HB124 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Nathaniel LedbetterRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Public K-12 schools, student considered in attendance at school if present at a 4-H event, exceptions

Summary

The bill would count public K-12 students' participation in 4-H or FFA activities during school hours as present, require make-up work for missed assignments, and protect their grades from attendance-related penalties.

What This Bill Does

Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, students who participate in 4-H or FFA activities during school hours are credited as present in class. Schools must allow them to make up any missed work, and grades cannot be harmed because of their attendance or participation in these activities. 4-H/FFA agents must provide documentation of participation when asked, and there is an exception that prevents credit if the student is suspended, expelled, or placed in an alternative program during the time of participation.

Who It Affects

• Public K-12 students who participate in 4-H or FFA activities during school hours: they are counted present, can make up missed work, and their grades are protected from penalties related to that participation.
• Public K-12 schools, teachers, and 4-H/FFA program staff: they must credit attendance, handle documentation requests, provide opportunity for makeup work, and ensure participation does not count as present when the student is suspended, expelled, or in an alternative program.

Key Provisions

• Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, students who participate in 4-H or FFA during school hours shall be credited as present in class (with defined 'school hours' as times when instruction occurs and attendance is taken).
• A teacher or designee may request documentation of a student's participation from a 4-H or FFA agent to verify the activity.
• Schools must give students the opportunity to make up any schoolwork missed due to 4-H or FFA participation, and grades cannot be adversely affected because of that participation.
• Notwithstanding the above, a student is not credited as present if participation occurs during any period when the student is suspended, expelled, or assigned to an alternative school or program that would otherwise prevent participation.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage (and the 2023-2024 provision specifies the start for that school year).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Schools