HB511 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Reed IngramRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Education, public schools, grades 6 to 12, allow elective courses on the study of the Bible, provide immunity for teachers who teach in good faith with proper historical context, State Board of Education to implement rules and policies

Summary

HB 511 would allow public schools to offer elective Bible study courses for grades 6-12, with teacher immunity for good-faith, historically contextual teaching and rules to implement the program.

What This Bill Does

It allows elective Bible study courses in grades 6-12 focusing on the Old Testament, New Testament, or both, as social studies. Before offering such courses, schools must undergo a legal review to ensure First Amendment compliance. Teachers teaching these courses in good faith with proper historical context would have immunity from civil liability and disciplinary action. The State Board of Education must adopt rules and policies to implement these requirements and ensure compliance with constitutional and legal standards.

Who It Affects

• Public school students in grades 6-12 who may take the elective Bible study courses and learn about Bible contents, history, and influence on society and culture.
• Teachers who teach the elective Bible study courses; they must follow neutrality rules and would receive immunity from civil liability if teaching in good faith with proper context.
• Public schools, school districts, and the State Board of Education; they must implement the course offerings, ensure legal reviews, and adopt implementing rules and policies.

Key Provisions

• Allows elective Bible study courses in grades 6-12: Old Testament, New Testament, or both, as social studies courses.
• Requires a legal review before offering courses to ensure compliance with the First Amendment.
• Courses must teach about Bible contents, history, literary style, and the Bible's influence on law, history, government, and culture.
• Students may use translations other than the State Board of Education's chosen translation.
• Teachers must maintain religious neutrality and may not endorse or disparage any religion.
• Teachers are immune from civil liability and disciplinary action for course contents if instruction is given with proper historical context and in good faith.
• State Board of Education must adopt rules and policies to implement the act.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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