SB97 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Ten Commandments, display of on state property and at public schools, authorized, const. amend.
Summary: SB97 would propose a constitutional amendment to allow the Ten Commandments to be displayed on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies, with related religious freedom protections and funding limits.
What This Bill Does
It would amend the Alabama Constitution to let the Ten Commandments be displayed on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies. The display would need to follow constitutional requirements and could be mixed with historical or educational items in a larger display. It would guarantee individuals' right to worship according to their conscience, prohibit forcing attendance or support for worship or ministers, and ensure civil and political rights are not changed by a person’s religious beliefs. Public funds could not be spent to defend the constitutionality of this amendment, and an election would be held to decide the measure.

Who It Affects
State and local government property owners, including public schools and other public bodies, would be authorized to display the Ten Commandments on their property.
All Alabama residents, including students and public employees, would retain freedom of worship and equal civil rights regardless of religion, and taxpayers would be protected from funding the amendment’s defense in court.

Key Provisions
Authorizes display of the Ten Commandments on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies.
Display must comply with constitutional requirements and may be intermingled with historical or educational items in a larger display.
Declares that no person shall be compelled to attend or contribute to the erection or support of any place of worship, or to pay for the support of any minister; civil and political rights cannot be diminished or enlarged by religious beliefs.
Prohibits public funds from being expended in defense of the constitutionality of this amendment.
Specifies that an election will be held to vote on the amendment.

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