HB227 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Bill Poole
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Appropriations, supplemental appropriations for fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, Education Trust Fund Advancement and Technology Fund to the Department of Education
Summary: HB227 would provide a one-time supplemental appropriation to fund wireless networks in Alabama public schools and related E-Rate matching, under WIRED standards, with oversight and a plan for implementation.
What This Bill Does
HB227 appropriates 12,014,402 from the Education Trust Fund Advancement and Technology Fund to the Department of Education for FY2016 to help wireless networks reach all public schools, or to match E-Rate funds, or to support districts’ technology plans. It requires use of WIRED standards to determine eligibility and distributes funds to districts based on enrollment and WIRED cost model. It also sets rules for using E-Rate, creates an advisory committee to oversee the program, allows funds to carry forward if unspent, and takes effect immediately.

Who It Affects
Local school systems and their students, who may receive funds to build or upgrade wireless networks, must meet WIRED standards and may use E-Rate matches or fund their technology plans.
The Alabama Department of Education and related oversight/advisory bodies (including AETA and the Alabama Ahead Oversight Committee), which administer, allocate, monitor, and oversee the program.

Key Provisions
A one-time appropriation of $12,014,402 from the Education Trust Fund Advancement and Technology Fund to the Department of Education for the 2016 fiscal year, to fund wireless networks or E-Rate matching or tech plan implementation.
Use of WIRED Plan standards to determine district eligibility and a distribution formula based on enrollment and the WIRED cost model for allocating funds to local systems.
Rules about how funds may be used with E-Rate, including as local matches, required documentation (E-Rate Form 471), and priority and sequencing of projects to complete WLANs.
Establishment of an advisory committee to assist in implementation, with diverse membership and oversight by the Alabama Ahead Oversight Committee.
Funds not expended can be carried forward to future years, and the act becomes effective immediately upon governor 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: Appropriations