HB274 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Barbara Bigsby BoydRepresentative
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: Robert Bentley H. Mac Gipson Todd Greeson Jeremy Oden James C. Fields Butch Taylor Richard Lindsey James E. Buskey Jody Letson Yvonne Kennedy Betty Carol Graham Randy Hinshaw John W. Rogers
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Education budget, appropriations for the support, maintenance, and development of public education
Summary: HB274 is Alabama's FY2011 Education Budget and Appropriations Act (Education Trust Fund) to fund public education programs, but it was vetoed.
What This Bill Does
It would allocate Education Trust Fund and related funds to support public education for the 2011 fiscal year, covering K-12 and higher education programs as well as debt service and capital outlay. The bill details numerous program-specific funding lines (Foundation Program, At-Risk, Transportation, School Nurses, Distance Learning, and various higher-ed initiatives) and sets rules for how the money must be used and reported. It also includes requirements on at-risk funding partnerships, professional development days, and certain funding controls, plus reappropriations and obligations from prior years. The act would take effect October 1, 2010, pending any override of the veto.

Who It Affects
K-12 students, teachers, school administrators, and local boards of education who would receive funding for the Foundation Program, at-risk initiatives, transportation, school nursing, and related supports, along with requirements for how those funds are managed and reported.
Public higher education institutions (state universities and community colleges) and related state agencies that receive operating, program support, and capital funds, including special programs arising from the Knight v. Alabama settlement and workforce development initiatives.

Key Provisions
Appropriates Education Trust Fund and related funds to support public education, debt service, and capital outlay for FY2011.
Earmarks funds across many programs, including Foundation Program, Transportation, At-Risk Student Program, School Nurses, Endowments, and numerous higher-education and auxiliary programs, with specific distribution rules and reporting requirements.
At-Risk Student Program requires districts to distribute funds pro rata, maintain separate accounts, and spend at least 20% of at-risk funds in partnership with qualifying nonprofit community organizations; districts may seek waivers with approval and funds may not supplant other general programs.
Two professional development/continuing education days for certificated staff (beyond regular contracts) are funded and must be incorporated into local development plans; substitute coverage and benefits are funded, with reporting requirements to higher authorities.
Transportation program funds include restrictions (no funds for fleet renewal), withholdings from local systems that do not use substitutes for absent transportation staff, and refunds to the ETF if not used as directed.
Knight v. Alabama financial obligations are funded with university-level matching funds for educational excellence, with resulting funds after scholarships directed to the Alabama Student Assistance Program, and other specified transfers.
Interest from Sixteenth Section Lands (local school funding) is appropriated ($8,940,252) conditioned on availability and budgetary approval, to support eligible K-12 schools.
Reappropriation of unexpended FY2010 ETF balances to the 2011 fiscal year, with conditions and oversight, plus provisions for carry-forward of federal funds when allowed by Congress.
Gifts, grants, and entitlements are authorized for education purposes; pass-through appropriations require governor approval and specific reporting.
The act includes broad appropriations controls (no pass-through without authority, requirement to report to the Governor and legislative committees), severability, and a general repeal of conflicting laws; it becomes effective October 1, 2010.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Education Trust Fund