Senate Bill 99 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Keith KelleySenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

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

Summary

SB99 would require certain Alabama public schools to display the Ten Commandments with a contextual statement in designated classrooms and common areas, funded by donated displays or funds and supported by state resources.

What This Bill Does

Requires local boards to display a poster or framed document containing the Ten Commandments and a context statement in grades 5–12 U.S. history classrooms and in common areas of schools serving 5th grade and above, beginning January 1, 2027, and only if donations are available. The act becomes effective October 1, 2026. The poster must be at least 11 by 14 inches, its layout must be approved by the State Superintendent, and it must include historical truths about the Ten Commandments and America's founding documents, plus notes clarifying the Establishment Clause and that personal beliefs are left to students and families. The State Department of Education will identify free resources to help districts comply and publish them online; the State Board of Education may adopt rules to implement the act.

Who It Affects

• Students in grades 5–12 attending Alabama public schools will be exposed to Ten Commandments displays and contextual information in US history classrooms and common areas.
• Local boards of education and school districts that operate those schools must implement the display program, manage donations or donated displays, ensure posters meet size and content requirements, and coordinate with state resources.

Key Provisions

• Display requirements: starting January 1, 2027, an 11x14 inch poster or framed document must be displayed in each 5th–12th grade US history classroom and in common areas of schools serving grades 5 and above, funded by donations or donated displays, with layout approved by the State Superintendent and including Ten Commandments and founding documents with contextual language.
• Governance and resources: the Department of Education must identify free resources to assist compliance and publish them online; the State Board of Education may adopt rules to implement the act; the statute clarifies there is no mandatory district expenditure and donations may cover the costs.

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