Bill > HB178

This bill requires public K-12 schools in Alabama to display the Ten Commandments in common areas like entryways, cafeterias, and libraries, as well as in classrooms where U.S. history is taught, starting January 1, 2026. The bill provides a detailed rationale emphasizing the historical significance of the Ten Commandments in Western civilization and American founding documents, arguing that the display will help students understand the cultural and legal foundations of the United States. The poster or framed document must be at least 11 by 14 inches, include a specific text explaining the historical context of the Ten Commandments, and be approved by the State Superintendent of Education. Importantly, schools are not required to use their own funds to purchase these displays; instead, they can accept donated funds or displays. The bill frames the display as an educational tool to promote historical understanding, noting that it does not establish a state religion and referencing various historical documents that mention God and religious principles. The legislation is designed to be implemented at no cost to local school districts, with the State Department of Education tasked with identifying free resources for compliance. The bill is set to become effective on October 1, 2025.

Education

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search