SB14 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim MelsonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Education, public schools, grades 6 to 12, allow elective courses on the study of the Bible and display artifacts, monuments, symbols, and text related to the study of the Bible, State Board of Education to implement rules and policies

Summary

SB 14 lets Alabama public schools offer elective courses on the Bible and religious history for grades 6–12 and allows related artifacts to be displayed under school policy.

What This Bill Does

It allows elective courses focusing on the Bible and religious history for grades 6–12, with options covering Old and New Testament scriptures or religious history. The State Board of Education must adopt rules and ensure course standards meet the rigor of other electives. Artifacts, monuments, symbols, and texts related to the Bible may be displayed when tied to the course and displayed only during the course duration. Teachers aren’t required to teach these courses; there are neutrality requirements, liability protections for districts, and provisions for legal defense and potential funding if litigation arises.

Who It Affects

• Students in grades 6–12 who may enroll in these elective courses and study Bible content and its history.
• Public schools and school districts (including teachers) that may offer these courses, display artifacts, follow neutrality rules, and receive liability protections; districts would receive legal defense and funding protections.

Key Provisions

• Allows elective courses on the Bible and religious history for grades six to 12, with course options including Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures, New Testament Greek Scriptures, both, or religious history.
• State Board of Education must adopt rules and policies to implement the act and ensure curriculum standards meet the rigor of other electives.
• Courses must teach about Bible content, history, its literary style, and its influence on law, government, culture, art, and morals.
• Displays of artifacts and related items are permitted if tied to the course and displayed only during the course duration; principals may authorize displays.
• Teachers are not required to teach these courses; schools are immune from liability related to implementing the act; the Attorney General defends related litigation at no cost to districts, with potential funding if fines or costs are imposed.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after the act becomes law.

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