SB333 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tammy Irons

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Quinton RossRoger Bedford, Jr.Linda Coleman-MadisonPriscilla DunnBobby D. SingletonGeorge M. “Marc” KeaheyVivian Davis Figures

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Education, public school K-12, minimum mandatory age of attendance decreased from seven to six, Sec. 16-28-3 am'd.

Summary

SB333 lowers the mandatory school attendance age in Alabama from seven to six years old.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill changes the required attendance age from seven to six, so children aged six to 17 must attend a public, private, or church school or be instructed by a tutor. It retains a church-school exemption prior to the student’s 16th birthday if enrollment and reporting requirements are met. Admission to public school remains an individual decision by the parents or guardians, arranged with the local board of education at the start of each school year. The bill acknowledges a potential local-funding impact but relies on constitutional exceptions to avoid requiring a 2/3 vote or local government approval, and it would become law on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Children aged 6 to 17, who would be required to attend a school or be tutored.
• Parents or guardians, who must enroll the child or ensure attendance according to local rules.
• Local boards of education, which set enrollment and admission practices for the affected students.
• Local governments and school districts, which may face changes in funding requirements but are subject to constitutional exceptions to avoid additional approvals.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 16-28-3 to require attendance for children ages 6 through 17, replacing the previous 7 through 17 range.
• Maintains a church-school exemption for students before age 16 if enrollment and reporting requirements are met (Section 16-28-7).
• Public school admission remains on an individual basis, determined by the parent/guardian and the local board at the start of each school year.
• States that the bill involves potential local expenditures but is exempt from additional local-approval requirements under Amendment 621; it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

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