House Bill 216 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mark GidleyRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Ten Commandments; required to be displayed in certain public schools, subject to the availability of donations

Summary

Requires Alabama public schools to display Ten Commandments with a contextual statement in certain classrooms and common areas, funded only by donations, starting in 2027.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill would require local boards of education to display a Ten Commandments poster with a context statement in 5th–12th grade history classrooms and in common areas of schools that serve 5th grade or above, beginning January 1, 2027, provided donations cover the cost. The poster must meet size and design requirements and include educational content about the Ten Commandments and founding documents, plus a note that personal faith choices are up to students and families. It also directs the State Department of Education to identify free resources to help districts comply and allows the State Board of Education to adopt implementing rules. The act does not require districts to spend local funds to comply and emphasizes donation-based funding for displays.

Who It Affects

• Students in grades 5–12 in Alabama public schools would see Ten Commandments posters with context in their history classes and in school common areas, if donations are available to fund them.
• Local boards of education and school staff would administer the program, manage donated funds or displays, ensure posters meet the specified size/design, and coordinate with the Department of Education for free compliance resources.

Key Provisions

• Requires local boards to display a poster or framed document of the Ten Commandments and a context statement in 5th–12th grade history classrooms and school common areas serving 5th grade or above, starting January 1, 2027, contingent on donated funds or donated displays.
• Posters must be at least 11 by 14 inches, with layout/design approved by the State Superintendent of Education, and must include specific content about the Ten Commandments and America's founding documents, plus a note that personal faith is up to students and families.
• Funding for the displays is to come from donations; the act does not mandate districts to spend local funds.
• The State Department of Education must identify free resources for compliance and publish them on its website; the State Board of Education may adopt rules to implement the section.
• Effective date of the act 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