SB260 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dick Brewbaker

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Schools, courses of instruction, definitions of profit and nonprofit clarified, additional nonprofit schools authorized to apply for exemption from licensure, Secs. 16-46-1, 16-46-3 am'd.

Summary

SB260 clarifies profit vs nonprofit private schools and expands nonprofit exemptions from licensure for certain providers.

What This Bill Does

It updates key definitions used for private schools (including nonprofit vs for-profit) to clarify classification. It expands licensure exemptions for nonprofit schools by listing categories that qualify, such as church schools, employer-provided courses, certain K-12 programs, state-operated institutions, and long-standing accredited nonprofit postsecondary schools. It allows for-profit postsecondary institutions that meet specific long-standing operation and accreditation criteria to obtain a licensed status, and it sets rules for maintaining exemptions, accreditation changes, and the option for exempt schools to seek licensure without surety.

Who It Affects

• Nonprofit private schools in Alabama that may apply for exemption from licensure (and those currently exempt) and must meet conditions to keep exemption.
• For-profit private postsecondary institutions that have operated for a qualifying period and hold accreditation, who would be licensed after showing accreditation rather than exempt.

Key Provisions

• Defines and clarifies terms such as PRIVATE SCHOOL, NONPROFIT, PROFIT, RESIDENT PRIVATE SCHOOL, and related concepts to determine how schools are classified.
• Expands exemption from licensure for nonprofit schools to include multiple categories (e.g., church-related schools, employer-sponsored courses, certain nonprofit K-12 programs, and long-standing accredited nonprofit postsecondary programs).
• Allows for-profit private postsecondary institutions meeting the specified five-year operation criterion and accreditation to receive a license after proof of accreditation, rather than an exemption.
• Requires exemptions to remain valid only as long as conditions stay true; if accreditation is withdrawn, exemption ends; outlines record-keeping and transfer of records when schools cease or change ownership; provides for due process in accreditation matters.
• Exempted private schools may voluntarily apply to be licensed without surety, and the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

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