Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB266 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

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1		-	~~HB266ENGROSSED~~
	1	+	HB266INTRODUCED
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3	3		HB266
4		-	~~5VLQH66-2~~
	4	+	NINVJ8J-1
5	5		By Representatives Woods, Bolton, Stadthagen, Colvin, Almond,
6	6		Hulsey, Shaw, Lipscomb, Rehm, Hammett, Underwood, Brinyark,
7	7		Robertson, Faulkner, Kirkland, Pettus, Drummond, Stubbs,
8	8		Daniels, Sellers, Wadsworth, Brown, Standridge, Estes,
9	9		Starnes, Shirey, Lamb, Mooney, Rigsby, DuBose, Lomax
10	10		RFD: Education Policy
11	11		First Read: 12-Feb-25
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20		-	9 ~~HB266 Engrossed~~
	20	+	9 NINVJ8J-1 02/03/2025 KMS (L)cr 2024-2686
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22	22		First Read: 12-Feb-25
23		-	A BILL
24		-	TO BE ENTITLED
25		-	AN ACT
26		-	Relating to public education; to create the Restoring
27		-	Educational Advancement of Completing High School (REACH) Act;
28		-	to establish a nontraditional high school diploma option,
29		-	through the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community
30		-	College System, as an additional pathway through which a
31		-	student may earn a high school diploma; to provide for the
32		-	duties of the Alabama Community College System, the State
33		-	Superintendent of Education, and the State Department of
34		-	Education; to require the Alabama Community College System to
35		-	annually summarize and report on the effectiveness of the
36		-	program to the Legislature; to amend Section 16-28-3.1, Code
37		-	of Alabama 1975, to provide further for the information
38		-	provided to a student and his or her parents or legal guardian
39		-	during the exit interview from high school and to require the
40		-	sharing of data between the State Department of Education and
41		-	the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community College
42		-	System regarding students who have withdrawn from high school;
43		-	and to amend Section 16-28-40, Code of Alabama 1975, to
44		-	include proof of participating in a nontraditional high school
	23	+	SYNOPSIS:
	24	+	Under existing law, there are limited
	25	+	alternative pathways through which a student who has
	26	+	withdrawn from high school may earn a high school
	27	+	diploma or its recognized equivalent.
	28	+	This bill would create the Restoring Educational
	29	+	Advancement of Completing High School (REACH) Act and
	30	+	would provide for a nontraditional high school diploma
	31	+	option and program as an additional means through which
	32	+	a student who withdraws from high school before
	33	+	graduation may obtain a traditional high school diploma
	34	+	through the Adult Education Division of the Alabama
	35	+	Community College System.
	36	+	This bill would require certain information to
	37	+	be provided to a student during the high school exit
	38	+	interview.
	39	+	This bill would require the sharing of data
	40	+	between the State Department of Education and the Adult
	41	+	Education Division of the Alabama Community College
	42	+	System regarding students who have withdrawn from high
	43	+	school.
	44	+	This bill would also include proof of
	45	+	participating in a nontraditional high school diploma
	46	+	option program as a reason to allow an individual under
	47	+	the age of 19 to receive a driver's license or
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72		-	28 HB266 ~~Engrossed~~
	75	+	28 HB266 INTRODUCED
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	77	+	the age of 19 to receive a driver's license or
	78	+	learner's license.
	79	+	A BILL
	80	+	TO BE ENTITLED
	81	+	AN ACT
	82	+	Relating to public education; to create the Restoring
	83	+	Educational Advancement of Completing High School (REACH) Act;
	84	+	to establish a nontraditional high school diploma option,
	85	+	through the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community
	86	+	College System, as an additional pathway through which a
	87	+	student may earn a high school diploma; to provide for the
	88	+	duties of the Alabama Community College System, the State
	89	+	Superintendent of Education, and the State Department of
	90	+	Education; to require the Alabama Community College System to
	91	+	annually summarize and report on the effectiveness of the
	92	+	program to the Legislature; to amend Section 16-28-3.1, Code
	93	+	of Alabama 1975, to provide further for the information
	94	+	provided to a student and his or her parents or legal guardian
	95	+	during the exit interview from high school and to require the
	96	+	sharing of data between the State Department of Education and
	97	+	the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community College
	98	+	System regarding students who have withdrawn from high school;
	99	+	and to amend Section 16-28-40, Code of Alabama 1975, to
74	100		include proof of participating in a nontraditional high school
75	101		diploma option program as a reason to allow an individual
76		-	under the age of 19 to receive a driver's or learner's
77		-	license.
78		-	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
79		-	Section 1. (a) This section shall be known and may be
80		-	cited as the Restoring Educational Advancement of Completing
81		-	High School (REACH) Act.
82		-	(b) For the purposes of this section, the following
83		-	terms have the following meanings:
84		-	(1) ACCS. The Alabama Community College System.
85		-	(2) ADULT EDUCATION. Education programs provided
86		-	through the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community
87		-	College System and its approved network of providers.
88		-	(3) DEPARTMENT. The State Department of Education.
89		-	(4) LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCY. A county school system or
90		-	city school system operating public primary and secondary
91		-	schools.
92		-	(5) NONTRADITONAL HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OPTION. An
93		-	alternative pathway for earning a high school diploma
94		-	developed through adult education.
95		-	(c)(1) The ACCS, in collaboration with the State
96		-	Superintendent of Education, shall establish a nontraditional
97		-	high school diploma option for students who are 18 years of
98		-	age or older and who have withdrawn from high school before
99		-	graduating pursuant to Section 16-28-3.1, Code of Alabama
100		-	1975, as a means for those students to earn a high school
101		-	diploma.
102		-	(2) The ACCS shall develop, implement, and continually
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130		-	56 HB266 ~~Engrossed~~
	129	+	56 HB266 INTRODUCED
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	131	+	diploma option program as a reason to allow an individual
	132	+	under the age of 19 to receive a driver's or learner's
	133	+	license.
	134	+	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
	135	+	Section 1. (a) This section shall be known and may be
	136	+	cited as the Restoring Educational Advancement of Completing
	137	+	High School (REACH) Act.
	138	+	(b) For the purposes of this section, the following
	139	+	terms have the following meanings:
	140	+	(1) ACCS. The Alabama Community College System.
	141	+	(2) ADULT EDUCATION. Education programs provided
	142	+	through the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community
	143	+	College System and its approved network of providers.
	144	+	(3) DEPARTMENT. The State Department of Education.
	145	+	(4) LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCY. A county school system or
	146	+	city school system operating public primary and secondary
	147	+	schools.
	148	+	(5) NONTRADITONAL HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OPTION. An
	149	+	alternative pathway for earning a high school diploma
	150	+	developed through adult education.
	151	+	(c)(1) The ACCS, in collaboration with the State
	152	+	Superintendent of Education, shall establish a nontraditional
	153	+	high school diploma option for students who are 17 years of
	154	+	age or older and who have withdrawn from high school before
	155	+	graduating pursuant to Section 16-28-3.1, Code of Alabama
	156	+	1975, as a means for those students to earn a high school
	157	+	diploma.
132	158		(2) The ACCS shall develop, implement, and continually
133	159		evaluate the effectiveness of the nontraditional high school
134		-	diploma option program to ensure that the curricula of the
135		-	program is aligned with public high school diploma
136		-	requirements. The ACCS shall also oversee the management and
137		-	control of each nontraditional high school diploma option
138		-	program offered.
139		-	(d)(1) The ACCS, through its network of community and
140		-	technical colleges, shall work with local education agencies
141		-	throughout the state to implement the nontraditional high
142		-	school diploma option at the local level. Local education
143		-	agencies shall actively promote the availability of the
144		-	nontraditional high school diploma option to at-risk juniors
145		-	and seniors. Additionally, the Adult Education Division of the
146		-	ACCS, in conjunction with the department, shall oversee a
147		-	statewide awareness campaign to ensure that students, parents,
148		-	and educators throughout the state are informed about the
149		-	opportunities and supports available through this program.
150		-	(2) Adult education providers approved by the ACCS and
151		-	public high schools may enter into agreements regarding
152		-	student participation in nontraditional high school diploma
153		-	options that include, but are not limited to, the following:
154		-	a. Location and manner of instructional delivery
155		-	including, but not limited to, in-person, virtual, or a
156		-	hybrid.
157		-	b. Reasonable accomodations for participants.
158		-	c. Appropriate support services for participants.
159		-	(e)(1) A student who withdraws from high school, and,
160		-	within one year after withdrawing enrolls in a nontraditional
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	187	+	84 HB266 INTRODUCED
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190		-	within one year after withdrawing enrolls in a nontraditional
191		-	high school diploma option program, may not be counted as a
192		-	dropout for purposes of the graduation rate calculations of
193		-	his or her high school on the State Report Card.
194		-	(2) The ACCS, in collaboration with the department and
	189	+	evaluate the effectiveness of the nontraditional high school
	190	+	diploma option program to ensure that the curricula of the
	191	+	program is aligned with public high school diploma
	192	+	requirements. The ACCS shall also oversee the management and
	193	+	control of each nontraditional high school diploma option
	194	+	program offered.
	195	+	(d)(1) The ACCS, through its network of community and
	196	+	technical colleges, shall work with local education agencies
	197	+	throughout the state to implement the nontraditional high
	198	+	school diploma option at the local level. Local education
	199	+	agencies shall actively promote the availability of the
	200	+	nontraditional high school diploma option to at-risk juniors
	201	+	and seniors. Additionally, the Adult Education Division of the
	202	+	ACCS, in conjunction with the department, shall oversee a
	203	+	statewide awareness campaign to ensure that students, parents,
	204	+	and educators throughout the state are informed about the
	205	+	opportunities and supports available through this program.
	206	+	(2) Adult education providers approved by the ACCS and
	207	+	public high schools may enter into agreements regarding
	208	+	student participation in nontraditional high school diploma
	209	+	options that include, but are not limited to, the following:
	210	+	a. Location and manner of instructional delivery
	211	+	including, but not limited to, in-person, virtual, or a
	212	+	hybrid.
	213	+	b. Reasonable accomodations for participants.
	214	+	c. Appropriate support services for participants.
	215	+	(e) The ACCS, in collaboration with the department and
195	216		local education agencies, shall track program participation,
196	217		student retention, and high school diplomas awarded through
197		-	the nontraditional high school diploma option to measure the
198		-	effectiveness of the program. Commencing on January 1, 2026,
199		-	and each January 1 thereafter, the Chancellor of the ACCS
200		-	shall submit a summary of the information tracked to the
201		-	Chairs of the House and Senate Education Policy Committees.
202		-	(f) Students who earn a high school diploma through the
203		-	nontraditional high school diploma option are eligible for
204		-	admission to any two-year or four-year institution of higher
205		-	education in the state; provided, however, each institution
206		-	shall maintain the ability to set its own admission
207		-	requirements.
208		-	(g) The Board of Trustees of the ACCS and the State
209		-	Board of Education may adopt reasonable rules to implement
210		-	this section including, but not limited to, the following:
211		-	(1) Allowing an increase to the credit ratio for
212		-	completion of postsecondary level instructional curricula
213		-	related to career readiness, career pathways, and integrated
214		-	education and training correlated to industry recognized
215		-	credentials.
216		-	(2) Utilization of the Workforce Innovation and
217		-	Opportunity Act; the Title II Adult Education and Family
218		-	Literacy Act; and Measurable Skill Gain indicators as
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	245	+	112 HB266 INTRODUCED
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	247	+	student retention, and high school diplomas awarded through
	248	+	the nontraditional high school diploma option to measure the
	249	+	effectiveness of the program. Commencing on January 1, 2026,
	250	+	and each January 1 thereafter, the Chancellor of the ACCS
	251	+	shall submit a summary of the information tracked to the
	252	+	Chairs of the House and Senate Education Policy Committees.
	253	+	(f) Students who earn a high school diploma through the
	254	+	nontraditional high school diploma option are eligible for
	255	+	admission to any two-year or four-year institution of higher
	256	+	education in the state; provided, however, each institution
	257	+	shall maintain the ability to set its own admission
	258	+	requirements.
	259	+	(g) The Board of Trustees of the ACCS and the State
	260	+	Board of Education may adopt reasonable rules to implement
	261	+	this section including, but not limited to, the following:
	262	+	(1) Allowing an increase to the credit ratio for
	263	+	completion of postsecondary level instructional curricula
	264	+	related to career readiness, career pathways, and integrated
	265	+	education and training correlated to industry recognized
	266	+	credentials.
	267	+	(2) Utilization of the Workforce Innovation and
	268	+	Opportunity Act; the Title II Adult Education and Family
248	269		Literacy Act; and Measurable Skill Gain indicators as
249	270		referenced by the United States Department of Education Office
250	271		of Community, Technical, and Adult Education to accelerate the
251	272		achievement of a high school diploma.
252	273		(3) Agreed upon state strategies to reduce the dropout
253	274		rate by using the Adult Education Division of the Alabama
254	275		Community College System network of providers as the primary
255		-	option of choice for students who have withdrawn from high
256		-	school to complete a high school diploma or its recognized
257		-	equivalent.
258		-	Section 2. Sections 16-28-3.1 and 16-28-40 of the Code
259		-	of Alabama 1975, are amended to read as follows:
260		-	"§16-28-3.1
261		-	(a)(1) A child over the age of who is 17 years of age
262		-	or older may withdraw from public school prior to graduation
263		-	if both of the following circumstances exist:
264		-	(1)a. Written consent is granted by the child's parent
265		-	or legal guardian.
266		-	(2)b. An exit interview is conducted where the student
267		-	and the student's parent or legal guardian have been advised
268		-	that withdrawal from school shall likely reduce the student's
269		-	future earning potential and increase the student's likelihood
270		-	of being unemployed in the future. During the exit interview,
271		-	the student who is withdrawing from school shall be given
272		-	information that has been prepared and supplied by the State
273		-	Department of Education regarding the detrimental impacts and
274		-	effects of early withdrawal from school along with any
275		-	available training and employment opportunity programs,
276		-	provided such information is available.
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	303	+	140 HB266 INTRODUCED
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	305	+	Community College System network of providers as the primary
	306	+	option of choice for students who have withdrawn from high
	307	+	school to complete a high school diploma or its recognized
	308	+	equivalent.
	309	+	Section 2. Sections 16-28-3.1 and 16-28-40 of the Code
	310	+	of Alabama 1975, are amended to read as follows:
	311	+	"§16-28-3.1
	312	+	(a)(1) A child over the age of who is 17 years of age
	313	+	or older may withdraw from public school prior to graduation
	314	+	if both of the following circumstances exist:
	315	+	(1)a. Written consent is granted by the child's parent
	316	+	or legal guardian.
	317	+	(2)b. An exit interview is conducted where the student
	318	+	and the student's parent or legal guardian have been advised
	319	+	that withdrawal from school shall likely reduce the student's
	320	+	future earning potential and increase the student's likelihood
	321	+	of being unemployed in the future. During the exit interview,
	322	+	the student who is withdrawing from school shall be given
	323	+	information that has been prepared and supplied by the State
	324	+	Department of Education regarding the detrimental impacts and
	325	+	effects of early withdrawal from school along with any
	326	+	available training and employment opportunity programs,
306	327		provided such information is available.
307	328		(2) Information provided during an exit interview by a
308	329		local high school shall include materials describing available
309	330		adult education programs and services offered by eligible
310	331		adult education providers. The materials shall include, but
311	332		not limited to, General Education Diploma (GED) preparation
312	333		services, the nontraditional high school diploma option
313		-	program, and other programs and pathways available for earning
314		-	industry certifications and credentials. The materials shall
315		-	be developed by the Adult Education Division of the Alabama
316		-	Community College System and approved by the State Department
317		-	of Education. The local high school shall also provide a
318		-	withdrawing student with a copy of his or her academic
319		-	records, including his or her current transcript, contact
320		-	information for available counseling services, and any
321		-	requested referrals to available adult education programs.
322		-	(b) The State Department of Education shall work with
323		-	local public school systems that have the lowest four-year
324		-	graduation rates. The department State Department of Education
325		-	shall incorporate specific dropout prevention strategies,
326		-	target resources, and gather data that will improve graduation
327		-	rates and educational outcomes in all grades in all public
328		-	schools. The department State Department of Education shall
329		-	develop specific methods of targeted intervention or identify
330		-	appropriate existing methods for local public school systems
331		-	that have a four-year graduation rate less than the percentage
332		-	as determined by the State Board of Education. These
333		-	interventions may include the following:
334		-	(1) Early intervention for students who fail Algebra I,
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	363	+	services, the nontraditional high school diploma option
	364	+	program, and other programs and pathways available for earning
	365	+	industry certifications and credentials. The materials shall
	366	+	be developed by the Adult Education Division of the Alabama
	367	+	Community College System and approved by the State Department
	368	+	of Education. The local high school shall also provide a
	369	+	withdrawing student with a copy of his or her academic
	370	+	records, including his or her current transcript, contact
	371	+	information for available counseling services, and any
	372	+	requested referrals to available adult education programs.
	373	+	(b) The State Department of Education shall work with
	374	+	local public school systems that have the lowest four-year
	375	+	graduation rates. The department State Department of Education
	376	+	shall incorporate specific dropout prevention strategies,
	377	+	target resources, and gather data that will improve graduation
	378	+	rates and educational outcomes in all grades in all public
	379	+	schools. The department State Department of Education shall
	380	+	develop specific methods of targeted intervention or identify
	381	+	appropriate existing methods for local public school systems
	382	+	that have a four-year graduation rate less than the percentage
	383	+	as determined by the State Board of Education. These
	384	+	interventions may include the following:
364	385		(1) Early intervention for students who fail Algebra I,
365	386		or any ninth grade reading or math class, and have
366	387		insufficient credits to be promoted.
367	388		(2) Alternative education programs designed to reengage
368	389		dropouts including, but not limited to, dual enrollment
369	390		courses at the community college level and participation in
370	391		the nontraditional high school diploma option .
371		-	(3) Increased availability of advanced placement
372		-	courses.
373		-	(4) Offering full course fee waivers for students who
374		-	are eligible for free or reduced lunches, when enrolled in
375		-	dual credit courses.
376		-	(5) Flexible programs for older students who are
377		-	currently not enrolled.
378		-	(6) Comprehensive coaching for middle school and high
379		-	school students who are below grade level in reading and math
380		-	or who are at risk due to poor attendance, behavior, or safety
381		-	issues including, but not limited to, harassment and bullying.
382		-	(7) Teacher advisories and other supports that are
383		-	designed to specifically address the needs of those students
384		-	who are most at risk of dropping out of school by providing
385		-	opportunities to build positive connections with peers and
386		-	teachers and providing assistance with course selection,
387		-	school performance, and completion of graduation requirements.
388		-	Students who are most at risk of dropping out of school
389		-	include, but are not limited to, those students who move
390		-	often, have poor attendance, or have multiple suspensions or
391		-	discipline issues.
392		-	(8) Strategies that are specifically designed to
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420		-	196 HB266 ~~Engrossed~~
	419	+	196 HB266 INTRODUCED
421	420		Page 8
	421	+	the nontraditional high school diploma option .
	422	+	(3) Increased availability of advanced placement
	423	+	courses.
	424	+	(4) Offering full course fee waivers for students who
	425	+	are eligible for free or reduced lunches, when enrolled in
	426	+	dual credit courses.
	427	+	(5) Flexible programs for older students who are
	428	+	currently not enrolled.
	429	+	(6) Comprehensive coaching for middle school and high
	430	+	school students who are below grade level in reading and math
	431	+	or who are at risk due to poor attendance, behavior, or safety
	432	+	issues including, but not limited to, harassment and bullying.
	433	+	(7) Teacher advisories and other supports that are
	434	+	designed to specifically address the needs of those students
	435	+	who are most at risk of dropping out of school by providing
	436	+	opportunities to build positive connections with peers and
	437	+	teachers and providing assistance with course selection,
	438	+	school performance, and completion of graduation requirements.
	439	+	Students who are most at risk of dropping out of school
	440	+	include, but are not limited to, those students who move
	441	+	often, have poor attendance, or have multiple suspensions or
	442	+	discipline issues.
422	443		(8) Strategies that are specifically designed to
423	444		improve high school graduation rates for those teenagers who
424	445		are at the highest risk of dropping out, including, but not
425	446		limited to, students in the foster care system, pregnant
426	447		students, student parents, English as second language
427	448		students, and students with special educational needs.
428	449		(c) The department State Department of Education , in
429		-	addition to other information and data, shall compile all of
430		-	the following data to ensure that the dropout prevention
431		-	program, and local versions of the program, are based upon
432		-	evidence-based research, are data-driven, and show continuous
433		-	improvement in all of the following :
434		-	(1) The total number of high school suspensions related
435		-	to truancy.
436		-	(2) The total number of students enrolled in
437		-	alternative education programs , including the nontraditional
438		-	high school diploma option .
439		-	(3) The total number of students who have been
440		-	reenrolled in programs with flexible schedules or community
441		-	college programs.
442		-	(4) The total number of students who have failed
443		-	Algebra I or ninth grade reading or math.
444		-	(5) The total number of students who are repeating the
445		-	ninth grade.
446		-	(6) The total number of students receiving remedial
447		-	assistance in the ninth grade.
448		-	(d) The department State Department of Education shall
449		-	prepare and submit to the Legislature a written report that
450		-	documents all of the following:
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	477	+	224 HB266 INTRODUCED
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	479	+	(c) The department State Department of Education , in
	480	+	addition to other information and data, shall compile all of
	481	+	the following data to ensure that the dropout prevention
	482	+	program, and local versions of the program, are based upon
	483	+	evidence-based research, are data-driven, and show continuous
	484	+	improvement in all of the following :
	485	+	(1) The total number of high school suspensions related
	486	+	to truancy.
	487	+	(2) The total number of students enrolled in
	488	+	alternative education programs , including the nontraditional
	489	+	high school diploma option .
	490	+	(3) The total number of students who have been
	491	+	reenrolled in programs with flexible schedules or community
	492	+	college programs.
	493	+	(4) The total number of students who have failed
	494	+	Algebra I or ninth grade reading or math.
	495	+	(5) The total number of students who are repeating the
	496	+	ninth grade.
	497	+	(6) The total number of students receiving remedial
	498	+	assistance in the ninth grade.
	499	+	(d) The department State Department of Education shall
	500	+	prepare and submit to the Legislature a written report that
480	501		documents all of the following:
481	502		(1) The outcomes of the dropout prevention strategies
482	503		to date, at the local school system level.
483	504		(2) Any planned modification of school system dropout
484	505		prevention strategies and activities, based on the data
485	506		compiled.
486	507		(e) Each local education agency shall report to the
487		-	State Department of Education, on a quarterly or more frequent
488		-	basis, student withdrawal data. This data shall include
489		-	specific information regarding the names and number of
490		-	students who have withdrawn from each school district. The
491		-	State Department of Education shall enter into a data sharing
492		-	agreement with the Adult Education Division of the Alabama
493		-	Community College System so this data may be accessed as
494		-	needed."
495		-	"§16-28-40
496		-	(a) The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency shall deny
497		-	a driver's license or a learner's license for the operation of
498		-	a motor vehicle to any individual under the age of 19 who does
499		-	not, at the time of application, present a diploma or other
500		-	certificate of graduation issued to the individual from a
501		-	secondary high school of this state or any other state, or
502		-	documentation that the individual satisfies one of the
503		-	following:
504		-	(1) The individual is enrolled and making satisfactory
505		-	progress in a nontraditional high school diploma option
506		-	program or a course leading to a general educational
507		-	development certificate (GED) from a state approved
508		-	institution or organization, or has obtained the certificate.
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	535	+	252 HB266 INTRODUCED
537	536		Page 10
	537	+	(e) Each local education agency shall report to the
	538	+	State Department of Education, on a quarterly or more frequent
	539	+	basis, student withdrawal data. This data shall include
	540	+	specific information regarding the names and number of
	541	+	students who have withdrawn from each school district. The
	542	+	State Department of Education shall enter into a data sharing
	543	+	agreement with the Adult Education Division of the Alabama
	544	+	Community College System so this data may be accessed as
	545	+	needed."
	546	+	"§16-28-40
	547	+	(a) The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency shall deny
	548	+	a driver's license or a learner's license for the operation of
	549	+	a motor vehicle to any individual under the age of 19 who does
	550	+	not, at the time of application, present a diploma or other
	551	+	certificate of graduation issued to the individual from a
	552	+	secondary high school of this state or any other state, or
	553	+	documentation that the individual satisfies one of the
	554	+	following:
	555	+	(1) The individual is enrolled and making satisfactory
	556	+	progress in a nontraditional high school diploma option
	557	+	program or a course leading to a general educational
	558	+	development certificate (GED) from a state approved
538	559		institution or organization, or has obtained the certificate.
539	560		(2) The individual is enrolled in a secondary school of
540	561		this state or any other state and has not at the time of
541	562		application accumulated disciplinary points while a student in
542	563		school that would extend the age of eligibility for the
543	564		student to apply for a driver's license.
544	565		(3) The individual is participating in a job training
545		-	program approved by the State Superintendent of Education.
546		-	(4) The individual is gainfully and substantially
547		-	employed.
548		-	(5) The individual is a parent with the care and
549		-	custody of a minor or unborn child.
550		-	(6) A physician certifies that the parents of the
551		-	individual depend on him or her as their sole source of
552		-	transportation.
553		-	(7) The individual is exempted from this requirement
554		-	due to circumstances beyond his or her control as provided in
555		-	this chapter.
556		-	(b)(1) The attendance officer or chief attendance
557		-	administrator, upon request, shall provide documentation of
558		-	enrollment status and disciplinary points on a form approved
559		-	by the State Department of Education to any student 15 years
560		-	of age or older who is properly enrolled in a school under the
561		-	jurisdiction of the official, for presentation to the Alabama
562		-	State Law Enforcement Agency, on application for, or renewal
563		-	or reinstatement of, a driver's license or a learner's license
564		-	to operate a motor vehicle.
565		-	(2) Upon the request of a student seeking a fee
566		-	exemption on the basis of his or her homelessness, the staff
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	593	+	280 HB266 INTRODUCED
595	594		Page 11
	595	+	(3) The individual is participating in a job training
	596	+	program approved by the State Superintendent of Education.
	597	+	(4) The individual is gainfully and substantially
	598	+	employed.
	599	+	(5) The individual is a parent with the care and
	600	+	custody of a minor or unborn child.
	601	+	(6) A physician certifies that the parents of the
	602	+	individual depend on him or her as their sole source of
	603	+	transportation.
	604	+	(7) The individual is exempted from this requirement
	605	+	due to circumstances beyond his or her control as provided in
	606	+	this chapter.
	607	+	(b)(1) The attendance officer or chief attendance
	608	+	administrator, upon request, shall provide documentation of
	609	+	enrollment status and disciplinary points on a form approved
	610	+	by the State Department of Education to any student 15 years
	611	+	of age or older who is properly enrolled in a school under the
	612	+	jurisdiction of the official, for presentation to the Alabama
	613	+	State Law Enforcement Agency, on application for, or renewal
	614	+	or reinstatement of, a driver's license or a learner's license
	615	+	to operate a motor vehicle.
	616	+	(2) Upon the request of a student seeking a fee
596	617		exemption on the basis of his or her homelessness, the staff
597	618		member designated to act as the local educational agency
598	619		liaison for homeless children and youth, pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
599	620		§ 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii), shall provide documentation that the
600	621		student is a qualified student, on a form approved by the
601	622		State Department of Education, for presentation to the Alabama
602	623		State Law Enforcement Agency, on application for, or renewal,
603		-	reinstatement, or replacement of a driver's license. The term
604		-	"qualified student" refers to a student who the local
605		-	educational agency liaison for homeless children and youth
606		-	verifies as meeting the definition of a "homeless child or
607		-	youth" as provided by 42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2) and whose
608		-	enrollment status and disciplinary points have been documented
609		-	pursuant to subdivision (1).
610		-	(3) Whenever a student 16 years of age or older
611		-	withdraws from school, the attendance officer or chief
612		-	attendance administrator shall notify the Alabama State Law
613		-	Enforcement Agency of the withdrawal. Withdrawal shall be
614		-	defined as more than 10 consecutive or 15 days total unexcused
615		-	absences during a single semester.
616		-	(c) Within five days of receipt of a notice of
617		-	withdrawal, the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency shall
618		-	send notice to the licensee that his or her driver's license
619		-	or learner's license will be suspended under this article on
620		-	the 30th day following the date the notice was sent unless
621		-	documentation of compliance with this article is received by
622		-	the agency before the 30th day.
623		-	(d) Whenever the withdrawal from school of the student,
624		-	or the failure of the student to enroll in a course leading to
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	651	+	308 HB266 INTRODUCED
653	652		Page 12
	653	+	State Law Enforcement Agency, on application for, or renewal,
	654	+	reinstatement, or replacement of a driver's license. The term
	655	+	"qualified student" refers to a student who the local
	656	+	educational agency liaison for homeless children and youth
	657	+	verifies as meeting the definition of a "homeless child or
	658	+	youth" as provided by 42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2) and whose
	659	+	enrollment status and disciplinary points have been documented
	660	+	pursuant to subdivision (1).
	661	+	(3) Whenever a student 16 years of age or older
	662	+	withdraws from school, the attendance officer or chief
	663	+	attendance administrator shall notify the Alabama State Law
	664	+	Enforcement Agency of the withdrawal. Withdrawal shall be
	665	+	defined as more than 10 consecutive or 15 days total unexcused
	666	+	absences during a single semester.
	667	+	(c) Within five days of receipt of a notice of
	668	+	withdrawal, the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency shall
	669	+	send notice to the licensee that his or her driver's license
	670	+	or learner's license will be suspended under this article on
	671	+	the 30th day following the date the notice was sent unless
	672	+	documentation of compliance with this article is received by
	673	+	the agency before the 30th day.
	674	+	(d) Whenever the withdrawal from school of the student,
654	675		or the failure of the student to enroll in a course leading to
655	676		or to obtain a GED or high school diploma, is beyond the
656	677		control of the student, or is for the purpose of transfer to
657	678		another school as confirmed in writing by the parent or
658	679		guardian of the student, or is for the purpose of
659	680		participating in a job training program approved by the State
660	681		Superintendent of Education, no notice shall be sent by the
661		-	proper school official to the Alabama State Law Enforcement
662		-	Agency to suspend the license of the student. If the student
663		-	is applying for or renewing a driver's license or a learner's
664		-	license, the attendance officer or chief attendance
665		-	administrator, upon request, shall provide the student with
666		-	documentation to present to the Alabama State Law Enforcement
667		-	Agency to exempt the student from this section. The local
668		-	superintendent of education with the assistance of the county
669		-	or city school attendance director as the case may be, and any
670		-	other staff or school personnel, or the appropriate school
671		-	official of any private secondary school, shall be the sole
672		-	judge of whether the withdrawal is due to circumstances beyond
673		-	the control of the individual. Suspension or expulsion from
674		-	school or imprisonment in a jail or penitentiary is not a
675		-	circumstance beyond the control of a an individual.
676		-	(e)(1) Any individual over the age of 14 who is
677		-	convicted of the crime of possession of a pistol on the
678		-	premises of a public school, or a public school bus, or both,
679		-	under Section 13A-11-72 shall be denied issuance of a driver's
680		-	permit or license for the operation of a motor vehicle for 180
681		-	days from the date the individual is eligible and applies for
682		-	a permit or license for the operation of a motor vehicle. Any
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710		-	336 HB266 ~~Engrossed~~
	709	+	336 HB266 INTRODUCED
711	710		Page 13
	711	+	Superintendent of Education, no notice shall be sent by the
	712	+	proper school official to the Alabama State Law Enforcement
	713	+	Agency to suspend the license of the student. If the student
	714	+	is applying for or renewing a driver's license or a learner's
	715	+	license, the attendance officer or chief attendance
	716	+	administrator, upon request, shall provide the student with
	717	+	documentation to present to the Alabama State Law Enforcement
	718	+	Agency to exempt the student from this section. The local
	719	+	superintendent of education with the assistance of the county
	720	+	or city school attendance director as the case may be, and any
	721	+	other staff or school personnel, or the appropriate school
	722	+	official of any private secondary school, shall be the sole
	723	+	judge of whether the withdrawal is due to circumstances beyond
	724	+	the control of the individual. Suspension or expulsion from
	725	+	school or imprisonment in a jail or penitentiary is not a
	726	+	circumstance beyond the control of a an individual.
	727	+	(e)(1) Any individual over the age of 14 who is
	728	+	convicted of the crime of possession of a pistol on the
	729	+	premises of a public school, or a public school bus, or both,
	730	+	under Section 13A-11-72 shall be denied issuance of a driver's
	731	+	permit or license for the operation of a motor vehicle for 180
	732	+	days from the date the individual is eligible and applies for
712	733		a permit or license for the operation of a motor vehicle. Any
713	734		adjudication as a juvenile delinquent or youthful offender
714	735		where the underlying charge is the possession of a pistol on
715	736		the premises of a public school, or a public school bus, or
716	737		both, under Section 13A-11-72 shall be considered a conviction
717	738		under this subsection, and the adjudication of an individual
718	739		as a juvenile delinquent or youthful offender where the
719		-	underlying charge is a violation under Section 13A-11-72 shall
720		-	be reported to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.
721		-	(2) If an individual over the age of 14 years possesses
722		-	a driver's license on the date of conviction, the Alabama
723		-	State Law Enforcement Agency, within five days of receipt of a
724		-	notice of conviction from the court, shall send notice to the
725		-	licensee that his or her driver's license will be suspended.
726		-	The notice shall state that the license will be suspended for
727		-	180 days commencing on the 30th day following the date the
728		-	notice was sent unless documentation is received by the agency
729		-	before the 30th day that the individual was not convicted of
730		-	the crime. Upon the appropriate date, the agency shall suspend
731		-	the license.
732		-	(3) Upon the written request of the individual whose
733		-	license is denied or suspended, the Alabama State Law
734		-	Enforcement Agency shall afford the individual an opportunity
735		-	for a hearing in the same manner and under the procedure used
736		-	for other driver license suspensions. If the suspension or
737		-	denial of issuance determination is sustained by the Secretary
738		-	of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency or the authorized
739		-	agent of the secretary, upon such hearing, the individual may
740		-	file a petition in the appropriate court to review the final
741	740		337
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	767	+	364 HB266 INTRODUCED
769	768		Page 14
	769	+	as a juvenile delinquent or youthful offender where the
	770	+	underlying charge is a violation under Section 13A-11-72 shall
	771	+	be reported to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.
	772	+	(2) If an individual over the age of 14 years possesses
	773	+	a driver's license on the date of conviction, the Alabama
	774	+	State Law Enforcement Agency, within five days of receipt of a
	775	+	notice of conviction from the court, shall send notice to the
	776	+	licensee that his or her driver's license will be suspended.
	777	+	The notice shall state that the license will be suspended for
	778	+	180 days commencing on the 30th day following the date the
	779	+	notice was sent unless documentation is received by the agency
	780	+	before the 30th day that the individual was not convicted of
	781	+	the crime. Upon the appropriate date, the agency shall suspend
	782	+	the license.
	783	+	(3) Upon the written request of the individual whose
	784	+	license is denied or suspended, the Alabama State Law
	785	+	Enforcement Agency shall afford the individual an opportunity
	786	+	for a hearing in the same manner and under the procedure used
	787	+	for other driver license suspensions. If the suspension or
	788	+	denial of issuance determination is sustained by the Secretary
	789	+	of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency or the authorized
	790	+	agent of the secretary, upon such hearing, the individual may
770	791		file a petition in the appropriate court to review the final
771	792		order of suspension or denial by the secretary or the
772	793		authorized agent of the secretary in the same manner and under
773	794		the same conditions as is provided in the case of suspensions
774	795		and denials.
775	796		(4) If the conviction is reversed within the 180-day
776	797		period, the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, upon receipt
777		-	of notice of the reversal from the Administrative Office of
778		-	Courts, shall reinstate a suspended license and shall accept
779		-	an application for a license and shall issue the license
780		-	according to law and regulation.
781		-	(5) The court shall notify the Alabama State Law
782		-	Enforcement Agency of the conviction of an individual over the
783		-	age of 14 of a crime involving the possession of a pistol on
784		-	the premises of a public school , or a public school bus, or
785		-	both, under Section 13A-11-72 and any reversal of the
786		-	conviction. The Administrative Office of Courts may promulgate
787		-	adopt necessary rules and regulations to implement this
788		-	notification procedure."
789		-	Section 3. This act shall become effective on June 1,
790		-	2025.
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792	799		366
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795	802		369
796	803		370
797	804		371
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800	807		374
801	808		375
802	809		376
803	810		377
804	811		378
805	812		379
806	813		380
807	814		381
808	815		382
809	816		383
810		-	384 HB266 Engrossed
811		-	Page 15
812		-	2025.
813		-	House of Representatives
814		-	Read for the first time and referred
815		-	to the House of Representatives
816		-	committee on Education Policy
817		-	................12-Feb-25
818		-	Read for the second time and placed
819		-	on the calendar:
820		-	1 amendment
821		-	................20-Feb-25
822		-	Read for the third time and passed
823		-	as amended
824		-	Yeas 103
825		-	Nays 0
826		-	Abstains 0
827		-	................25-Feb-25
828		-	John Treadwell
829		-	Clerk
	817	+	384
830	818		385
831	819		386
832	820		387
833	821		388
834	822		389
835	823		390
836	824		391
837		-	392
	825	+	392 HB266 INTRODUCED
	826	+	Page 15
	827	+	period, the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, upon receipt
	828	+	of notice of the reversal from the Administrative Office of
	829	+	Courts, shall reinstate a suspended license and shall accept
	830	+	an application for a license and shall issue the license
	831	+	according to law and regulation.
	832	+	(5) The court shall notify the Alabama State Law
	833	+	Enforcement Agency of the conviction of an individual over the
	834	+	age of 14 of a crime involving the possession of a pistol on
	835	+	the premises of a public school , or a public school bus, or
	836	+	both, under Section 13A-11-72 and any reversal of the
	837	+	conviction. The Administrative Office of Courts may promulgate
	838	+	adopt necessary rules and regulations to implement this
	839	+	notification procedure."
	840	+	Section 3. This act shall become effective on June 1,
	841	+	2025.
838	842		393
839	843		394
840	844		395
841	845		396
842	846		397
843	847		398
844	848		399
845	849		400
846	850		401
847	851		402
848	852		403
849	853		404
850	854		405
	855	+	406