House Bill 540 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Teacher certification; American History and Civics Initiative, created within the Department of Education; online course of study and endorsement for high school teachers, provided for; one-time stipend, provided for; State Board of Education, required to adopt rules

Summary

Creates the American History and Civics Excellence Initiative to certify teachers with a Seal of Excellence Endorsement after completing an online course, with a potential one-time stipend.

What This Bill Does

The bill establishes the American History and Civics Excellence Initiative within the Department of Education and offers an online 50-hour course that covers the philosophical underpinnings of the American Republic, civic participation, and citizens' rights and responsibilities. Teachers who complete the course can apply to receive the Endorsement on their Alabama Teaching Certification. If funding is available, eligible teachers who obtain the endorsement could also receive a one-time $3,000 stipend, managed by a program director appointed by the State Superintendent and confirmed by the Senate. The State Board of Education would oversee the initiative, approve the endorsement, and adopt rules to run the program.

Who It Affects

• High school teachers with Alabama Teacher Certificates who choose to take the course to earn the Endorsement and possible stipend
• Alabama Department of Education, State Superintendent, and State Board of Education who administer and oversee the program
• School districts and students, potentially benefiting from more teachers with the Endorsement
• Legislature and taxpayers, through appropriations for the stipend

Key Provisions

• Establishes the American History and Civics Excellence Initiative within the Department of Education
• Provides an online course of study (minimum 50 hours) for high school teachers
• Course topics include the philosophical underpinnings of the American Republic, civic participation, and citizens' rights and responsibilities
• State Superintendent appoints a program director, subject to Senate confirmation
• State Board of Education approves the endorsement and oversees the initiative; adopts rules
• Teachers completing the course and earning the endorsement may apply for a one-time $3,000 stipend (subject to appropriation)
• Stipend funding must be budgeted under the Budget Management Act and limited to appropriations
• Separate application forms will be created for endorsement and stipend
• Effective date: October 1, 2026

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 3, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education