SB398 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Del Marsh
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Education, Alabama Commission on Elementary and Secondary Education, Governor required to consult with all minority caucuses when appointing members to the commission, contingent effective date
Summary: SB 398 would change how minority members are appointed to the Alabama Commission on Elementary and Secondary Education, require an annual education policy update from the Secretary, and make the law's effect contingent on a constitutional amendment.
What This Bill Does
- Requires the Governor to appoint minority members from three-nominee lists provided by the relevant minority caucuses: first seat from the House minority caucus, second seat from the Senate minority caucus, and additional seats from a joint minority caucus list. If all nominees are rejected, new lists are submitted until an appointment is made. - Starting in 2021, the Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education must give an annual update to the chairs of the House and Senate education committees about state education policy objectives and how to improve public K-12 achievement. - The act becomes effective only if a constitutional amendment renaming the State Board of Education as the Alabama Commission on Elementary and Secondary Education and outlining appointment procedures is ratified.

Who It Affects
Governor - must consult minority caucuses and choose from nominees for minority seats
Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education - must provide annual policy updates to the Legislature

Key Provisions
Appointment of minority members from three-nominee lists submitted by minority caucuses: House first, Senate second, joint for additional seats; if rejected, new lists are submitted.
Annual update by the Secretary to the Chairs of the Senate and House Education Policy Committees on state education policy objectives and methods to improve K-12 achievement, starting in 2021.
Contingent effective date: law takes effect only if the constitutional amendment renaming the State Board of Education and setting appointment rules is ratified.

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