SB397 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Trip Pittman

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Rusty GloverHank SandersWendell MitchellLarry DixonVivian Davis Figures

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Private schools, use of terms profit and nonprofit in definition clarified, baseline exemption date changed, Secs. 16-46-1, 16-46-3 am'd.

Summary

SB397 clarifies how 'profit' and 'nonprofit' are used in defining private schools and sets a new baseline exemption date (January 1, 2004) for long-operating private schools.

What This Bill Does

It clarifies the meaning of key terms used to regulate private schools, including that private schools can be either for-profit or nonprofit. It changes the baseline exemption date from April 29, 1980 to January 1, 2004 for long-operating private schools and ties eligibility for exemption or licensing to accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education–recognized accrediting agency. It outlines which types of private schools are exempt from regulation, allows exempt schools to apply for licensing without surety, and requires record-keeping for closed or changing schools; it also sets consequences if accreditation is withdrawn and provides due process in those cases.

Who It Affects

• Private schools in Alabama (whether for-profit or nonprofit) — their definitions, exemption eligibility, and licensing requirements may change based on accreditation status and the new baseline date.
• Accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education — their accreditation determinations influence whether a private school receives exemption, license, or loses exemption, and how ongoing accreditation matters are handled.

Key Provisions

• Defines key terms used in the chapter (Course, School, Private School, Agent/Representative, License, Permit, Economic Fraud, Academic Fraud, Resident Private School, Principal Base of Operations, Church School) to clarify regulatory language.
• Explicitly allows private schools to operate as either profit or nonprofit entities.
• Replaces the baseline exemption date for long-operating private schools from April 29, 1980 to January 1, 2004, and ties exemption eligibility to accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education–recognized accrediting agency for those long-operating schools.
• Lists categories that are exempt from regulation under this chapter (e.g., certain nonprofit religious schools, employer- or union-operated courses, K-12 parochial or community schools, state-supported institutions, and certain training programs).
• Specifies that accredited private schools or programs not otherwise exempt must forfeit exemption if accreditation is withdrawn, suspended, or revoked, with due process allowed before withdrawal and time to regain accreditation after ownership changes.
• Allows exempt private schools to voluntarily request licensing without surety where described in related sections.
• Requires record preservation for schools that cease operations, including deposits of student records and financial/aid records with the appropriate authority.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education