SB32 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

High school, public, civics test required for graduation

Summary

SB32 requires Alabama high school students to pass a 100-question civics test (60 correct) as part of the government course to graduate, starting in 2018-2019.

What This Bill Does

It adds a civics test as a required part of the government course for high school graduation. Students must correctly answer at least 60 of the 100 questions, which come from the USCIS civics test as of February 1, 2017, and the test is offered in multiple-choice format. If a student does not pass, they may retake the test until they pass; certain exemptions apply for 18-year-old special education students, waivers for good cause can be granted, and enforcement follows existing rules.

Who It Affects

• High school students in Alabama who must take and pass the civics test as part of the government course to graduate.
• Local boards of education and school administrators who decide how the test is given, document completion on transcripts, and handle exemptions or waivers.

Key Provisions

• Starting in the 2018-2019 school year, a student must correctly answer at least 60 of the 100 civics questions (the USCIS civics test) as part of the government course for graduation, with completion noted on the transcript.
• Local boards determine how to administer the test; students may retake until they pass; 18-year-old special education students are exempt unless the IEP requires otherwise; waivers for good cause can be granted; the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

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