Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB251

Introduced

2/27/24

Introduced

2/27/24

Report Pass

4/3/24

Refer

2/27/24

Engrossed

4/11/24

Report Pass

4/3/24

Refer

4/16/24

Engrossed

4/11/24

Report Pass

4/18/24

Refer

4/16/24

Enrolled

5/8/24

Report Pass

4/18/24

Passed

5/16/24

Enrolled

5/8/24

Passed

5/16/24

Passed

5/16/24

Caption

Public K-12 schools, to prohibit certain actions toward military children and membership in athletic associations that do the same

Impact

The impact of HB251 on state laws is significant as it amends existing school policies to facilitate smoother transitions for military children, aligning with federal initiatives aimed at supporting military families. By requiring schools to accept a military parent's permanent change of station orders as legitimate for enrollment, the bill underscores a commitment to removing barriers to participation in school-sponsored activities. This change is expected to enhance the overall experience for military children, ensuring they have equitable access to extracurricular activities, which can play an essential role in their social integration and well-being.

Summary

House Bill 251 (HB251) focuses on supporting the educational rights of dependent children of active duty military parents. It prohibits public K-12 schools from denying these children immediate eligibility to participate in interscholastic athletic contests, a critical aspect as military families frequently relocate due to service commitments. This legislation seeks to ease the transition for children moving into new schools, providing them the same opportunities as their peers, regardless of when they enroll in the school year due to their parent's military obligations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB251 appears to be overwhelmingly positive. Legislators and advocacy groups supporting military families have expressed approval, citing the importance of providing stability and continuity for children affected by the transient nature of military life. There is a recognition of the challenges these children face, and the bill is viewed as a necessary step toward acknowledging and supporting their unique circumstances. The unanimous voting outcome further reflects strong bipartisan support for the bill.

Contention

While there seems to be broad consensus on the benefits of supporting military children, some potential points of contention could arise in discussions around resource allocation and the administrative burden placed on schools to implement these changes. Opponents might argue that schools should maintain certain standards and eligibility criteria independently of military status. However, the overt intention of the bill suggests a prioritization of family stability and inclusivity for military families, emphasizing that the overall goal is to serve the best interests of affected children.

Latest HB251 Activity

Companion Bills

AL SB206

Same As Public K-12 schools, to prohibit certain actions toward military children and membership in athletic associations that do the same

Previously Filed As

AL SB206

Public K-12 schools, to prohibit certain actions toward military children and membership in athletic associations that do the same

AL HB91

Public K-12 schools; membership in certain athletic associations, competition against certain schools prohibited

AL SB82

Public K-12 schools; membership in certain athletic associations, competition against certain schools prohibited

AL SB36

Public K-12 students; public K-12 schools prohibited from denying participation in athletics based on student's transfer status; public K-12 schools prohibited from membership in athletic association that similarly denies participation

AL HB547

Public K-12 schools; playing nonpublic schools in post-season athletics, membership in certain athletic associations, competition against certain schools; prohibited

AL SB251

Relating to K-12 school athletics, to prohibit certain entities from restricting a student athlete's or coach's eligibility due to his or her participation on a team or in an event outside of the school team; and to prohibit public K-12 schools from membership in athletic associations under certain circumstances.

AL SB249

Relating to K-12 school athletics, to require a K-12 public school to determine a student's eligibility to participate in a sport at least 21 days prior to the first event for that sport; to provide that an athletic association's eligibility determination is final; and to prohibit public K-12 schools from membership in athletic associations under certain circumstances.

AL SB253

Relating to K-12 school athletics, to prohibit certain entities from restricting a coach from coaching students outside of the school season or in events outside of the school team; and to prohibit public K-12 schools from membership in athletic associations under certain circumstances.

AL SB283

Relating to athletic associations; to require an athletic association's contracts be reviewed by the Contract Review Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee; and to prohibit public K-12 schools from membership in athletic associations under certain circumstances.

AL SB254

Relating to athletic associations, to require the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts to audit an athletic association in the same manner as an agency of the state; and to prohibit public K-12 schools from membership in athletic associations under certain circumstances.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.