HB 329 requires all Alabama public K-12 students to complete an approved computer science course to graduate, starting with the 2032 graduating class. The bill expands the definition of computer science to include AI and algorithmic processes, and establishes standards for approved courses that must focus on creating technology, not just using it. Approved computer science credits can count toward math, science, or career education graduation requirements without increasing the total credit count. School districts must implement phased course offerings: high schools by 2020-2021, middle schools by 2021-2022, and elementary schools by 2022-2023. The State Department of Education will develop course standards and maintain an approved course list.
SB 168 prohibits Alabama public K-12 schools from using the "three-cueing system" (which teaches reading through meaning, sentence structure, and visual cues) for foundational reading skills like decoding and word recognition. Instead, it requires all reading materials and teacher training to use evidence-based "structured literacy" methods focused on phonics, phonemic awareness, and systematic instruction. The law applies to textbooks, instructional materials, and educator preparation programs, banning visual memory strategies for word recognition while allowing context and vocabulary support for comprehension. It takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year, with violations requiring public notification by the State Board of Education.
SB 201 requires Alabama public schools with JROTC programs to make those programs available to homeschool and private school students who live in the school's neighborhood district and are dependents of active-duty military parents performing specific types of military service. This includes service members on federal or state orders requiring a permanent or temporary relocation (like deployments or base changes). The bill applies to students meeting standard JROTC eligibility requirements, ensuring military-connected students have access to these programs regardless of their school type. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.
HB 124 renames Alabama's AMSTEP program to the LASEA Program (Loan Assistance in Support of Educators in Alabama) and expands eligibility to include educators certified in any subject designated as having an acute shortage by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE). The bill provides standard loan assistance to educators certified in shortage subjects and adds supplemental payments for those teaching in public K-12 schools or systems identified as having acute educator shortages. ACHE, in consultation with the State Department of Education, determines which subjects and school locations qualify as "acute shortage" areas. The program aims to attract and retain teachers in high-need fields and schools through targeted financial support.
HB 237 transfers $362.45 million from Alabama's Educational Opportunities Reserve Fund to the RAISE Fund for the 2026 fiscal year, with $137.55 million specifically allocated to 13 public higher education institutions. The funding supports start-up or transitional programs at Alabama's public colleges and universities to expand student educational opportunities. Institutions like the University of Alabama System ($31.8 million), Auburn University ($15.3 million), and Alabama Community College System ($51.3 million) receive targeted allocations for these initiatives. The bill redirects existing reserve funds without creating new taxes or spending.
SB 72 lowers the minimum age for Alabama's ReEngage Alabama Grant Program from 25 to 22 years for adult learners pursuing their first associate or bachelor's degree. It also expands eligibility to include individuals who previously earned an associate degree, paused studies for two years, and are now seeking their first bachelor's degree without having received a prior grant. The program provides up to $3,000 per semester for university students and $1,500 for community college students to cover tuition and mandatory fees. This change directly affects Alabama residents aged 22+ returning to education after a break, making the grant accessible to a broader group of adult learners.
HB 342 allows Alabama to participate in a federal tax credit program that enables individuals to claim a credit on their federal income tax for contributions to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). The bill requires the Alabama Department of Revenue to annually submit a list of qualifying SGOs in the state to the federal government and certify Alabama's participation. This ensures Alabama residents can use the federal credit for eligible contributions starting in tax years after 2026. The bill takes effect immediately and does not create a new state tax credit.
SB 224 would amend Alabama’s G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program by lowering the minimum disability rating required for veterans’ dependents to qualify from 40% to 30%. This change would directly affect children and spouses of disabled veterans whose disability rating is 30-39% (previously excluded). The bill also establishes a pilot program to admit additional dependents of eligible veterans beyond current eligibility limits. These changes would adjust existing statutes (Sections 31-6-4, 31-6-6, and 31-6-9) to expand access to tuition assistance for veterans’ families. The bill is pending committee review as of its first reading on January 29, 2026.
HB 239 would increase salaries for Alabama public education employees by 2% starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It applies to K-12 teachers, support staff (including bus drivers), and employees at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB), as well as two-year postsecondary education staff. The bill requires all affected employees to receive this automatic increase regardless of experience level, with local salary schedules adjusted to reflect the change. The pay increase is mandated to be applied in addition to any existing step increases or local adjustments.
HB 241 appropriates $1,372,572 from Alabama's Education Trust Fund to Talladega College for its 2027 fiscal year operations. The bill directly affects Talladega College, requiring it to submit an operations plan with performance goals, an audited financial statement for 2025, quarterly expenditure reports, and an end-of-year performance report before funds are released. All funding is subject to state budget laws and requires approval from the Director of Finance. The bill becomes effective October 1, 2026, and is pending committee review.
