HB425 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

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

Summary

HB425 would raise the compulsory school attendance age to 18 and require six- to eighteen-year-olds to attend or be educated, with certain exemptions and rules for online options.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, Alabama would require children ages six through 18 to attend a public, private, or church school or be instructed by a competent private tutor for the entire school year or until high school graduation. It allows parents to opt out of enrolling a six-year-old by writing to the local school board. There is an exemption for children attending church schools before age 16, as long as enrollment and reporting requirements are followed. The bill also sets rules for online and transfer scenarios, requiring accreditation for online options and treating withdrawals to online programs as transfers, with grade placement determined if the student returns to in-person classes.

Who It Affects

• Students ages six through 18 (and their families) who would be required to attend or be educated, with an opt-out option for six-year-olds and a church-school exemption before 16.
• Local boards of education and schools (including church and private schools) that must manage enrollment, reporting, and policies on transfers and online instruction.

Key Provisions

• Starting in the 2015-2016 school year, the required attendance age expands to six through 18 (or until high school graduation).
• Students must attend for the entire school term or until graduation, unless exempt, and may be taught by a competent private tutor.
• A parent may opt out of enrolling a six-year-old by notifying the local school board in writing.
• There is a church-school exemption before age 16; if a student moves to an accredited online program, they are counted as a transfer, and upon return, semester exams determine grade placement; online schools are not created by this bill, but online options are allowed if accredited.

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