SB57 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Exceptional children, children with individualized education program (IEP) may be transferred between schools and school systems, Sec. 16-39-8.1 added; Sec. 16-39-8 am'd.

Summary

SB57 would let parents transfer a child with an IEP to any public school in Alabama and require schools to promptly transfer records and continue services until a new IEP is in place.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows the parents or legal guardians of a child with an IEP to move the child from one public school or district to another within the state. The new school must provide free appropriate public education and offer services comparable to the child’s prior IEP until a new or updated IEP is adopted. It also requires the new school to promptly obtain the child’s records (including the IEP) from the previous school, and for the previous school to respond quickly.

Who It Affects

• Students with an IEP and their families, who gain the ability to transfer between public schools within the state and expect continued services during the transition.
• Public schools and school districts, which must process transfers, provide continuity of services, and promptly handle student records.

Key Provisions

• Allows the parents or legal guardians of a child with an IEP to transfer the child from one public school or school district to any other public school or district in the state.
• The receiving school must provide FAPE and services comparable to the previous IEP until the new or updated IEP is adopted and implemented.
• The receiving school must take reasonable steps to promptly obtain the child’s records (including the IEP and related documents) from the previous school, and the previous school must promptly respond to such requests.
• Amends Section 16-39-8 to accommodate transfers under Section 16-39-8.1 and clarifies that transfers under this provision do not prevent placement considerations where practicable.

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