SB141 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Education, civics test, requirement for graduation from high school

Summary

SB141 would require Alabama high school students to pass a civics test identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test to graduate or earn a GED, starting in 2016-2017.

What This Bill Does

Starting in 2016-2017, students must correctly answer at least 60 of 100 questions on a civics test identical to the naturalization civics portion to graduate or obtain a high school equivalency diploma; the test administration method is decided by local boards and passing must be documented on the transcript with retakes allowed until passing. Special education students are generally exempt from the passing requirement unless the Individualized Education Program requires it and the student is at least 18 years old; nonpublic high schools in the state must be given access to the civics test and may be charged a reasonable fee to cover costs. The State Board of Education will promulgate rules to implement this section, and the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: High school students (and those seeking a high school equivalency diploma) in Alabama—must pass the civics test (60/100) to graduate or obtain a GED, with retake options and transcript documentation.
• Group 2: Special education students and nonpublic high school students—special education students may be exempt unless the IEP requires otherwise (and if 18+ and the IEP requires it); nonpublic high schools must have access to the civics test and may be charged a reasonable fee.

Key Provisions

• Requires passing at least 60 of 100 civics questions on a test identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test to graduate or obtain a GED, beginning with the 2016-2017 school year.
• Local boards of education may determine how to administer the civics test; a passing score must be documented on the student’s transcript; students may retake the test until they pass.
• Special education exemptions apply unless the IEP specifies otherwise and the student is at least 18 years old; if the IEP requires it in a specific area, a passing score may be required.
• The State Board of Education must provide the civics test to nonpublic high school students and may charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

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