SB40 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Clay Scofield Greg J. Reed J.T. Waggoner Jerry L. Fielding Tom Whatley Rusty Glover Phillip W. Williams Shadrack McGill Del Marsh Dick Brewbaker Gerald H. Allen Jimmy Holley Trip Pittman
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Ten Commandments, display of on state property and at public schools, authorized, const. amend.
Summary: This bill would amend the Alabama Constitution to allow the Ten Commandments and other historically significant displays on state property and on property owned or managed by public schools or public bodies, while protecting religious freedom and banning public funds from defending the amendment’s constitutionality.
What This Bill Does
It proposes a constitutional change authorizing the display of the Ten Commandments on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies, as long as displays follow a policy approved by the governing authority. It also allows displays of historically significant documents that reflect the foundations of the rule of law, even if they have religious significance. The bill preserves religious freedom (no one can be forced to attend or contribute to worship, and rights cannot be diminished or enlarged based on religion) and prohibits public funds from being used to defend the amendment's constitutionality, while requiring an election to approve or reject the amendment.

Who It Affects
Public schools and public bodies in Alabama, who would be allowed to display the Ten Commandments or other historically significant displays on their property, subject to approved policy.
All Alabama residents, whose religious rights would be protected (freedom of worship and non-coercion) and whose civil and political rights could not be diminished or enlarged because of their beliefs.

Key Provisions
Authorizes the display of the Ten Commandments and other historically significant displays on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies, subject to a policy approved by the governing authority.
Preserves religious freedom, prohibits compelling attendance or funding of worship, ensures rights are not diminished or enlarged by religious beliefs, and prohibits public funds from defending the amendment's constitutionality; requires an election to ratify the amendment.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Constitutional Amendments