SB274 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Del MarshTrip PittmanHarri Anne SmithClay Scofield

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Public elementary and secondary schools, start date of academic year, specified, School Start and End Date Act

Summary

Sets statewide start and end dates for Alabama public schools: earliest start date August 22 and latest end date the Friday before Memorial Day.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it would require public schools to begin instruction no earlier than August 22 each year (with the following Monday if August 22 falls on a weekend). It would require the school year to end on the Friday before Memorial Day. The changes apply to all public elementary and secondary schools under the State Board of Education starting with the 2011-2012 school year and would take effect immediately after the Governor signs the bill.

Who It Affects

• Public elementary and secondary schools and school districts under the State Board of Education, who must follow the new start and end dates.
• Students and families, whose planning for vacations, activities, and scheduling would align with a fixed August start and Memorial Day–weekend end date.

Key Provisions

• Sets August 22 as the earliest start date for public elementary and secondary schools, beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; if August 22 is on a Saturday or Sunday, start on the following Monday.
• Sets the latest end date as the Friday immediately before Memorial Day, beginning with the 2011-2012 school year.
• Applies to all public elementary and secondary schools under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Education.
• Effective immediately upon passage and governor's approval (i.e., once it becomes law).

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