SB189 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Greg AlbrittonGerald H. AllenWilliam “Bill” M. BeasleyTom ButlerLinda Coleman-MadisonGarlan GudgerSteve LivingstonRandy PriceGreg J. ReedDan RobertsLarry StuttsJ.T. WaggonerTom Whatley

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

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

Summary

SB189 is Alabama's Education budget act that allocates Education Trust Fund money for public education for FY 2022, funding a wide range of K-12 and higher education programs and services.

What This Bill Does

Provides detailed funding for a broad set of programs across state agencies and higher education institutions, including reading and math initiatives, At-Risk and Strong Start programs, dual enrollment, STEM and career-tech initiatives, mental health services in schools, school safety, and debt service/capital outlays. Imposes accountability and reporting requirements, including quarterly/semi-annual reports to legislative leaders and specific program reports, and ties certain funding to performance measures and compliance with literacy-related standards in teacher preparation. Gives local boards flexibility to rearrange expenditures among line items without reducing earned teacher units, while maintaining adherence to state rules and accountability standards, and prohibits ETF funds from paying membership dues to organizations. Sets specific conditions and potential reductions for noncompliant colleges under literacy requirements, and includes reappropriation provisions so unexpended funds can carry over to future fiscal years if allowed by the act.

Who It Affects

• K-12 students and local school systems (LEAs): receive targeted funding for reading coaches, At-Risk/Strong Start programs, mental health services, school safety, nursing programs, and various school improvement and support initiatives; districts gain some budgetary flexibility while must meet reporting and program requirements.
• Higher education institutions (universities and community colleges) and related state agencies: receive funds for operations, maintenance, program support, research, and specialized initiatives (e.g., AMSTI, ASIMS, teacher salaries and stipend programs, dual enrollment scholarships, and various STEM and health-related programs), with compliance requirements and quarterly reporting obligations.

Key Provisions

• Massive Education Trust Fund allocations across K-12 and higher education, including funds for reading initiatives (Alabama Reading Initiative), math/science programs, AMSTI, ASIMS, dual enrollment, STEM, and numerous college/university operating and program funds.
• Section 4 requires teacher-preparation programs to meet credit-hour literacy/reading foundations standards; non-compliant colleges face ETF funding reductions of up to $1,000,000 or 0.5% of funding, with certification of non-compliant institutions to key lawmakers.
• Section 5 reorganizes At-Risk and High Hopes funding, distributing 50% at the State Superintendent’s discretion and 50% via grants to school systems; grants are per-pupil and must use evidence-based practices with plans approved by the SDE, and districts must report outcomes.
• Local boards may flexibly reallocate funds among line items but cannot reduce earned teacher units; grants to schools require planning and annual reporting on outcomes and expenditures.
• Prohibits using ETF funds for membership dues; requires annual/semi-annual reporting on expenditures and program outcomes; mandates reappropriation rules for unspent funds and outlines grant administration and accountability processes.

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

Subjects

Education Trust Fund