HB447 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jamie KielRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Wes AllenMike BallRussell BedsoleChip BrownK.L. BrownDanny CrawfordBrett EasterbrookAllen FarleyBob FincherReed IngramPaul W. LeeRhett MarquesSteve McMillanAndrew SorrellScott StadthagenMargie WilcoxRich Wingo

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Education, county and city boards of education, county and city superintendent of schools, closure of schools and establishment of on-line learning in certain circumstances

Summary

HB447 would require local boards of education to approve any public K-12 school closure lasting more than 10 consecutive days, while allowing superintendents to order up to 10 days of closure with online learning during emergencies.

What This Bill Does

In extreme emergencies, the county or city superintendent may temporarily close a school's physical location, stop extracurricular and school activities, and establish online instruction for up to 10 consecutive days. If the closure or shift to online learning would go beyond 10 days, the local board of education must approve it. The requirement cannot be suspended by orders or rules under the Alabama Emergency Management Act. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after it passes and the Governor approves it.

Who It Affects

• Local boards of education — must approve any school closure longer than 10 days and oversee the move to online learning during emergencies.
• Students and families in public K-12 schools (and school staff) — may experience temporary closures and a shift to online instruction, with potential cancellation of extracurricular activities during emergencies.

Key Provisions

• Section 1(a): In extreme emergencies, the county or city superintendent may order temporary closure of a school's physical location, cessation of extracurricular and school-sanctioned activities, and online instruction for up to 10 consecutive days.
• Section 1(a): Closures or online learning exceeding 10 consecutive days must be approved by the applicable local board of education.
• Section 1(b): If there is a conflict with orders under the Alabama Emergency Management Act, this section cannot be suspended by those orders.
• Section 2: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and governor's approval.

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