HB46 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Terri CollinsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Education Dept., State Seal of Biliteracy, established, recognizing high school graduates with the proficiency in English and at least one world language, including American sign language

Summary

HB46 creates a State Seal of Biliteracy in Alabama to recognize high school graduates who are proficient in English and at least one other language, including American Sign Language, with a diploma insignia.

What This Bill Does

The State Department of Education would develop and award a State Seal of Biliteracy to eligible high school students. Participation by school districts is voluntary. To earn the seal, students must complete graduation requirements and demonstrate intermediate proficiency in English and in at least one other language using approved assessments, with multiple options for each language. The seal would be shown on the diploma or transcript with an insignia, districts would keep records, and the program aims to help colleges and employers recognize biliteracy.

Who It Affects

• High school students who study English and another language and who meet the proficiency criteria could earn the seal.
• School districts in Alabama that choose to participate, as they would implement assessments, award the seal, and affix insignia.
• The Alabama State Department of Education, which would develop the criteria, approve assessments, and oversee the program.
• Higher education institutions and employers, which could use the biliteracy seal for admissions decisions, academic credit, or hiring considerations.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the State Seal of Biliteracy and allows voluntary participation by school districts.
• Requires attainment of intermediate proficiency in English and in at least one other language, with specified criteria and acceptable assessments.
• English proficiency can be shown via options such as ACT, AP, IB, WIDA, or other benchmarks; non-native speakers have alternate pathways.
• World language proficiency can be demonstrated through standardized exams or district-approved assessments, including sign language, with alternatives for languages without written forms.
• If standardized tests are not available, districts may certify using district exams that meet intermediate-mid proficiency criteria and involve native speakers.
• The Department will issue insignia to diplomas/transcripts and provide guidance and information for districts.
• Districts must maintain records of Seal recipients and affix insignia to diplomas and transcripts.
• No fee may be charged to a student to participate in the program.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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