HB293 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Terri CollinsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Alabama STEM Council (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), created as independent state entity within Dept. of Commerce Workforce Division to advise Gov., Lt. Gov., St.Dept. of Edu., and Legislature on STEM education and workforce development; membership, duties, executive committee provided

Summary

HB293 would create the Alabama STEM Council as an independent state entity to guide STEM education and workforce development in the state.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Alabama STEM Council within the Department of Commerce Workforce Division to advise the Governor, Lt. Governor, State Department of Education, and Legislature. It sets up a membership structure (including an executive committee, ex officio members, and governor-appointed members from across districts and STEM sectors) and outlines duties like overseeing the state STEM plan, promoting STEM careers, and evaluating programs. It also creates administrative support, possible subcommittees, a private foundation option, and requirements for meetings, reporting, and data collection.

Who It Affects

• Students and families in Alabama, who would benefit from improved STEM education, greater career awareness, and expanded opportunities (with a focus on underrepresented groups).
• Educators, schools, higher education institutions, STEM organizations, and state agencies (e.g., Department of Education, Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, and Governor's Office), who would implement the plan, develop certifications and endorsements, share data, and coordinate STEM programs and evaluations.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama STEM Council as an independent state entity within the Department of Commerce Workforce Division to advise on STEM education and workforce development.
• Defines council membership: a Governor-designee as chair, an executive committee of 11 members plus ex officio members, and additional governor-appointed members representing districts and various STEM sectors and educational entities.
• Assigns administrative functions to the Deputy Secretary of the Workforce Development Division and directs hiring of a council director; staff may be provided by the division.
• Requires initial organizational meeting within 45 days of the final member appointment; mandates at least biannual meetings with open meetings compliance and remote participation allowed.
• Authorizes the creation of subcommittees to address specific STEM issues and requires cooperation from all state agencies; the council may seek external expertise as needed.
• Allows the council to establish a foundation to solicit private contributions for STEM initiatives.
• Task list includes serving as the main contact for STEM organizations, overseeing the state STEM strategic plan, increasing STEM awareness, and developing a Governor's STEM Seal of Approval.
• Mandates integration of a STEM Career Exploration module into ACCET, and conducts evaluations of STEM curricula and educator preparation programs; identifies and expands evidence-based STEM initiatives and data collection to track progress.
• Requires annual progress reports on the STEM strategic plan to the Governor, Lt. Governor, and relevant legislative committees; outlines diversity in appointments and representative regional distribution.
• Specifies expenses for council members are reimbursed and funded from appropriated STEM Council funds; outlines funding and open records considerations, with the act becoming effective after a set time following passage.

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