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 placed in common areas and classrooms where U.S. history is taught, and they must adhere to specific size and content guidelines as approved by the State Superintendent of Education.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that local boards of education are not required to allocate their own funds for these displays, as they may accept donations to cover costs. The State Department of Education is tasked with identifying free resources to assist schools in complying with the display requirements, 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