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

HB216 would require some Alabama public schools to display Ten Commandments posters with a context statement in certain classrooms and common areas, funded only if donations are available.

What This Bill Does

Starting January 1, 2027, local boards of education must display a poster or framed document about the Ten Commandments and related historical materials in fifth- through twelfth-grade US history classrooms and in common areas of each school, but only if donated funds or donated displays cover the cost. The poster must be at least 11x14 inches, have an approved layout, and include the Ten Commandments, founding documents, and a context statement, along with a disclaimer that personal faith is up to students and families. The State Department of Education will identify free resources to help schools comply, and the State Board of Education may adopt rules to implement the act; the bill does not require schools to spend money. The act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Local boards of education and public schools: must display the poster in designated locations starting in 2027, contingent on donations, and may use donated resources or displays.
• Students and school communities (especially grades 5-12 and those using common areas): will encounter the Ten Commandments poster and contextual material in classrooms and spaces.
• Donors and organizations providing funds or displays: may fund or supply the posters to meet the requirement.
• State Department of Education: to identify and publish free resources to help boards comply.
• State Board of Education: may adopt rules to implement the act.

Key Provisions

• Requires local boards to display the Ten Commandments and a context statement in 5th-12th grade US history classrooms and in school common areas (excluding K-4), starting Jan 1, 2027, contingent on donated funds or donated displays.
• Poster must be at least 11x14 inches, layout approved by the State Superintendent, and include: the Ten Commandments, America’s founding documents, a contextual explanation, and a disclaimer about personal faith.
• The display includes a section titled 'Historical Truths' with the Ten Commandments and related historical content, referencing founding-era documents and historical figures; includes disclaimers to avoid implying state endorsement of religion.
• Local boards may accept donated funds or donated displays; the act does not create an unfunded mandate and the Department of Education will identify free resources and publish them online to aid compliance.
• The State Board of Education may adopt rules to implement the act; effective date is October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 4, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education