SJR61 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Legislature to study modernizing K-12 education school funding

Summary

The Legislature will study switching Alabama K-12 funding from a resource-based system to a student-based model and report findings and proposed laws by Feb 1, 2025.

What This Bill Does

It directs a study to evaluate modernizing the K-12 funding model from resource-based to student-based funding, including the costs of transitioning and any changes in law needed to implement a new funding framework. It notes that Alabama currently uses a resource-based Foundation Program and contrasts this with student-based funding used in most other states. The Legislature must deliver the study findings and any proposed legislation to the Governor and legislative leaders by February 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• K-12 students in Alabama, as the study could influence how funding is allocated based on student needs and characteristics
• Public school districts and their administrators, who would need to plan for potential funding model changes and transition costs
• Local property taxpayers and school systems, since local funding (via property taxes) interacts with any statewide funding model
• State lawmakers and education policymakers, who will study, debate, and potentially draft new laws following the findings
• Students with disabilities, English learners, low-income students, and other identified needs, as the student-based model may address funding for these groups

Key Provisions

• Directs the Legislature to conduct a study to modernize the K-12 funding model from a resource-based system to a student-based funding model, including the costs associated with transitioning and any required changes in law
• Requires the study to identify and analyze necessary changes in statute to implement a new funding framework that supports meaningful education for Alabama's K-12 students
• Requires the findings and any proposed legislation to be delivered to the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate by February 1, 2025

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

Subjects

Resolutions