HB549 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mack N. ButlerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Schools, allow school district to educate students about traditional winter celebrations and offer traditional greetings

Summary

HB549 would let Alabama school districts teach about the history of traditional winter celebrations, allow greetings, and permit certain celebration displays under specific rules.

What This Bill Does

Authorizes school districts to educate students about the history of traditional winter celebrations. Allows students and district staff to offer traditional greetings such as Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Holidays. Permits displays on school property of winter celebration imagery (e.g., menorah, nativity scene, Christmas tree) if the display includes more than one religion or one religion plus a secular symbol and does not promote adherence to a particular religious belief. If enacted, the act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Students and district staff, who may learn about the history of winter celebrations and can give traditional greetings in the school setting.
• School districts, which may display winter celebration imagery on school property under specified conditions.

Key Provisions

• Allows education about the history of traditional winter celebrations within districts.
• Permits traditional greetings (e.g., 'Merry Christmas', 'Happy Hanukkah', 'Happy Holidays').
• Allows displays of winter celebration scenes/symbols (like menorah, nativity, or Christmas tree) if the display includes multiple religions or one religion plus a secular symbol and does not promote a specific religious belief.
• Examples of allowed displays include scenes or symbols associated with winter celebrations, with conditions described above.

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

Subjects

Schools