responsibility (FR)
HB435 - Public education, administrative personnel or teachers authorized to carry pistols on school property, certain qualifications required
Sponsor(s): Representatives Ainsworth, Williams (JW), Shedd, Whorton (I), Wadsworth, Whorton (R), Fridy, Drake, Butler, Hanes, Martin, Ledbetter, Crawford, Ford, Black, Holmes (M), Fincher, Mooney, Moore (B), Greer, Lindsey, Rich, Hurst, Tuggle, Millican, Ball, Williams (P), Sanderford, Standridge, Henry, Nordgren, Wilcox and Johnson (K)
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill relates to public K-12 education and would authorize persons employed as administrative personnel or teachers to carry a pistol while on school property. These individuals would be required to satisfy certain qualifications before being authorized to be armed and would provide for communication with local law enforcement. It would also provide for civil immunity for those authorized to carry weapons.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position on this but we will monitor due to its impact on safety and funding.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
02/20/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security (PS&HS)
03/15/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar with 1 substitute; Pending third reading on day 21; Favorable from Public Safety and Homeland Security with 1 substitute; 193295-4Public Safety and Homeland Security first Substitute Offered
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill relates to public K-12 education and would authorize persons employed as administrative personnel or teachers to carry a pistol while on school property. These individuals would be required to satisfy certain qualifications before being authorized to be armed and would provide for communication with local law enforcement. It would also provide for civil immunity for those authorized to carry weapons.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position on this but we will monitor due to its impact on safety and funding.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
02/20/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security (PS&HS)
03/15/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar with 1 substitute; Pending third reading on day 21; Favorable from Public Safety and Homeland Security with 1 substitute; 193295-4Public Safety and Homeland Security first Substitute Offered
HB447 - Task Force, school safety and security, created
Sponsor(s): Representatives Collins, Baker, McCutcheon, Standridge, Farley, Rowe, Williams (P), Ball, Lee, Wilcox, Ellis, Nordgren, Butler, Mooney, Williams (JW), Wingo, Blackshear, Scott, Chesteen, Shedd, Gaston, Faulkner, Knight and Johnson (K)
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would create the Alabama Task Force on School Safety and Security and would authorize the task force to annually study the current educational and safety laws, rules, and policies of this state in order to assist the legislature in making effective changes to protect and benefit the citizens of this state. This committee would include a number of individuals including representatives from all of the following:
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL holds no position but will monitor this bill due to it's importance. It should be noted there are only two people on this committee that are actually affected by the outcome of the committee's work - one teacher and one school resource officer.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
02/22/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Education Policy (EP)
03/01/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment; Pending third reading on day 17; Favorable from EP with 1 amendment; 192511-2 EP first Amendment Offered
03/13/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 192511-2Education Policy Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call; Engrossed
Senate
03/13/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED)
03/15/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment
03/22/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 193408-2Education and Youth Affairs Amendment Offered; Brewbaker motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call
House
03/27/2018 - Concurrence Requested; Collins motion to Non Concur and Appoint Conference Committee adopted Roll Call; House appoints Collins, Baker and Scott
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would create the Alabama Task Force on School Safety and Security and would authorize the task force to annually study the current educational and safety laws, rules, and policies of this state in order to assist the legislature in making effective changes to protect and benefit the citizens of this state. This committee would include a number of individuals including representatives from all of the following:
- The Governor, or his or her designee
- A teacher appointed by the Governor
- The Superintendent of the Alabama Department of Education, or his or her designee
- The Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, or his or her designee.
- The president of a four-year university appointed by the Alabama Council of College and University Presidents
- The president of a two-year college appointed by the Alabama Council of College and University Presidents
- The Secretary of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, or his or her designee
- The Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, or his or her designee
- The Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, or his or her designee
- The Secretary of Information Technology, or his or her designee
- A local education superintendent appointed by the School Superintendents Association of Alabama
- A member of a local school board appointed by the Alabama School Boards Association
- A certified school resource officer appointed by the Alabama Association of School Resource Officers
- A licensed school counselor appointed by the Alabama School Counselor Association
- A sheriff appointed by the Alabama Sheriffs Association
- A police chief appointed by the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police
- A local emergency management director appointed by the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers
- The Chair of the House Education Policy Committee
- The Chair of the Senate Education Committee
- A member appointed by the Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives
- A member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate
- An attorney specializing in education law appointed by the Alabama Law Institute
- The State Fire Marshal, or his or her designee (24)An active law enforcement officer with experience in active shooter and other emergency situations in schools appointed by the Alabama Tactical Officers Association.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL holds no position but will monitor this bill due to it's importance. It should be noted there are only two people on this committee that are actually affected by the outcome of the committee's work - one teacher and one school resource officer.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
02/22/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Education Policy (EP)
03/01/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment; Pending third reading on day 17; Favorable from EP with 1 amendment; 192511-2 EP first Amendment Offered
03/13/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 192511-2Education Policy Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call; Engrossed
Senate
03/13/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED)
03/15/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment
03/22/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 193408-2Education and Youth Affairs Amendment Offered; Brewbaker motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call
House
03/27/2018 - Concurrence Requested; Collins motion to Non Concur and Appoint Conference Committee adopted Roll Call; House appoints Collins, Baker and Scott
HB449 - Public education, volunteer emergency security forces in K-12 schools of current and retired employees and citizens authorized, sheriff and chief of police to train and supervise, state and local boards to implement
Sponsor(s): Representatives Farley, Rowe, Shedd, Davis, Mooney, Faust, Boothe, Shiver, Ingram, Polizos, Morrow, Standridge, Ball, Fridy and Brown
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would authorize the formation of trained volunteer school emergency security forces at public K-12 schools in the state consisting of current and retired school employees and local citizens.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position on this but will monitor due to its possible negative impact on safety for school employees and local citizens.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
02/22/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security (PS&HS)
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would authorize the formation of trained volunteer school emergency security forces at public K-12 schools in the state consisting of current and retired school employees and local citizens.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position on this but will monitor due to its possible negative impact on safety for school employees and local citizens.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
02/22/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security (PS&HS)
HB452 - School safety, disclosure of certain information by juvenile probation officer to schools auth. under certain conditions, confidentiality, immunity, crime of possessing deadly weapon on school premises, revised, Education Dept. required to develop and implement school safety electronic notification system, Secs. 12-15-217, 13A-11-72 am'd.
Sponsor(s): Representatives Farley and Collins
Synopsis and Analysis: Currently a juvenile court is required to notify the superintendent of the school district of a child when the child is found delinquent for an act that would be a Class A or Class B felony. This bill would allow a juvenile probation officer to share certain information and records relating to a child, excluding mental health and medical records, with school personnel for the limited purpose of promoting safety and enhancing education and rehabilitation services provided to the child. Additionally, the bill specifies that the shared information should remain confidential, but would provide immunity for sharing in good faith.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
02/22/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Education Policy (EP)
03/01/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment; Pending third reading on day 17; Favorable from EP with 1 amendment; 92547-2 EP first Amendment Offered
Synopsis and Analysis: Currently a juvenile court is required to notify the superintendent of the school district of a child when the child is found delinquent for an act that would be a Class A or Class B felony. This bill would allow a juvenile probation officer to share certain information and records relating to a child, excluding mental health and medical records, with school personnel for the limited purpose of promoting safety and enhancing education and rehabilitation services provided to the child. Additionally, the bill specifies that the shared information should remain confidential, but would provide immunity for sharing in good faith.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
02/22/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Education Policy (EP)
03/01/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment; Pending third reading on day 17; Favorable from EP with 1 amendment; 92547-2 EP first Amendment Offered
SB14 - Education, time increased for public K-12 teachers to give notice of terminating employment from 5 to 30 days, requirement for postsecondary education employees deleted, Sec. 16-24C-11 am'd.
Sponsor(s): Senator Dial
Synopsis and Analysis: A tenured K-12 or postsecondary education employee may not terminate his or her employment within the 30 calendar days’ prior to the beginning of a school term and is required to provide five days’ written notice at any other time. This bill will delete the requirements for postsecondary employees. Going forward the law will only apply to all K-12 teachers and would increase the time frame required for a teacher to give notice before terminating his or her employment at any other time of the year from five to 30 days.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL has no position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
Senate
01/09/2018: First Read and referred to Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED).
01/18/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
01/23/2018 - Third Reading Passed; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted;
House
01/23/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy (EP)
02/01/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
02/08/2018 - Third Reading Passed; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Passed Second House; Enrolled; Signature Requested; Assigned Act No. 2018-83.
Synopsis and Analysis: A tenured K-12 or postsecondary education employee may not terminate his or her employment within the 30 calendar days’ prior to the beginning of a school term and is required to provide five days’ written notice at any other time. This bill will delete the requirements for postsecondary employees. Going forward the law will only apply to all K-12 teachers and would increase the time frame required for a teacher to give notice before terminating his or her employment at any other time of the year from five to 30 days.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL has no position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
Senate
01/09/2018: First Read and referred to Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED).
01/18/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
01/23/2018 - Third Reading Passed; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted;
House
01/23/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy (EP)
02/01/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
02/08/2018 - Third Reading Passed; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Passed Second House; Enrolled; Signature Requested; Assigned Act No. 2018-83.
SB21 - Teachers' Retirement System, retirees, one-time lump sum retirement payment in December 2017, approp. from Edu. Trust Fund in Oct. 2017.
Sponsor(s): Senators Dial, Holley, Smitherman, Reed, Waggoner, Ward, Scofield, Whatley, McClendon, Williams, Livingston, Chambliss, Marsh, Stutts, Bussman, Beasley, Allen, Albritton and Brewbaker
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would provide for a one-time lump-sum payment of $400 to certain retirees and beneficiaries of the Teacher's Retirement System. The payment would be made from the 2017-18 fiscal budget. Each recipient would have to have retired prior to Oct. 1, 2016 and be receiving or is entitled to receive a monthly allowance from the Teachers' Retirement System on September 30, 2017. Any person receiving Medicaid benefits for whom the $400 lump sum would impair their eligibility to receive Medicaid, would not receive the payment. Additionally, if the lump sum payment would endanger the recipient's eligibility to be considered for Medicaid, they would not receive the payment. The payments will be appropriated from the Education Trust Fund Budget Stabilization Fund.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position addressing income of state retirees in the Teacher's Retirement System.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: First Read and referred to Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE).
02/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 11; Favorable from F&TE
02/27/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 192299-1 Dial first Substitute Offered; Dial motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Engrossed
House
02/27/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Ways and Means Education (W&ME)
03/15/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 21; Favorable from W&ME
03/27/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 193281-1 Rowe Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call; Shiver and Jackson filed conflict of interest; Jackson intended to vote "Abstain"
Senate
03/28/2018 - Concurrence Requested; Rules Committee Petition to Cease Debate adopted Roll Call; Dial motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted Roll Call
House
03/28/2018 - Concurred in Second House Amendment; Signature Requested
Assigned Act No. 2018-493.
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would provide for a one-time lump-sum payment of $400 to certain retirees and beneficiaries of the Teacher's Retirement System. The payment would be made from the 2017-18 fiscal budget. Each recipient would have to have retired prior to Oct. 1, 2016 and be receiving or is entitled to receive a monthly allowance from the Teachers' Retirement System on September 30, 2017. Any person receiving Medicaid benefits for whom the $400 lump sum would impair their eligibility to receive Medicaid, would not receive the payment. Additionally, if the lump sum payment would endanger the recipient's eligibility to be considered for Medicaid, they would not receive the payment. The payments will be appropriated from the Education Trust Fund Budget Stabilization Fund.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position addressing income of state retirees in the Teacher's Retirement System.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: First Read and referred to Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE).
02/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 11; Favorable from F&TE
02/27/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 192299-1 Dial first Substitute Offered; Dial motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Engrossed
House
02/27/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Ways and Means Education (W&ME)
03/15/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 21; Favorable from W&ME
03/27/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 193281-1 Rowe Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call; Shiver and Jackson filed conflict of interest; Jackson intended to vote "Abstain"
Senate
03/28/2018 - Concurrence Requested; Rules Committee Petition to Cease Debate adopted Roll Call; Dial motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted Roll Call
House
03/28/2018 - Concurred in Second House Amendment; Signature Requested
Assigned Act No. 2018-493.
SB22 - Education, personnel vacancies, posting of on local bd. of ed. website, at a minimum, or at each school campus and worksite, time to post decreased from 14 to 7 days before position to be filled, Sec. 16-22-15 am'd.
Sponsor(s): Senator Brewbaker
Synopsis and Analysis: Existing law requires local boards of education to post notice of personnel vacancies in conspicuous places at each school campus and worksite at least 14 days before the position is filled. This bill would reduce that requirement to seven days. The bill applies to all public county and city boards of education; the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind; the Alabama Youth Services Department School Board in its capacity as the Board of Education for the Youth Services School District; the Board of Directors of the Alabama School of Fine Arts; the Board of Trustees of the Alabama High School of Mathematics and Science; and the State Board of Education as applied to two-year postsecondary education institutions.
All educational job postings can be found on the web sites of the state and local boards of education. The information age has increased access to the listings, so it is no longer necessary to wait 14 days to fill the positions. Schools struggle with last minute leave of absences and resignations because students are typically left with only a substitute until the legal requirements are met to fill the position. The downside to this proposal, is that it does give an advantage to those inside the educational system who desire to apply for the position.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
Senate
01/09/2018: First Read and referred to Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED).
01/18/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment
01/23/2018 - Third Reading Passed
01/23/2018 - ED Amendment Offered (189886-2); Brewbaker motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted
01/25/2018 - Engrossed
House
01/25/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Education Policy (EP)
02/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment; Pending third reading on day 11; Favorable from EP with 1 amendment; EP first Amendment Offered (191156-3)
03/08/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 191156-3 Education Policy Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Concurrence Requested
Senate
03/08/2018 - Brewbaker motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted; Concurred in Second House Amendment
03/13/2018 - Enrolled
House
03/13/2018 - Signature Requested
Assigned Act No. 2018-260.
Synopsis and Analysis: Existing law requires local boards of education to post notice of personnel vacancies in conspicuous places at each school campus and worksite at least 14 days before the position is filled. This bill would reduce that requirement to seven days. The bill applies to all public county and city boards of education; the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind; the Alabama Youth Services Department School Board in its capacity as the Board of Education for the Youth Services School District; the Board of Directors of the Alabama School of Fine Arts; the Board of Trustees of the Alabama High School of Mathematics and Science; and the State Board of Education as applied to two-year postsecondary education institutions.
All educational job postings can be found on the web sites of the state and local boards of education. The information age has increased access to the listings, so it is no longer necessary to wait 14 days to fill the positions. Schools struggle with last minute leave of absences and resignations because students are typically left with only a substitute until the legal requirements are met to fill the position. The downside to this proposal, is that it does give an advantage to those inside the educational system who desire to apply for the position.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
Senate
01/09/2018: First Read and referred to Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED).
01/18/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment
01/23/2018 - Third Reading Passed
01/23/2018 - ED Amendment Offered (189886-2); Brewbaker motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted
01/25/2018 - Engrossed
House
01/25/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Education Policy (EP)
02/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment; Pending third reading on day 11; Favorable from EP with 1 amendment; EP first Amendment Offered (191156-3)
03/08/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 191156-3 Education Policy Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted; Concurrence Requested
Senate
03/08/2018 - Brewbaker motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted; Concurred in Second House Amendment
03/13/2018 - Enrolled
House
03/13/2018 - Signature Requested
Assigned Act No. 2018-260.
SB24 - Education, State Bd. of Ed, appointed by State Superintendent of Education, St. Super of Ed. appointed by Governor with confirmation by Senate, terms of currently serving shorten, Amendment 284 (Section 262 of Recompiled Constutiton of Alabama of 1901, as amended) am'd., const. amend.
Sponsor(s): Senator Albritton
Synopsis and Analysis: Currently, the membership of the State Board of Education includes the Governor as an ex officio member and eight members elected from districts provided by general law. Current law has the State Superintendent of Education appointed by the State Board of Education. This bill will proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to establish the position of Director of Education as a cabinet level position in lieu of the State Superintendent of Education and to provide for the appointment of the Director of Education by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate. This bill also proposes that a Board of Counsel be established in lieu of the State Board of Education and that the Director of Education appoint the members of the Board of Counsel.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position addressing education governance.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: First Read and referred to Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED); 190160-2 Education and Youth Affairs first Amendment Offered
Synopsis and Analysis: Currently, the membership of the State Board of Education includes the Governor as an ex officio member and eight members elected from districts provided by general law. Current law has the State Superintendent of Education appointed by the State Board of Education. This bill will proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to establish the position of Director of Education as a cabinet level position in lieu of the State Superintendent of Education and to provide for the appointment of the Director of Education by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate. This bill also proposes that a Board of Counsel be established in lieu of the State Board of Education and that the Director of Education appoint the members of the Board of Counsel.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position addressing education governance.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: First Read and referred to Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED); 190160-2 Education and Youth Affairs first Amendment Offered
SB25 - Education, membership of St. Bd of Ed. revised and changed from elected to appointed by State Super of Ed., State Super of Ed. changed from appointed by State Bd of Ed. to by Governor with confirmation by Senate, qualifications and terms of board members, Secs. 16-3-1.1, 16-4-1.1 repealed; Secs. 16-2-1, 16-2-2, 16-2-3, 16-3-1 to 16-3-5, inclusive, 16-3-7, 16-3-8, 16-3-9, 16-4-1am'd.
Sponsor(s): Senator Albritton
Synopsis and Analysis: Current law states the membership of the State Board of Education includes the Governor as an ex officio member and eight members elected from districts provided by general law. Also under existing law, the State Superintendent of Education is appointed by the State Board of Education. This bill will establish a 13-member Board of Counsel in lieu of the State Board of Education, would remove the Governor from ex officio membership on the reconstituted and renamed board, and would provide for the appointment of the members of the board by a Director of Education, who is appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. This bill will eliminate the position of State Superintendent of Education and provide for the creation of the position of Director of Education as a cabinet level position with service at the pleasure of the Governor. It will also specify the qualifications of the members of the Board of Counsel and would provide for the terms of office, the filling of vacancies of members, and provide for the election of a president and vice president of the Board of Counsel.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position addressing education governance.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: First Read and referred to Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED); 190176-2Education and Youth Affairs first Amendment Offered
Synopsis and Analysis: Current law states the membership of the State Board of Education includes the Governor as an ex officio member and eight members elected from districts provided by general law. Also under existing law, the State Superintendent of Education is appointed by the State Board of Education. This bill will establish a 13-member Board of Counsel in lieu of the State Board of Education, would remove the Governor from ex officio membership on the reconstituted and renamed board, and would provide for the appointment of the members of the board by a Director of Education, who is appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. This bill will eliminate the position of State Superintendent of Education and provide for the creation of the position of Director of Education as a cabinet level position with service at the pleasure of the Governor. It will also specify the qualifications of the members of the Board of Counsel and would provide for the terms of office, the filling of vacancies of members, and provide for the election of a president and vice president of the Board of Counsel.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. LWVAL does not have a position addressing education governance.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: First Read and referred to Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs (ED); 190176-2Education and Youth Affairs first Amendment Offered
SB44 - Education, population requirement for city to establish a board of education increased from 5,000 to 25,000, determination of financial capability required, Sec. 16-11-1 am'd.
Sponsor(s): Representative Coleman-Madison
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would increase the minimum population requirement for establishing a city board of education from 5,000 to 25,000; to require the State Department of Education to determine whether a city is financially capable to sustain a school system before a city may establish a city school system; to provide certain exceptions; and to provide for the acquisition or purchase of school buildings by the financially capable city school system.
League Action and Justification: Monitor only. The League has no program position to support.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee Education and Youth Affairs Committee (ED).
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would increase the minimum population requirement for establishing a city board of education from 5,000 to 25,000; to require the State Department of Education to determine whether a city is financially capable to sustain a school system before a city may establish a city school system; to provide certain exceptions; and to provide for the acquisition or purchase of school buildings by the financially capable city school system.
League Action and Justification: Monitor only. The League has no program position to support.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018: Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee Education and Youth Affairs Committee (ED).
SB102 - Colleges and universities, local boards of education, schools prohibited from using public funds to advocate for or against ballot measures
Sponsor(s): Senators Orr and Reed
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would increase the minimum population requirement for establishing a city board of education from 5,000 to 25,000; to require the State Department of Education to determine whether a city is financially capable to sustain a school system before a city may establish a city school system; to provide certain exceptions; and to provide for the acquisition or purchase of school buildings by the financially capable city school system.
League Action and Justification: Monitor only. The League has no program position to support.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE).
02/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 11; Favorable from F&TE
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would increase the minimum population requirement for establishing a city board of education from 5,000 to 25,000; to require the State Department of Education to determine whether a city is financially capable to sustain a school system before a city may establish a city school system; to provide certain exceptions; and to provide for the acquisition or purchase of school buildings by the financially capable city school system.
League Action and Justification: Monitor only. The League has no program position to support.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
01/09/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE).
02/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar; Pending third reading on day 11; Favorable from F&TE
SB292 - Constitutional Amendment - General appropriations bill to include expenses for public postsecondary education and public institutions of higher education, const. amend.
Sponsor(s): Senator Hightower
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would amend Section 71 of the Alabama Constitution of 1901 to provide that the general appropriation bill includes appropriations for ordinary expenses of public post secondary education and public institutions of higher education in the general appropriation bill. The bill would also terminate any dedication of taxes and revenues for special purposes. The courts have previously interpreted the language of this section of the Alabama Constitution to not allow appropriations for post secondary education in the general appropriation bill.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. While League has a position against earmarking, in general, we believe this bill would cause significant harm to funding for education. Therefore, we believe it should be monitored only.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
02/08/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE).
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would amend Section 71 of the Alabama Constitution of 1901 to provide that the general appropriation bill includes appropriations for ordinary expenses of public post secondary education and public institutions of higher education in the general appropriation bill. The bill would also terminate any dedication of taxes and revenues for special purposes. The courts have previously interpreted the language of this section of the Alabama Constitution to not allow appropriations for post secondary education in the general appropriation bill.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. While League has a position against earmarking, in general, we believe this bill would cause significant harm to funding for education. Therefore, we believe it should be monitored only.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
02/08/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE).
SB323 - Education Trust Fund Rolling Reserve Act, Education Trust Fund Budget Stabilization Fund, authorize funds to be used for school security, Sec. 29-9-4 am'd.
Sponsor(s): Senator Hightower
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would amend the Education Trust Fund Rolling Reserve Act to allow funds in the Education Trust Fund Budget Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund) to be used for school security.
This bill's intent is to provide funds for school security. It does not specify what types of purchases the funds may provide so this could include everything from school software and security systems to the employment of school resources officers and security staff. It would provide funds which would alleviate the effects of other legislation likely to pass as unfunded mandates.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. The League does not support unfunded mandates, especially to schools, but does not have a position on the use of the Education Trust Fund. LWVAL will monitor this bill for its effect on the Rainy Day fund and importance to schools.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
02/20/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE).
03/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 0100
03/13/2018 - Third Reading Passed; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call
House
03/13/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Ways and Means Education (W&ME)
03/20/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment
03/22/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 193574-2 Ways and Means Education Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call ; 193834-2Brown 1st Amendment Offered; Brown motion to withdraw his amendment adopted Voice Vote; Concurred in Second House Amendment; 193834-3Brown 2nd Amendment Offered; 193867-1Knight Amendment Offered; Motion to withdraw his amendment #2 adopted voice vote; Poole motion to Table adopted Roll Call; 193843-1Poole Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call
Senate
03/22/2018 - Concurrence Requested; Pittman motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted Roll Call; Enrolled
House
03/22/2018 - Signature Requested
Senate
03/28/2018 - Forwarded to Governor; 194101-2 Executive Amendment Offered; Marsh motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted Roll Call
House
03/29/2018 - House of Origin Concurs in Executive Amendment; Poole motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted Roll Call 1106 Roll 1106
Senate
03/29/2018 - Second House Concurs in Executive Amendment; Enrolled; Signature Requested; Assigned Act No. 2018-544.
Synopsis and Analysis: This bill would amend the Education Trust Fund Rolling Reserve Act to allow funds in the Education Trust Fund Budget Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund) to be used for school security.
This bill's intent is to provide funds for school security. It does not specify what types of purchases the funds may provide so this could include everything from school software and security systems to the employment of school resources officers and security staff. It would provide funds which would alleviate the effects of other legislation likely to pass as unfunded mandates.
League Action and Justification: Monitor. The League does not support unfunded mandates, especially to schools, but does not have a position on the use of the Education Trust Fund. LWVAL will monitor this bill for its effect on the Rainy Day fund and importance to schools.
Bill Progress in Legislature:
02/20/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education (F&TE).
03/08/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 0100
03/13/2018 - Third Reading Passed; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call
House
03/13/2018 - Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Ways and Means Education (W&ME)
03/20/2018 - Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment
03/22/2018 - Third Reading Passed; 193574-2 Ways and Means Education Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call ; 193834-2Brown 1st Amendment Offered; Brown motion to withdraw his amendment adopted Voice Vote; Concurred in Second House Amendment; 193834-3Brown 2nd Amendment Offered; 193867-1Knight Amendment Offered; Motion to withdraw his amendment #2 adopted voice vote; Poole motion to Table adopted Roll Call; 193843-1Poole Amendment Offered; Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call; Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call
Senate
03/22/2018 - Concurrence Requested; Pittman motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted Roll Call; Enrolled
House
03/22/2018 - Signature Requested
Senate
03/28/2018 - Forwarded to Governor; 194101-2 Executive Amendment Offered; Marsh motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted Roll Call
House
03/29/2018 - House of Origin Concurs in Executive Amendment; Poole motion to Concur In and Adopt adopted Roll Call 1106 Roll 1106
Senate
03/29/2018 - Second House Concurs in Executive Amendment; Enrolled; Signature Requested; Assigned Act No. 2018-544.
Return
More issues