AL
Alabama House Bill HB582

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB582

Introduced
4/17/25  

Caption

Public K-12 education; use and teaching of social-emotional learning concepts prohibited, parental consent required for certain surveys, violations constitute neglect of duty

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would significantly alter the landscape of K-12 education in Alabama by limiting the tools and frameworks educators currently employ to foster emotional intelligence and engagement from students. The restriction on SEL may reduce opportunities for students to develop critical social skills that contribute to their overall well-being and academic success. Additionally, the requirement for parental consent for surveys adds another layer of oversight to information-gathering practices in schools, potentially limiting data collection that could inform educational strategies.

Summary

House Bill 582 aims to explicitly prohibit the implementation of social-emotional learning (SEL) concepts in public K-12 education within Alabama. The bill outlines that local boards of education and public K-12 schools cannot train teachers or students using SEL programs or curricula. In addition, the bill stipulates that parental consent is required for students to participate in certain surveys that may touch on sensitive topics. The bill intends to further necessitate that any violations of this prohibition are classified as neglect of duty, which could lead to disciplinary measures against educators or staff involved.

Contention

The proposal has generated considerable debate amongst educators, parents, and policymakers. Proponents argue that the bill provides necessary safeguards against programs that they perceive as ideological or lacking in scientific backing. They emphasize the need for parental control over the education of their children regarding emotional topics. Conversely, critics argue that this bill represents an overreach into educational practices that could detract from essential student supports in emotional and social learning. The bill could effectively hinder teachers' ability to address the whole child in educational settings, thereby impacting students' preparedness for future societal engagement.

Latest HB582 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB195

Public K-12 schools, sex education curriculum further provided for, sexual risk avoidance established as exclusive sex education curriculum, local boards of education prohibited from using services of org. that endorses other approaches to sex education, parent or guardian notice of sex ed curriculum required, cause of action for violations established

AL SB129

Diversity, equity, and inclusion; certain public entities prohibited from maintaining office that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; certain programs related to divisive concepts or diversity, equity, and inclusion, prohibited; promotion and endorsement of certain divisive concepts in certain public settings prohibited; exceptions provided; public institution of higher education, required to designate multioccupancy restrooms based on biological sex

AL HB173

Public K-12 education, use of three-cueing system prohibited

AL HB364

Public K-12 schools, each local board of education required to adopt an Internet safety policy for district-owned devices used in schools, prohibit use of certain platforms, provide social media instruction in certain grades

AL SB35

Public K-12 education, history instruction required to be fact-based and inclusive

AL SB59

Public k-12 education; hands on instruction in CPR and the use of AEDs, required in health classes; State Board of Education, authorized to adopt rules

AL SB143

Education; revocation of teaching certificate, further provided for; reporting of school employee misconduct, required

AL SB165

Public K-12 education, creates uniform process for suspension and expulsion of public school students, requires disciplinary hearing following long-term suspension or expulsion, State Board of Education required to adopt rules

AL HB188

Public K-12 education, creates uniform process for suspension and expulsion of public school students, requires disciplinary hearing following long-term suspension or expulsion, St. Bd. of Ed. required to adopt rules

AL SB284

Public K-12 education, fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness required in grades 6 through 12.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.