Bill > SB166

This bill requires all public K-12 schools and public higher education institutions in Alabama to display the Ten Commandments in a common area, such as an entryway or library, by January 1, 2026. The display must be on a poster or framed document at least 11 inches by 14 inches, with the full text of the Ten Commandments printed in a large, easily readable font. The bill includes a detailed historical context statement explaining the historical significance of the Ten Commandments in American public education, referencing its presence in early textbooks like the New England Primer and McGuffey Readers. Schools are encouraged to display additional historical documents like the Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, and Northwest Ordinance alongside the Ten Commandments. To avoid financial burden, schools can accept donated funds or displays, and the State Department of Education and Alabama Commission on Higher Education are tasked with identifying free resources to help schools comply. The bill cites several Supreme Court cases that suggest displaying the Ten Commandments on public property is permissible, and argues that the display represents historical and cultural heritage. The legislation is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and is intended to help students understand foundational documents of American government.