SB143 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Donnie ChesteenSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Local Boards of Education, military dependents deemed Alabama residents for purposes of virtual education when member of US Armed Forces ordered to relocate to state, Sec. 16-46A-1 am'd.
Summary: SB 143 lets military dependents who get orders to relocate to Alabama be treated as Alabama residents for enrolling in and attending state virtual schools.
What This Bill Does
It amends the residency rule in Alabama's virtual education law so that dependents of U.S. Armed Forces members relocation to Alabama are considered residents for virtual school enrollment. Local boards must adopt policies for grades 9-12 virtual education, including how students participate, eligibility, monitoring, testing, and attendance. Boards may use their own virtual programs or vendors, and are not required to use a state program or vendor. The act takes effect on the first day of the third month after it becomes law.

Who It Affects
Dependents of U.S. Armed Forces members who receive orders to relocate to Alabama; they are considered Alabama residents for virtual school enrollment.
Local boards of education; they must adopt policies and oversee the virtual education options for eligible students.
Virtual schools operating in Alabama; they must comply with the virtual education chapter.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 16-46A-1 to treat armed forces dependents relocating to Alabama as residents for purposes of enrolling in and attending virtual schools.
Requires local boards to adopt a policy for grades 9-12 virtual education, detailing scope, eligibility, monitoring/testing, and attendance.
Allows local boards to run their own virtual programs or use other providers; no requirement to use a state program or vendor.
Sets effective date as the first day of the third month after passage/approval, or when it becomes law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Board of Education, County