The bill, designated as SB54, amends current law regarding the responsibilities of the State Textbook Committee in Alabama. It mandates that the Committee review periodicals—defined as magazines, newspapers, or journals published at regular intervals—that are regularly used in public K-12 schools, specifically those utilized at least once a month during the academic year. Additionally, the bill authorizes the State Board of Education to create guidelines for this review process, which will include the publication of statewide lists of vetted and approved periodicals. Importantly, the guidelines for reviewing periodicals will be distinct from the existing State Textbook Review Process.

The bill also includes a provision that it will take effect on October 1, 2024. There are no deletions from current law noted in the text, but the new legal language introduced emphasizes the review of periodicals and the establishment of guidelines by the State Board of Education. This legislative change aims to enhance the oversight of educational materials used in classrooms, ensuring that they meet certain standards.