SJR9 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Legislature, Alabama Select Commission on High School Graduation and Student Dropouts, reestablished and extended

Summary

This resolution reestablishes and extends the Alabama Select Commission on High School Graduation and Student Dropouts to study dropout issues and propose actions, with a final report due by the end of 2018.

What This Bill Does

It reconstitutes the commission with specific appointments from the House, Senate, Governor, Chief Justice, and the State Superintendent. The group will study dropout rates, their effects on students and the state, and possible strategies to improve graduation rates, including topics like compulsory attendance and exemptions. It requires a final report with any proposed legislation by December 31, 2018, after which the commission will be dissolved; it also outlines meeting logistics and member compensation rules.

Who It Affects

• Students and families in Alabama, whose dropout rates and graduation prospects will be analyzed and potentially improved by the commission's findings.
• Education professionals and organizations in Alabama who participate in or are affected by the commission's work and any resulting recommendations.
• State government and the Alabama economy, due to analysis of fiscal impacts and potential policy changes related to graduation and attendance.
• Legislative and executive branch members who appoint, chair, or participate in the commission.

Key Provisions

• Reestablishes and extends the Alabama Select Commission on High School Graduation and Student Dropouts (originally established in 2009).
• Sets membership: 4 House members appointed by the Speaker, 4 Senate members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, 4 Governor-appointed business/civic/community leaders, 4 Chief Justice-appointed legal/philanthropic/education leaders, and 4 State Superintendent-appointed education leaders.
• Requires diverse representation in the commission (race, gender, geography, urban/rural, economic).
• Specifies how vacancies are filled by the appointing authority who made the vacancy.
• Directs the commission to study dropout problems, their rates, and their educational and economic impact; examine strategies, laws, and policies; consider compulsory attendance age and exemptions; and review other states’ approaches.
• Initial meeting to be called by the Governor; Governor names the chair and vice chair; subsequent meetings as needed.
• Allows meetings at various locations with space and services provided by state agencies; clerical and technical assistance available.
• Requires a final report with any proposed legislation by December 31, 2018, to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker, and Chief Justice; Governor to post the report online within 21 days.
• Nonlegislative members serve without pay but may be reimbursed for expenses; legislative members receive regular compensation, per diem, and travel expenses.

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative