HB170 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Duwayne Bridges

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Magna Carta, Ten Commandments, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, display of in public school buildings required, Education Department to promulgate rules and regulations, Historic Documents Act

Summary

HB170 would require every public school building in Alabama to display reproductions of Magna Carta, the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights, with rules from the Department of Education guiding the display.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates the Historic Documents Act and requires the specified documents to be displayed in appropriate places in each public school building (and potentially in classrooms). The State Department of Education must issue rules about how to display them, including mounting or framing requirements. Displays must comply with constitutional rules, may be grouped with other historical items, and are intended to be accessible to students on school days.

Who It Affects

• Public school students in Alabama: will have the four historic documents displayed in their schools and see them as part of daily learning.
• Public schools and school staff: must display the documents prominently in each building, following the new rules and display methods.
• State Department of Education: must promulgate rules and guidelines to implement the display requirements.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Historic Documents Act and sets the purpose and intent for displaying historic documents in public schools.
• Requires display of Magna Carta, the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights in appropriate places in each public school building (and possibly in classrooms) while complying with constitutional requirements.
• Requires mounting or framing standards and allows documents to be shown together or intermingled with other educational items in a larger display.
• directs the State Department of Education to promulgate the necessary rules to implement the display provisions.

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