The Restoring Educational Advancement of Completing High School (REACH) Act, also known as HB266, aims to provide a nontraditional high school diploma option for students aged 18 and older who have withdrawn from high school. This initiative will be managed by the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), which is tasked with developing and evaluating the program. The Act mandates collaboration between the ACCS and local education agencies to promote this alternative pathway and conduct a statewide awareness campaign. Additionally, the bill amends Sections 16-28-3.1 and 16-28-40 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to improve the exit interview process for withdrawing students, ensuring they receive information about adult education programs, including the new diploma option. It also stipulates that students enrolling in this program within a year of withdrawal will not be counted as dropouts, and those who earn a diploma through this program will be eligible for higher education and driver's licenses.

Furthermore, HB266 introduces measures to enhance dropout prevention strategies and support for at-risk students, including full course fee waivers for eligible students in dual credit courses and flexible programs for older students. The bill emphasizes the importance of tailored support systems for students at risk of dropping out and requires the State Department of Education to collect data on dropout prevention metrics. It also modifies existing laws regarding driver's license eligibility for individuals under 19, requiring documentation of enrollment in a nontraditional diploma program or GED course. The bill includes provisions for notifying the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency of student withdrawals and outlines conditions under which a student's license will not be suspended. Overall, HB266 seeks to improve educational opportunities for vulnerable student populations while ensuring compliance with new reporting and documentation requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-28-3, 16-28-40
Engrossed: 16-28-3, 16-28-40
Enrolled: 16-28-3, 16-28-40