HB153 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Terri CollinsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Education, civics test, requirement for graduation from high school

Summary

HB153 would require Alabama high school graduates or GED recipients to pass a civics test identical to the USCIS civics portion to graduate, starting in 2018-2019.

What This Bill Does

Starting in 2018-2019, students must correctly answer at least 60 of the 100 questions on a civics test identical to the USCIS civics test to graduate or obtain a high school equivalency diploma. The test score must be documented on the student's transcript, and local boards of education will decide how to administer the test; students can retake it until they pass. 18-year-old and older special education students are exempt from needing a passing score unless their individualized education program requires it, and the State Board of Education will set rules to implement these provisions; the law takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• High school students in Alabama (and students seeking a high school equivalency diploma) who must pass the civics test to graduate or earn a GED.
• Local boards of education and the State Board of Education that administer the test, determine how it is given, create rules, and ensure compliance.

Key Provisions

• Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, students must correctly answer at least 60 of the 100 questions on a civics test identical to the civics portion of the USCIS naturalization test to graduate or obtain a high school equivalency diploma.
• The school shall document on the transcript that the student has completed the civics test as required.
• The local board of education may determine the method and manner of administering the civics test; a student may retake the test until they pass.
• Special education students who are at least 18 years old are not required to pass the civics test unless their IEP requires it or they are learning at a level where a passing score is required by the IEP.
• The State Board of Education shall promulgate necessary rules to implement these provisions.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

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