The proposed bill mandates that each local board of education in Alabama display the Ten Commandments along with other foundational documents of the United States, such as the Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. Constitution, in public K-12 schools. This requirement is contingent upon the availability of donations to cover the costs of the displays. The bill emphasizes the historical significance of these documents in shaping American civil society and aims to promote a common cultural heritage among students. The displays must be at least 11 inches by 14 inches in size and include specific content that acknowledges the Judeo-Christian tradition's influence on Western civilization and American law.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that local boards of education are not required to use their own funds to purchase the displays, as they may accept donations for this purpose. The State Department of Education is tasked with identifying free resources to assist schools in complying with the display requirement, and the State Board of Education is authorized to adopt rules for implementation. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-1-20, 16-5-16