HB141 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Mandatory school attendance, increased from age 17 to 18, Sec. 16-28-3 am'd.

Summary

HB141 would raise the compulsory school attendance age from 17 to 18 (or until high school graduation) and set new rules for how public school admission works.

What This Bill Does

Starting with 2012-2013, it requires children aged 7-18, or until high school graduation, to attend a public, private, or church school or be taught by a private tutor. It keeps the option of attending church schools exempt for those under 16, if enrollment and reporting rules are followed. Admission to public school would require an individual parental/guardian application to the local school board at the start of each year. The bill notes that although it may involve local funds, it is exempt from the usual local-funding approval requirements because it falls under specified constitutional exceptions, and it becomes law after the normal effective date following passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Students aged 7 through 18 (or until high school graduation) in Alabama, who would be required to attend or graduate under the new rule.
• Church-school students under 16, who would remain exempt from the requirement if they comply with enrollment and reporting rules; and local school boards/education officials who would administer attendance, enrollment, and admission procedures.

Key Provisions

• Increases the required attendance age from 17 to 18, or until high school graduation, for ages 7-18.
• Maintains options to attend public, private, or church schools or to be instructed by a private tutor.
• Provides an exemption for children under 16 attending church schools if enrollment and reporting procedures are followed.
• Requires parents/guardians to apply for public school admission on an individual basis to the local board of education at the start of each school year.
• Specifies the act would take effect starting with the 2012-2013 school year and become law after the usual constitutional and gubernatorial approval processes.
• States the bill would involve local expenditures but is excluded from additional Amendment 621 requirements because expenditures would be made by the school board.

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