House Bill 178 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 5, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Danny GarrettRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Public K-12 education; process for the consolidation of city school systems provided
Summary: HB178 creates a formal process for two or more city boards of education in Alabama to consolidate into one city school system, with rules to implement.
What This Bill Does
Two or more contiguous city boards can adopt an agreement to consolidate under one remaining board, detailing debt payment, who remains, who is abolished, and when consolidation happens. A formal resolution and minutes record this plan. If a protest is filed by 25% of qualified electors within 30 days, the consolidation may only proceed if a majority in a subsequent referendum approves it; the referendum is scheduled by the judge of probate and conducted like a regular city election, with ballots reading 'For Consolidation' or 'Against Consolidation'. If approved, the remaining board administers the consolidated schools and the other boards are abolished; if not, consolidation does not occur. The State Board of Education would adopt implementing rules, and the act takes effect October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects
City boards of education in neighboring cities that choose to consolidate would determine debt handling and which board remains; the consolidation would change governance and administration.
Voters within the affected city school systems would decide the consolidation in a referendum and, if approved, authorize the unified board to administer the consolidated schools.

Key Provisions
Creates a process for two or more contiguous city boards to consolidate under one remaining board, with a formal agreement and resolution detailing debt payments, the remaining board, abolished boards, and implementation timeline.
Provides a protest mechanism: 25% of qualified electors can protest within 30 days; consolidation proceeds only with a majority vote in a combined territory referendum.
If approved, the remaining board administers the consolidated schools; abolished boards' obligations continue as specified, and the remaining board may compel execution of contracts.
State Board of Education must adopt implementing rules.
Effective date is October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Education