SB203 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul Sanford
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Parental right, to make decisions regarding child's education, upbringing, and care
Summary: SB203 would codify a parent’s fundamental right to direct their child’s education, upbringing, and care in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
The bill creates a recognized fundamental right for parents to guide their child’s education, upbringing, and care. It notes that this right is based on certain Alabama Supreme Court decisions and clarifies that it does not excuse parents from following state school attendance laws. The act is intended to codify existing judicial interpretations and would take effect on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved by the Governor (or becomes law otherwise).

Who It Affects
Parents or legal guardians, who would gain a recognized fundamental right and responsibility to direct their child’s education, upbringing, and care.
Students/children, whose education and upbringing would be guided by their parents within existing laws.
Schools and school districts, which must operate within this framework while continuing to enforce compulsory attendance statutes.

Key Provisions
Creates a fundamental right for a parent to direct the education, upbringing, and care of their child.
Explicitly codifies the Alabama Supreme Court decisions Ex parte Christopher (2013) and Ex parte E.R.G (2011) as they relate to parental rights.
States that the parent’s right does not relieve them from complying with Alabama school attendance statutes.
Effective date: the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval (or as otherwise law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Parental Rights