HB203 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jay Love

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Jim PattersonMac ButtramBecky NordgrenRichard BaughnWes LongBarry MooreWilliam RobertsKerry RichMicky HammonRandy WoodHarry ShiverWayne Johnson

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Public schools, proof of citizenship of any child enrolling in elementary or secondary school, being tutored at home or through a church school, notification of local law enforcement for violations, required

Summary

HB203 Would require proof of citizenship for children enrolling in public or private elementary/secondary schools or being tutored at home or in a church school, and would trigger law enforcement notification for violations.

What This Bill Does

Starting in the 2011-2012 school year, schools must require a citizenship document within 30 days of initial enrollment. For home tutoring or church schools, the custodian must provide a qualifying document within 30 days after instruction begins. If documentation is not provided, the school or local superintendent must issue a written notice and refer the case to local law enforcement and the State Department of Education. The bill also requires photocopies to be kept in the student’s file, requires prompt transfer-record requests for transferring students, and ensures compliance with FERPA for educational records.

Who It Affects

• Students and their parents/guardians (or custodians) who are enrolling in public or private schools or who are being tutored at home or through a church school, who must provide documented proof of citizenship within specified deadlines and may face law enforcement referral if they do not comply.
• Schools, local superintendents, and school staff who must collect, copy, and file citizenship documents, enforce deadlines, refer non-compliance to law enforcement, and manage transfer-record requests in a timely manner.

Key Provisions

• Requires proof of citizenship at initial enrollment for public or private elementary/secondary schools and for home-tutored or church-school students, with a 30-day deadline.
• Lists acceptable documents (birth certificates, passports, visas, I-94, naturalization/citizenship documents, tribal documents, Alabama ID, etc.).
• Requires a 30-day window for home tutors or church schools to provide similar documents to the local superintendent of education.
• If non-compliance occurs, the school or local superintendent must notify the family and refer to local law enforcement and the State Department of Education after 10 days.
• Photocopies of provided documents are kept in the student’s file and the originals are returned.
• Requires prompt transfer-record requests: within five days to obtain a certified copy from the previous school and 10 days to forward it, regardless of debts.
• Disclosures of educational records must comply with FERPA.

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