SB194 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donnie ChesteenSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Chris ElliottAndrew JonesSteve Livingston

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Education Dept., state property, Dept. of Edu., has authority to manange the construction and renovation of property that is part of a state educational institution, Sec. 41-4-400 am'd.

Summary

SB194 shifts construction management authority for educational property from the Division of Construction Management to the Department of Education for K-12 and to the governing boards of public colleges and universities for their own facilities.

What This Bill Does

It removes educational property from the Division of Construction Management in the Department of Finance and transfers that authority to the Department of Education for K-12 schools and to the governing boards of public colleges and universities for their own facilities. DoE would handle planning, construction, renovation, standards, contracts, and hiring related to K-12 property, while each higher-ed governing board would handle similar duties for its institution. An exemption allows repair or maintenance projects cost <= $500,000 (including HVAC and roofing) to proceed without DoE or board approval. The act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• K-12 public schools and the Department of Education: gain full authority to manage construction and renovation of K-12 property, including setting policies, standards, and overseeing contracts and hiring.
• Public postsecondary institutions and their governing boards: gain full authority to manage construction and renovation of their facilities and may adopt uniform standards for their institutions.

Key Provisions

• Transfers of authority: DoE gains control over K-12 educational property; each public college/university governing board gains control over its own property.
• DoE and boards gain broad powers to acquire land, plan projects, set construction/renovation policies and guidelines, execute contracts, receive donations, and hire staff.
• Uniform standards: DoE may adopt uniform standards for K-12 construction/renovation; higher-ed boards may adopt uniform standards for their facilities.
• Project review and oversight: DoE and boards can review and approve/disapprove proposed construction or renovation projects and review emergency declarations.
• Minor project exemption: repair/maintenance up to $500,000 (including HVAC and roofing) does not require DoE or board approval.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

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 Department