The proposed bill mandates that all public school students in Alabama complete a course or program focused on violence prevention, conflict resolution, and mediation before they can be promoted to high school, starting with students entering middle school in the 2026-2027 school year. The new section, §16-40-13, outlines specific topics that must be covered in the instruction, including responsible decision-making, the causes and effects of school violence, nonviolent conflict resolution techniques, and the relationship between drugs, alcohol, and violence.

Additionally, the bill requires the State Department of Education to develop and provide instructional materials and curricula to local boards of education by June 30, 2026, to assist in implementing these requirements. Local boards will have the discretion to determine the specific curriculum used, while the State Department will also support teacher training for effective instruction in these areas. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.