SB139 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Ten Commandments, display of on state property and at public schools, authorized, const. amend.
Summary: SB139 would add a constitutional amendment allowing the Ten Commandments to be displayed on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies, while protecting religious freedom and restricting public funding to defend the amendment.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the state could display the Ten Commandments on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies, in a way that complies with constitutional rules and may be combined with other educational or historical displays. It would guarantee individuals’ right to worship according to conscience and protect them from being forced to attend or support a place of worship or a minister, while ensuring civil and political rights are not affected by religious beliefs. It would also prohibit spending public funds to defend the constitutionality of this amendment.

Who It Affects
Public property managers and administrators of state property, public schools, and other public bodies would be allowed to display the Ten Commandments.
All residents of Alabama would gain strengthened protections for religious freedom (freedom to worship and non-coercion), while civil and political rights tied to religious beliefs would not be diminished or enlarged by this amendment.

Key Provisions
Property belonging to the state and property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies may display the Ten Commandments, with the display complying with constitutional requirements and possibly intermingled with educational or historical items.
The amendment protects individual religious freedom (liberty to worship, no compelled attendance or support for a place of worship or minister, and rights not diminished or enlarged by religious beliefs) and prohibits public funds from being spent to defend the amendment's constitutionality.

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