SB89 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Education, civics test, requirement for graduation from high school

Summary

SB89 would require Alabama high school graduates or those earning a high school equivalency diploma to pass a civics test identical to the civics portion of the U.S. naturalization test.

What This Bill Does

Starting with the 2017-2018 school year, students must correctly answer at least 60 of 100 civics questions to graduate or obtain a high school equivalency diploma. The local school boards decide how to administer the test and students who don’t pass can retake it. Special education students are exempt from passing unless their IEP requires it and they are at least 18. The State Board of Education must make the test available to nonpublic high school students and may charge a reasonable fee; the Board will also issue rules to implement the law.

Who It Affects

• Public high school students in Alabama: must pass the civics test to graduate
• Special education students: generally exempt, unless 18+ and required by their IEP
• Nonpublic high school students: can take the civics test and may be charged a fee
• Local boards of education: determine how the civics test is administered

Key Provisions

• Requires the civics test (60 correct out of 100) to be identical to the naturalization civics portion for graduation or high school equivalency starting 2017-2018
• Transcript must show the student has completed the civics test
• Retake allowed until passing; local boards determine administration method
• Special education exemptions with age/IEP conditions
• State Board of Education to provide test to nonpublic high schools and may charge a reasonable fee
• State Board to promulgate rules to implement the section
• Effective date: first day of the third month after passage/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