SB34 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes KitchensSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Imagination Library of Alabama Program, Department of Early Childhood Education to administer through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Summary

SB34 creates the Imagination Library of Alabama Program under the Department of Early Childhood Education to provide free monthly books to Alabama children birth through age five through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, funded by state, local, and donor contributions coordinated by a nonprofit.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Imagination Library of Alabama Program and designates a nonprofit 501(c)(3) to operate it in coordination with the Department of Early Childhood Education. It would provide one age-appropriate book per month to each registered child from birth to five in participating counties, delivered to the home at no cost to families. It creates the Imagination Library of Alabama Fund in the State Treasury to receive gifts, grants, and other funds, and sets a 50/50 funding match between the state and local partners, with local affiliates providing the other half. It requires DECE oversight of the nonprofit, annual public reporting on program metrics, and rulemaking authority; the program would take effect October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Registered children birth to five in participating counties will receive a free monthly book.
• Local Dolly Parton's Imagination Library affiliates, the coordinating nonprofit, donors, and participating families and communities will be involved in funding, administration, and outreach.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Imagination Library of Alabama Fund in the State Treasury to manage donations and funding for the program.
• Establishes a state program within the Department of Early Childhood Education and designates a nonprofit 501(c)(3) to operate the state program.
• Provides one free, age-appropriate book per month to each registered child from birth to five in participating counties.
• Implements a 50/50 funding match: the state funds cover half of the local program costs and local affiliates cover the other half; the fund may receive gifts, grants, donations, appropriations, and other funding.
• DECE oversight of the nonprofit, including promoting statewide expansion, increasing enrollment, community engagement, public awareness campaigns, and administration of the local match and mailing costs.
• Annual public reporting on local programs, enrollment, books provided, and partners; DECE may adopt rules for program administration.
• Effective date: 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