SB199 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsors

J.T. WaggonerDel MarshClay ScofieldGerald O. DialTom Whatley

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Public schools, grades 9-12, textbooks and instructional materials, Education Department to provide in electronic format to each student as feasible

Summary

SB199 would move public high school textbooks for grades 9-12 to electronic format, provide pen-enabled tablets to students and teachers where feasible, and fund the transition with up to $100 million in bonds via a state-backed financing plan.

What This Bill Does

It directs the State Department of Education to lead the shift to electronic textbooks and related materials with an implementation plan. It authorizes the Alabama Public School and College Authority to issue up to $100 million in bonds to pay for computer equipment, software, and digital textbooks, with debt service paid from designated state tax revenues rather than a general state debt. Bond proceeds would fund acquisition and maintenance, while rules on investing, refunds, and tax exemptions guide the financing. The bill also requires procurement standards, transparency in awarding contracts, and ongoing oversight of the program.

Who It Affects

• Public school students and teachers in grades 9-12 would receive approved digital textbooks and, where feasible, pen-enabled tablets to use in class and at home; students (and their guardians) would be responsible for maintaining assigned devices during the school year.
• The Alabama Public School and College Authority and state finances would be used to issue and manage up to $100 million in bonds to fund the program, with debt payments fueled by specific state tax revenues and not as a state general obligation; the Governor must approve bond terms, and bond proceeds would be invested and managed under defined rules.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: Begins in the 2012-2013 school year; grades 9-12 receive approved textbooks and instructional materials in electronic format where practicable; pen-enabled tablets may be provided to students and teachers where feasible; the State Department of Education leads implementation with an oversight plan.
• Authority to issue up to $100,000,000 in aggregate principal of bonds to fund acquisition and maintenance of computer equipment, software, and digital textbooks; bonds are limited obligations payable from pledged tax receipts and not a debt of the State.
• Pledged revenues include residues of utility gross receipts tax, utility service use tax, sales tax, and use tax after statutory charges; the State Treasurer and designated agents pay debt service; proceeds are deposited to a Trust Fund and used specifically for the project.
• Bonds and income are exempt from state taxation; bonds may be refunded; the Authority can appoint issuers and advisors, must conduct competitive bidding, and ensure compliance with tax covenants; governance includes diversity in professionals and public-records of procurement decisions.
• Proceeds from bond sales must be used to acquire and maintain electronic textbooks, devices, and related software, with timely expenditure and investment of proceeds as directed by the Authority.

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