House Bill 306 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rick RehmRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Teacher certification; Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate established

Summary

The bill would create a Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate that allows certain military veterans to teach in K-12 fields that normally require a bachelor’s degree, with mentoring and a path to a professional certificate.

What This Bill Does

The State Board of Education could issue a Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate to veterans who meet specific requirements to teach in fields that normally require a bachelor's degree. Applicants must have 48 months of active duty service with an honorable discharge or medical separation, pass a background check, be recommended by a local education official, and meet admission criteria (60 college credits with a 2.5 GPA and a Praxis content test, plus any other Board-set criteria). The temporary certificate is valid for five school years, nonrenewable, and comes with a required mentoring period of at least two years or participation in the Alabama Teacher Mentor Program; recipients are told when it expires and how to qualify for a professional certificate. The Board would adopt rules to implement the program, and the measure would take effect October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Military veterans seeking teaching roles who meet the criteria and could receive a temporary certificate to teach in eligible fields.
• School districts, local superintendents, private K-12 administrators, and the State Department of Education responsible for issuing certificates, mentoring, and enforcing eligibility and program rules.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate for fields that normally require a bachelor's degree.
• Requires 48 months of active-duty military service, honorable discharge or medical separation, background check, and local recommendation for eligibility.
• Admits specific admission criteria: 60 college credits with 2.5 GPA, Praxis content test, and other Board criteria; five-year, nonrenewable certificate with a two-year mentoring requirement.
• The Board must adopt implementing rules; effective date is October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education