HB187 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Poole

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Education budget, appropriations for the support, maintenance, and development of public education

Summary

HB 187 signs Alabama’s FY 2021 public education budget into law, authorizing Education Trust Fund and earmarked funds to support K-12, higher education, and related programs across the state.

What This Bill Does

It allocates a comprehensive package of Education Trust Fund and earmarked funds for the year ending September 30, 2021 to support public education, debt service, and capital projects. It funds a wide range of programs for pre-K through higher education, including reading and math initiatives, science and technology programs, dual enrollment, teacher certifications and salaries, mental health and school safety, and workforce development. It requires reporting to the Legislature and Governor on how funds are spent and provides mechanisms to reappropriate unexpended funds, with a prohibition on using ETF funds for Common Core-aligned standards after 2013. It also establishes grant programs for At-Risk students, supports local boards, and directs funds to specific institutions and programs with several performance and accountability requirements.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: Students in Alabama (K-12 and higher education) who will benefit from improved literacy, math, STEM education, reading coaches, dual enrollment opportunities, health and mental health services, and targeted supports for at-risk and English language learner students.
• Group 2: Schools, local boards of education, teachers and other education staff (including nurses and counselors), and public colleges and universities that receive salaries, supplements, professional development funds, grants, and program support, plus reporting and oversight requirements.

Key Provisions

• Allocates Education Trust Fund and other funds for public education for FY 2021 ending Sep 30, including debt service and capital outlay.
• Funds Alabama Reading Initiative with local reading coaches and minimum allocations to districts for reading support (direct and pro-rated distributions).
• Supports Foundation Program for K-12 with per-pupil and unit-based allocations, based on district needs and local flexibility, while prohibiting use for Common Core-related standards after 2013.
• Provides ongoing support for AMSTI (Math, Science, and Technology Initiative) and ASIMS (State student information system) with site-based funding and semi-annual reporting to the Legislature.
• Expands dual enrollment and scholarship programs to support academic and career-technical pathways, with oversight and annual reporting on scholarships awarded and institutions attended.
• Offers salary supplements for National Board Certified Teachers and an additional $5,000 supplement for teachers in high-need settings meeting certain criteria, with renewal requirements.
• Funds a broad set of higher education initiatives (operational maintenance, auxiliary enterprises, restricted funds, and major programs) for universities and colleges, including targeted research and capital projects.
• Supports mental health and school safety through funding for regional safety training, school-based mental health coordinators, and related prevention programs, with grant processes to districts.
• Provides loan repayment and scholarship programs for health professions (nursing, physician assistants, and allied health), including targets for rural and Medicaid-eligible populations.
• Sets up At-Risk and High Hopes grants to districts with per-pupil funding and strict criteria, requiring plans and reporting on student outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Includes debt service allocations for existing bonds and bonds issued under state financing authorities, subject to conditions and Governor approval.
• Requires quarterly/semi-annual reporting to Senate and House education committees and the Legislative Services Agency on expenditures, outcomes, and program progress.
• Allows reappropriation of unexpended funds to the same department or program for the following year and outlines audit and accounting provisions for funds.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education Trust Fund