HB616 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Reed IngramRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

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 616 would allow public high and middle schools in Alabama to offer elective Bible study courses for grades 6-12, with legal review for First Amendment compliance and teacher immunity when taught with good faith and historical context, and it requires the State Board of Education to implement the program.

What This Bill Does

It allows schools to offer elective social studies courses on the Old Testament, the New Testament, or both. Before offering these courses, a legal review must be conducted to ensure First Amendment compliance. Teachers who teach the material in good faith and with proper historical context receive immunity from civil liability and disciplinary action. The State Board of Education must adopt rules and policies to implement the requirements, and courses should cover Bible contents, history, literary style, and the Bible's influence on law and culture, while maintaining religious neutrality and avoiding endorsement.

Who It Affects

• Public school students in grades 6-12 who may take the new Bible study electives.
• Public school teachers who teach the Bible study courses and operate under the immunity provisions.
• State Board of Education and local school districts responsible for creating and enforcing the required rules and policies.
• School administrators and staff who must ensure legal review, neutrality, and compliance with constitutional and federal/state guidelines.

Key Provisions

• Public schools may offer elective social studies courses on the Old Testament, the New Testament, or both for grades six through twelve.
• A legal review must be conducted before offering the course to ensure it does not violate the First Amendment.
• The State Board of Education must adopt rules and policies to implement the act.
• Courses must teach Bible contents, history, literary style, and the Bible's influence on law, history, government, literature, art, music, and culture, and promote understanding of contemporary society.
• Students may use translations other than the one chosen by the State Board of Education.
• Teachers must maintain religious neutrality and accommodate diverse religious views and perspectives.
• Teachers teaching these courses are immune from civil liability and disciplinary action if instruction is provided with proper historical context and in good faith.
• The act must comply with the U.S. Constitution, federal law, and state laws and regulations.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and 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