The bill SB263 amends the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013 by updating terminology and expanding educational opportunities for students. It replaces the terms "failing school" with "priority school" and "nonfailing school" with "qualifying school," while increasing the poverty threshold for scholarship eligibility from 185% to 250% of the federal poverty level. The maximum scholarship award is raised from $6,000 to $10,000 per academic year, and new provisions are introduced for students with unique needs. The bill also allows the Department of Revenue to bar certain schools from participating in the program under specific circumstances, emphasizing the need for flexibility in public education to better serve diverse student populations.

Additionally, the bill establishes new accountability standards for scholarship granting organizations, including requirements for public reporting and financial viability. It increases the annual cap on tax credits for contributions to scholarship organizations from $30 million to $40 million, with provisions for automatic increases based on demand. The bill mandates that scholarship granting organizations administer standardized tests to students receiving scholarships and share results with parents and the Department of Revenue. Overall, SB263 aims to enhance educational choice, accountability, and support for families with children in priority schools while ensuring that the rights of students and parents are protected.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-6D-3, 16-6D-4, 16-6D-6, 16-6D-8, 16-6D-9
Engrossed: 16-6D-3, 16-6D-4, 16-6D-6, 16-6D-8, 16-6D-9
Enrolled: 16-6D-3, 16-6D-4, 16-6D-6, 16-6D-8, 16-6D-9