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AlabamaHB2382026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Appropriations from Education Trust Fund for the support, maintenance, and development of public education for fiscal year ending September 30, 2027
Sponsored By: Danny Garrett (Republican)
Enacted
Appropriations
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111 provisions identified: 93 benefits, 4 costs, 14 mixed.
Certified language therapists receive salary supplements
The law funds a $5,000 annual supplement for properly certified academic language therapists in qualifying full-time public-school jobs. Covered employers are Alabama public K–12 school systems and public independent schools; substitute therapists do not qualify. Payments are reduced for specified part-time service, partial-year service, qualifying leave, or credentials covering only part of the year. Recipients must keep valid credentials and qualifying employment, and annual payments depend on legislative funding. The fiscal 2027 budget provides $600,000 for supplements and related costs.
Extra pay for eligible science teachers
The law provides $81 million for the Math and Science Teacher Program in fiscal 2027. Qualified math and science teachers at hard-to-staff schools receive an extra $5,000 stipend. Program salaries depend on education level and salary step, using 189 contract days. The supplied provision does not list the salary amounts.
School funding includes $15 wage floor
For fiscal 2027, the Foundation Program receives about $5.947 billion for public schools. About $4.981 billion comes from the Education Trust Fund and $966.15 million from other funds. Local school agencies must fund every covered salary step at no less than $15 per hour. The hourly rate uses the job’s contract days and required daily hours.
Training grants for Alabama resident students
The law provides $1 million for short-term credential grants in fiscal 2027. Eligible Alabama residents enrolled in Alabama Community College System short-term credential programs can receive up to $4,500. Grants cover qualifying tuition, fees, books, and necessary supplies. Each award depends on eligibility and qualifying expenses.
Yearly teacher bonuses with eligibility limits
The law provides $13.712908 million for National Board teacher certification program costs, including yearly pay supplements. The base supplement is $5,000 for full-time Alabama public K–12 teachers with valid National Board and Alabama certification. Substitute teachers are excluded, prorating rules apply, and teachers must renew National Board certificates by expiration. An additional $5,000 is available for instructional teachers with listed subject certificates at specified challenging, high-poverty schools. That extra payment also depends on the stated school priority, graduation-rate, or student meal-eligibility criteria.
Disability services receive direct care funding
For the year ending September 30, 2027, the law provides about $69.38 million for direct rehabilitation and related services. Allocations include about $12.05 million for Children's Rehabilitation Services and $14.69 million for Early Intervention. Other allocations include about $8.65 million for Homebound services and $1.29 million for Hemophilia. A $1 million Education Trust Fund transfer supports Alabama Head and Spinal Cord Injury services. Statewide autism assessments through PAAD clinic models receive $1.9 million; individual benefit amounts are not set.
Automotive training scholarships for student applicants
The law provides $400,000 for automotive workforce scholarships in fiscal 2027. Applicants must be high school students or adults in state education programs related to automotive manufacturing. The community college Board of Trustees sets qualifications and administers awards with the Alabama Industrial Development and Training Institute. Recipients are selected from applications submitted to the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association. Individual scholarship amounts are not specified.
College students get grant scholarship funding
For the year ending September 30, 2027, the Alabama Student Grant Program receives $10.5 million. Grants support eligible students at participating private colleges under the program's existing law. Funded colleges must make their best effort to devote an amount equal to 10% of Federal Work Study allocations to K–12 tutoring and mentoring. Human Resources also receives about $1.206 million for Fostering Hope scholarships under that program's existing law. These appropriations do not set individual award amounts.
Dual enrollment scholarships receive state funding
The law provides about $64.43 million for dual enrollment in fiscal 2027. About $54.43 million comes from the Education Trust Fund and $10 million from the Dual Enrollment Tax Credit Fund. The allocation includes $200,000 for the Murphy University Center program serving students in Alabama. The community college Chancellor directs the remaining funds to continue and expand scholarships based on identified state needs. Individual scholarship amounts are not specified.
Education benefits for veterans and families
The law provides an estimated $50 million to reimburse eligible Alabama higher education institutions for student aid. The institutions provide benefits to qualifying veterans, their spouses, widows, or children under Alabama’s existing veterans education benefit law. The appropriation does not set an individual award.
Education savings account funding for families
Beginning October 1, 2026, the law provides $236.25 million for education savings accounts through September 30, 2027. This includes $86.25 million from the Education Trust Fund and $150 million from the CHOOSE Act Fund. Alabama’s Department of Revenue runs the program for eligible families. This appropriation does not set each family’s award or eligibility formula.
Education workers receive salary benefit funding
For the year ending September 30, 2027, teacher salary funding uses experience and degree levels based on 187 contract days. Part-time contracts use a proportional share; the supplied text does not list salary amounts. Employer retirement funding is 14.66% of salaries for Tier I and 13.70% for Tier II. Health-plan funding is $1,048 monthly per full-time employee; these are employer funding rates, not employee charges. The budget funds $120 daily for two personal days and five sick days per earned unit, plus substitute support workers as appropriated.
Help paying for teacher certification
The law provides $2.05 million for National Board certification fees, mentoring, and teacher training. Priority goes to candidates in areas of need identified by the State Superintendent. Priority also goes to candidates committing to three years at schools with five or fewer National Board Certified Teachers. The Superintendent can set additional needs-based priorities. Remaining money must support candidates and professional development; no individual award amount is set.
Injury compensation funding for education workers
The law transfers $6 million to the Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Program for fiscal 2027. The money supports covered education workers with qualifying injuries. This appropriation does not set an individual payment amount.
Paid mentors help first-year teachers
The law provides $5 million for the Alabama Teacher Mentor Program. At participating schools with first-year teachers, principals recommend mentors with at least five years of teaching experience. Each qualifying mentor receives at least $1,000 for the academic year. Mentors must meet each first-year teacher at least twice monthly during the school year. They must report each teacher’s progress to the principal at mid-year and year-end.
Salary supplements for special education staff
Covered classroom special education teachers receive a $1,200 salary supplement in fiscal 2027. Eligible speech pathologists receive a $1,000 supplement. Both programs include eligible staff at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind and Youth Services School District. The law provides $7.904 million for teacher supplements and benefits, plus $775,000 for speech pathologist supplements and benefits.
Student support through the Women’s Foundation
The law provides $750,000 to the Women’s Foundation of Alabama for fiscal 2027 student support. Support covers certifications, college degrees, scholarships, transportation, tuition, fees, and academic help. Funding depends on the Foundation supplying a $400,000 match in private money and program support. The Foundation must report program costs, benefits, and economic impacts by December 31, 2027. Individual awards are not specified.
Unused sick leave payments support beneficiaries
The law provides $2.5 million for qualifying unused sick leave payments under Alabama’s existing sick leave law. The State Comptroller distributes the money to designated beneficiaries or estates. This appropriation does not state an individual payment amount or calculation formula.
Social Security disability reviews receive funding
The law provides about $107.9 million for Social Security disability determinations for the year ending September 30, 2027. This money supports the process used to decide disability claims. It does not change benefit eligibility or payment amounts.
Schools receive nurse staffing funding
The law provides about $96.45 million for school nurses for the year ending September 30, 2027. Each school system receives one nurse, plus additional nurses or partial positions based on student membership. That count uses the first 20 school days after Labor Day in the prior school year. Nurse salary funding depends on public-school nursing experience and highest degree, with part-time pay prorated. Individual salary amounts are not stated here.
Math instruction and teacher training funding
For fiscal 2027, the law provides about $159.13 million for the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative. Its funds cannot be moved to other uses; allocations reflect district needs and teachers served by in-service centers. The law also provides $114 million under the Alabama Numeracy Act and lists $1.7 million for early childhood classroom assessment. Another $2 million supports Saban Center teacher training and internships, with Department of Education agreement on spending. Teacher selection should emphasize the Black Belt or schools with many economically disadvantaged students.
Public schools get classroom supply funding
For the year ending September 30, 2027, schools get $100 per pupil for textbooks or digital resources. Funding uses average student membership during the first 20 school days after Labor Day in the prior school year. Per earned staffing unit, schools get $1,000 for classroom supplies, $500 for technology, $100 for professional development, and $157.72 for libraries. Supply money must cover in-classroom expenses, not maintenance, repair, or replacement of technology or other state-required instructional materials.
Reading help and coaches for children
The law provides $151.95 million for the Alabama Reading Initiative in fiscal 2027, targeting the lowest-performing schools. Funds stay within the initiative for K–3 literacy support; remaining funds must follow the Alabama Literacy Act. This includes $36.8 million for coaches serving only grades K–3, with at least $80,000 per school board for a full-time coach. Remaining coach money is divided proportionally by K–3 schools or students. The reading budget also lists $1.7 million for early childhood classroom assessment.
Weighted funding supports public school students
For October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, the law provides $191 million for the RAISE school funding program. This includes $58 million from the Education Trust Fund and $133 million from the RAISE Fund. Allocations use a $7,829 base factor per student, with weights for student groups. For poverty, English learner, and gifted groups, districts keep their 2026 amount when weighted funding falls below the specified prior grants. Foundation Program funds must support at least 180 full instructional days, or equivalent hours, and equitable educational opportunities.
Funding supports preschool and family services
For the year ending September 30, 2027, early childhood and family programs receive $253.804494 million in total. The Social Services Program receives $226.595637 million from the Education Trust Fund and $22.711178 million from other funds. School Readiness receives $209.866459 million, including continuity for preschool classrooms funded through 2026–2027. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library receives $3.1 million, HIPPY/First Teacher home visiting $5 million, and Strong Start/Strong Finish $4.755694 million. Funding also supports Alabama Family Central, VOICES for Alabama’s Children, and $4.497679 million for Children’s Policy Councils; no household payment amount is set.
Schools lose extra instructional salary funding
Beginning October 1, 2026, the law provides no funding for the extra 1% above Foundation Program instructional salary costs. Those costs are calculated using the State Minimum Salary Schedule. The provision does not state the total dollar reduction or how it is divided among school systems. It does not specify a 1% cut to individual workers' pay.
Rural teacher scholarships require homecoming service
The law provides $569,750 in matching funds for Grow Your Own teacher scholarships. Students must come from Alabama high schools designated Rural-Distant or Rural-Remote by the National Center for Education Statistics. They must qualify for full Pell Grant eligibility plus the TEACH Grant and finish an in-state four-year teacher preparation program. Recipients must return to their home community to teach for at least five years. Individual scholarship amounts are not specified.
School funding carries debt payment priorities
For the year ending September 30, 2027, the law provides an estimated $215 million from the Public School Fund. Boards must request waivers for other operating expenses, after paying pledged debt service or obligated capital projects. It also provides $31.636 million for specified endowment and education bond payments. Payments on new or refunded bonds require the Finance Director's recommendation and the Governor's approval.
Free eye care for eligible children
Alabama provides $2.89646 million for children's eye care for the year ending September 30, 2027. Students in kindergarten, second grade, and fourth grade receive eye screenings and follow-up help. Children identified as uninsured or underinsured receive free eye exams and prescription glasses.
Payment and contracting support for disability care
Alabama Rehabilitation Services must pay hospitals Medicaid's standard daily rate for scoliosis or spina bifida care through Children's Rehabilitation Services. The law does not state that rate. The Department can also use its existing Rehabilitation Projects funds to contract with cerebral palsy service providers. This contracting authority does not specify new funding or payments to individuals.
Agriscience teachers can receive extended-work grants
Up to $1 million of Career Tech Initiative funding is available for competitive agriscience teacher grants. Grants cover stipends, salaries, benefits, and travel for work beyond the teacher's existing contract length. Agriscience awards depend on receiving an adequate number of proposals. Unused money returns to the Career Tech Initiative for other career-tech uses chosen by the State Superintendent.
College benefits for blind parents’ dependents
The law allocates $10,399 for reimbursement to each qualifying Alabama public higher education institution. Institutions must provide benefits to dependents of blind parents under Alabama’s existing education benefit law. The payment reimburses institutions rather than setting each student’s benefit.
Loan funding for advanced practice nurses
The law provides $150,000 for the Advanced Practice Nurse Loan Program in fiscal 2027, overriding specified existing statutory limits. The provision does not set individual loan amounts or repayment terms. By October 1, 2026, the Board must report scholarships and loans awarded for fall 2025. The report must include recipient names, institutions, and years of assistance.
School transportation funding and leave pay
The law provides about $586.22 million for school transportation in fiscal 2027. Transportation workers receive $50 per day for two personal days and five sick days used. Payment at that rate totals up to $350 across those seven days.
Students get course and fee support
The law provides $13.5 million for Advanced Placement access, including training, equipment, incentives, and teacher and student support. The Education Department can pay exam fees for Alabama students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, subject to available appropriations. Payment is not guaranteed for every eligible student. The law also provides $26 million for ACCESS distance learning. During 2026–2027, the department cannot charge participation fees to Alabama residents who are homeschooled or attend nonpublic schools.
Startup grants for new microschool founders
The law provides $500,000 for startup grants to new microschools and grants to groups that train their founders. The Alabama STEM Council within the Department of Workforce designs and runs the program. The Department can hire a third party to administer it; individual grant amounts are not set. By the fifth day of the 2027 Regular Session, it must report funded first-year schools’ locations and January 1, 2027 enrollment.
Regional police academies receive training funding
The law provides $2.162 million for Alabama's five regional law enforcement training academies through September 30, 2027. Funds must be divided fairly and equitably under the existing academy allocation law. The money supports training and operations, not household payments.
Sports officials foundation receives state funding
The Alabama Sports Officials Foundation receives $75,000 for the year ending September 30, 2027. The law does not specify funded activities or establish a direct household benefit.
State funds juvenile probation officer services
Alabama provides $750,000 for juvenile probation officers for the year ending September 30, 2027. The funding supports probation officer services, not direct payments to families.
State funds the Alabama Holocaust Commission
Alabama provides $150,000 for the Alabama Holocaust Commission for the year ending September 30, 2027. This funds the Commission without establishing a household payment or a specific service entitlement.
Emergency medical services receive training support
Public Health receives about $1.64 million for continuing education of emergency medical technicians and stronger emergency medical service infrastructure. It must offer performance-based awards to regional emergency medical service agencies. Another $1 million supports improvements at the Alabama Trauma Communications Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Public Health must report planned spending and expected improvements by March 1, 2027, and progress by January 1, 2028.
Schools get reimbursement for parental leave
The law provides $9.6 million to reimburse local school agencies for each day of approved parental leave. Leave must be approved under the applicable Alabama law. Reimbursement uses the daily substitute teacher rate in the annual education budget. This funding goes to school agencies and does not set a new employee payment.
Sickle cell programs receive service funding
The law provides about $2.07 million for university and community-based sickle cell programs through September 30, 2027. Funding goes to programs supported by the Education Trust Fund in fiscal year 2000. It must be divided in proportion to the distribution made in fiscal year 2003. The law does not establish an individual service entitlement or payment amount.
Students get school mental health support
The law provides $9.25 million in mental health grants to local education agencies and public independent schools. Applicants must plan for a mental health coordinator; preference favors Mental Health Department partners and traditionally high-poverty underserved districts. After a school system receives $40,000, the Education Department allocates additional program funding. The Mental Health Department must also work with Education on public-school strategies addressing children's needs, including ADHD and anger disorders. Separately, $250,000 funds Hilinski's Hope mental health, help-seeking, and bystander courses, and $250,000 funds the Mental Health Collaborative.
Arts education receives state funding
The law provides $2.1 million for arts education in fiscal 2027. The appropriation does not specify individual eligibility, family payments, or a guaranteed service.
Community groups receive education service grants
The law provides $12.604798 million for community services grants. The Alabama Executive Commission on Community Services Grants administers the money. Grants must promote public education and go to eligible organizations, not directly to households.
Computer and data learning receive funding
The law provides $7 million for the Computer Science for Alabama program in fiscal 2027. It also provides $2.629 million for data literacy, which must be spent in collaboration with Quant Hub. These appropriations do not set student payments or individual eligibility rules.
Cyber school funding includes statewide training
The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering receives $16.340638 million for operations through September 30, 2027. This includes $929,000 for the Accel Program’s statewide K–12 cyber education. Another $875,000 supports a virtual, on-demand cybersecurity training platform available to K–12 schools statewide. The funding supports the school and training access rather than family payments.
Education pilots get counseling and career funds
The law provides $3.1 million for education pilots in fiscal year 2027. Mental health telecounseling receives $2.5 million. Montgomery Career Direct Certification and Conflict Resolution pilots each receive $200,000. Bloom Bucks receives $164,000, and a Mechatronics STEM Camp receives $36,000. These are program funds, with no individual eligibility or household payment amounts specified.
Educators get leadership and professional support
The law provides $33.205115 million for the Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act in fiscal year 2027. Eligible Youth Services and Career Tech personnel may participate under the program's governing law. Another $1 million supports classroom observation training, related professional learning, and an electronic reporting system for districts. The law provides $450,000 to improve the online teacher certification portal. It also provides $200,000 to reimburse court reporters and hearing officers in specified tenure proceedings.
English learner services receive school funding
The law provides $4 million for Alabama’s English Language Learners Program in fiscal 2027. Another $2 million supports regional English learner specialists under the Department of Education and related support services. The money supports schools, not direct household payments.
Funding for digital classrooms and learning
The law provides $8 million for the Advanced Innovation Grant Program. AI-Ready Classrooms and Plasma Games each receive $2 million; Alabama Digital Literacy and Prisms STEM Virtual Reality each receive $1.5 million. The ALET Learning Platform receives $1 million. Another $1 million supports cyber technology and artificial intelligence expansion for the year ending September 30, 2027. The funding supports initiatives, not direct payments to families.
Funding for student support and enrichment
The law provides $2 million for Alabama’s school framework addressing academic and non-academic student needs. This supports the framework required by the Alabama Literacy Act and Alabama Numeracy Act. Another $2.454687 million funds the Gifted Students Program, including its grant program. The Alabama Scholars Bowl TV Show receives $100,000. These funds support education programs rather than individual household payments.
Funding supports deaf students and language education
The law provides $8.5 million for special education licensed interpreters and teachers who are deaf or hard of hearing. It also provides $1 million to the Woolley Institute for Spoken Language Education. Both appropriations cover fiscal year 2027. The provisions do not set individual awards or services for each student.
Funding supports Marion Military Institute students
Marion Military Institute receives $12.834349 million for the year ending September 30, 2027. This includes $125,000 for the Military Hall of Honor. The appropriation supports the institution and does not set individual student payments.
Funding supports the distance learning program
The law provides $3.375 million for the Distance Learning Program for the year ending September 30, 2027. This appropriation does not set individual awards or identify households eligible for direct aid.
Helping Families gets student support funds
The law provides $3.5 million for the Helping Families Initiative, serving students through local school agencies. No more than 15% can cover indirect costs, overhead, administration, training, or support expenses. The initiative must report students served by each school agency by September 30, 2027.
Learning support for children needing help
The law provides $17.286 million for Alabama’s Summer and Afterschool Program in fiscal 2027. Of that, $17.2 million funds grants addressing gaps for students not proficient in reading or math. The stated goal is to award at least 60% to nonprofit community groups or partnerships with school agencies. Direct-service programs must operate after school or in summer and follow the cited quality standards or reading recommendations. Another $500,000 funds Better Basics reading and math instruction and resources for educationally vulnerable students.
Menstrual product funding for eligible schools
The law provides $400,000 for menstrual product grants to Title I schools in fiscal 2027. Funding follows Alabama’s existing school grant program. The appropriation does not set individual access rules or direct payments to students.
Operating grants for historical education sites
The law provides $4 million in fiscal 2027 operating grants for entities focused on historical education programming. Reserved grants are $200,000 for Old State Bank, $100,000 for Hartselle Historical Depot, and $75,000 for Mt. Pinson Presbyterian Church. Remaining grants are capped at $100,000 per entity and must be used within two years of receipt. At least $300,000 must support civil rights sites or monuments selected by the Alabama Historical Commission. Entities already receiving direct or indirect Education Trust Fund or General Fund support, and private or for-profit organizations, cannot receive grants.
Preschool funding supports children and families
The law provides $30 million for the Special Education Pre-School Program in fiscal year 2027. It also provides $150,000 for the Montgomery Pre-K Pilot Program. These funds support programs, not direct family payments. The provisions do not set individual service amounts or family tuition savings.
School funding for youth services students
The Department of Youth Services school district receives $8.522182 million for the year ending September 30, 2027. Spending must follow the funding formula jointly established by the Youth Services Board and State Board of Education. The money supports district education services, not direct household payments.
School health lessons and athletic trainers
The law provides $150,000 for vaping-prevention education for elementary, middle, and high school students. The Drug Education Council runs the lessons with the Education Department. Another $300,000 supports the Athletic Trainers Secondary School Incentive Program under its existing state-law spending rules. These funds support school programs, not direct household payments.
School services for children with disabilities
For fiscal 2027, the law provides $13.5 million for special education behavior analysts serving students with autism. It provides $3.05 million through the Children First Trust Fund for specialized treatment of autism, emotional disabilities, and deficit disorders. The Department of Education can make extra school-agency allocations based on the number of students with identifiable disabilities. Another $14 million funds district grants for unusually costly, extraordinary, or beyond-routine special education and related services. These funds support services, not specified family payments.
Schools can apply for cybersecurity grants
The law provides $12.05198 million for public education cybersecurity improvements. Eligible education agencies and institutions that apply to the Education Department receive $68,000 each. Applicants with at least 1,000 students also receive $2 for each student above 1,000. Funds must support network administration or technology that maintains or improves existing security. Money not awarded to school systems goes to Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology for K–12 cybersecurity programs or pilots.
Schools get bullying prevention and safety funds
The law provides $5 million for bullying prevention grants, with preference for evidence-based plans against harassment, intimidation, violence, or threats. School agencies must apply; applications may require plans meeting state bullying-prevention law. Covered curricula must meet state requirements and be updated annually when provided by grade level. The law also provides $800,000 for regional safety training specialists. Another $250,000 helps schools buy hands-on CPR kits for required classroom practice and learning.
Schools get funding for new options
The law provides $2 million for start-up or conversion public charter schools, using the same Foundation funding method as other public schools. Another $5 million funds public-school delivery options, divided equally among at least two selected school systems. The Education Department must also transfer state funding for students moving from a county system to a newly formed city system. Those students must have been counted in the county board's average daily membership. The specified deputy superintendent must first certify and approve the new city system as operational.
Schools get grants for unmet needs
The law provides $10 million for unmet K–12 building, equipment, or other school needs in fiscal year 2027. The State Superintendent administers the grants. Local lawmakers must receive five days' notice before a grant announcement, except during a declared emergency. The Superintendent must report grant amounts and intended uses to the specified officials.
Schools receive improvement and award funding
The law provides about $5.61 million for the At-Risk school academic and financial improvement program in fiscal 2027. Another $250,000 funds awards under the Legislative School Performance Recognition Program. These funds support schools and school systems, not direct household payments. The appropriation does not set each school’s award.
Science education sites keep dedicated funds
The law provides $2.583796 million for Alabama Science in Motion in fiscal year 2027, plus unspent prior-year funds. Spending must follow the program's governing state laws. Funds cannot be transferred or used for another purpose. The State Superintendent allocates money using each site's most recent annual contract agreements and reports spending twice a year.
Science outreach and regional learning grants
The law provides $750,000 to expand Southern Research Institute’s science, technology, engineering, and math outreach statewide. The Alabama STEM Council receives $5.2 million for regional hub grants and related work under Act 2025-449. That work includes exploration, career promotion, workforce needs, communications, a registry, evaluations, and the STEM Seal of Approval. Another $900,000 funds a science, technology, engineering, arts, and math pilot project. The appropriations support programs for the year ending September 30, 2027, not direct household payments.
Some preschool classrooms keep existing waivers
Certain First Class Pre-K classrooms keep their existing waivers through the 2026–2027 school year. A classroom qualifies only if it received a waiver and Office of School Readiness funding in 2025–2026.
Special education classrooms get camera grants
The law provides $600,000 for video cameras in self-contained special education classrooms. Grants cover purchase, installation, upkeep, and monitoring. Schools facing financial challenges or serving high percentages of nonverbal children get priority. The Department of Education must notify all local school boards by July 1, 2026. Funds are unavailable before October 1, 2026.
Struggling elementary schools get improvement funds
The law provides $10 million for grants and comprehensive improvement plans at selected underperforming elementary schools. The Education Department oversees plans with early childhood officials, affected schools, and districts. Selection considers the Alabama Accountability Act, state report cards, and other criteria. Beginning with the 2027 budget request, the Department recommends an exit path for Cohort 1 and later replacement schools; expansion should be modest. The Office of School Improvement also receives $2.20056 million.
Student testing gets dedicated state funding
The law provides $20.405117 million for student assessment costs in fiscal year 2027. Money must cover expenses directly related to administering assessments. These funds do not provide payments to students or families.
Students get funded career learning programs
The law provides $10 million to operate and maintain career technical education programs. It also provides $38.682239 million for statewide career learning and student leadership activities defined by the State Superintendent. That amount includes $15.72337 million for career coaches. Certified-teacher coaches may receive pay under the state minimum teacher salary schedule, based on experience, degree, and contract length.
Students get funded civics and debate programs
The law provides $2.52 million for American Village programs in fiscal year 2027. This includes $200,000 for the U.S. History Commission and $750,000 for the Civics Partnership with Troy University. Debate programs for high-needs schools receive $250,000. A high-school Constitution program receives $200,000 and must align with Alabama's 2024 social studies course standards.
Students get funded robotics and science programs
The law provides $1.4 million for elementary, middle, and high school robotics grants, capped at $3,500 per school. The Education Department must notify school systems by July 1, 2026. Robotics funds are unavailable before October 1, 2026. Another $1.5 million supports science and technology education staff and necessary costs at three centers. Cook Natural Science Museum, McWane Center, and Saban Center share that money equally.
Students get tutoring and targeted support
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program receives $175,000 for student tutoring and mentoring, not salaries. It must report prior-year volunteer hours statewide and by local school system to education and legislative officials by October 1, 2026. The State Superintendent can direct At-Risk and High Hopes funds toward programs designed to improve outcomes for at-risk students. Education advisers provide input, and the department's Administrative and Financial Support division manages and allocates those funds.
Treatment centers get education operating funds
The law provides $27.8 million for the Office of Specialized Treatment Centers in fiscal year 2027. Of that amount, $27 million pays for education services and operating costs at state-endorsed and approved centers. The State Superintendent divides that money using student counts and approved licensed capacity.
Volunteer emergency medical workers get certification funding
The law provides $125,000 for volunteer emergency medical services personnel certifications through September 30, 2027. Certifications must follow the applicable Alabama certification laws. The provision does not specify individual payments or the number of workers served.
Youth and community programs receive funding
For the year ending September 30, 2027, Jones Valley Teaching Farm receives $700,000 and Small Magic receives $350,000. The Youth Advocacy Program receives $300,000, and the Military Children Support Plan receives $800,000. The law does not describe these recipients' funded services or family access rules. Another $525,000 expands a leadership program for high school juniors and seniors focused on faith, character, and patriotism. These are program appropriations, not specified payments to families.
Court ordered state payments receive backup
The law provides affected state entities funds needed to satisfy federal court orders for claims, attorney fees, or other costs. The Attorney General must certify the order to the Finance Director. Funds must be available, and the Director must find that other current appropriations are unavailable. No fixed amount or maximum is stated.
Research and innovation projects receive funding
The Alabama Innovation Fund receives about $28.17 million for research and economic development projects. Support includes Innovate Alabama, neurological research, Hudson Alpha, small-business matching grants, and Southern Research Institute. Projects require the Commerce Secretary's recommendation and the Governor's approval. At least 10 days before payment, the Secretary must notify specified legislative committee chairs in writing with the project description and amount.
Child services keep unused food-assistance funds
For the year ending September 30, 2027, Human Resources gets $350,000 exclusively for Boys and Girls Clubs of Alabama contracts. The contracts must fund programs approved under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The Clubs must provide reports or information requested by the Department or required by contract. The Department cannot return Education Trust Fund sales-tax money set aside for issuing food stamps to that fund. Any appropriated money beyond food stamp needs must fund direct services to children, including TANF.
Funding for behavioral and disability services
For the year ending September 30, 2027, Alabama provides $10.75 million for higher community provider rates. This includes $6.75 million for intellectual disability services, $3 million for mental illness services, and $1 million for substance-use services. Another $4.75 million supports children and youth with severe emotional disturbance or autism spectrum disorder. Combined with State General Fund support, state funding for those children's services must reach at least $11 million. These amounts fund services, not set payments to families.
Schools can redirect funds toward meals
Local school boards can request to move Other Current Expense funds designated for pass-through calculations into their Child Nutrition Programs. The State Superintendent must approve the transfer. The transfer cannot prevent the meal program from keeping a one-month fund balance. The law sets no transfer amount and does not guarantee more meals or lower meal prices.
Adult college return program receives funding
The law provides $1.935 million for the ReEngage Program in fiscal 2027. This money and earlier Education Trust Fund appropriations for ReEngage must go into a separate fund. Allocations follow Alabama’s existing ReEngage law. The appropriation does not set an individual payment.
Career connections for Alabama college graduates
The law provides $650,000 for Retain Alabama in fiscal 2027. Alabama’s higher education coordinating agency runs the project with Innovate Alabama. Marketing, community outreach, and job and internship listings connect soon-to-be and recent Alabama college graduates with in-state careers. The program does not guarantee a job or payment.
College credentials get a shared registry
The law provides $100,000 for an internal registry of all degree and non-degree credentials at Alabama public colleges and universities. The registry itself is not public-facing. Its data must be shared by agreement with the Workforce Department's public Alabama Credential Registry.
Community colleges receive job training funds
For the year ending September 30, 2027, industry certification initiatives receive $9.640408 million, distributed by the community college system’s trustees. That includes $3.07963 million for career coaches and $3.75 million for workforce development initiatives. The Alabama Technology Network receives $6.167736 million, including $503,906 for workforce training; the Chancellor reports semiannually on Network and certification spending. The community college Innovation Center receives $18.5 million. Another $10 million buys or updates career-technical equipment to meet industry standards and train students for new, existing, or expanding jobs.
Funding supports dental scholarships and training
The Board of Dental Scholarship Awards receives $3.593166 million for the year ending September 30, 2027. Sources include $871,166 from the Education Trust Fund and $2.722 million from the Dental Scholarship Awards Fund. Funded activities include $500,000 for the Alabama Dental Service Program and $140,000 for Rural Dental Health Scholars. Spending follows the existing dental scholarship statutes; this appropriation does not set individual awards or eligibility rules.
Job seekers receive training program support
For the year ending September 30, 2027, the Industrial Development Program receives $19.915 million. Skills Enhancement and Employment Opportunities receives $2.3416 million from the Education Trust Fund and $74.5 million in federal/local funds. These programs support credentials, apprenticeships, training accounts, rural transportation, veterans’ resources, technical education marketing, talent retention, and logging and health-worker training. Workforce Board funding supports the Credential Registry, annual credential compendium, and technical help for credential providers. Separate allocations provide $312,500 for automotive manufacturing workforce development, $2 million for Alabama Career Roadmap, and $200,000 for Smart Career youth skills, career awareness, and national recruiting.
Optometry education gets dedicated program funding
The law provides $250,000 for optometry-related educational activities in fiscal year 2027. This includes $200,000 from the Education Trust Fund and $50,000 from the Optometric Scholarship Award Fund. Spending must follow the state laws governing these awards and activities. The provision does not set an individual award amount.
Schools get technology upgrades and staff
The law provides $13.839874 million to modernize Alabama's student information system, including state implementation costs for fiscal year 2027. It provides $23.779178 million for district technology director positions through September 30, 2027. Those positions must meet the required job description and qualifications. Another $150,000 goes to Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology for cybersecurity training and shared support, in consultation with the Education Department.
State institutions can reuse returned funds
The law makes qualifying unspent fiscal year 2026 appropriations available again to their original state agencies, offices, and institutions. This includes Education Trust Fund appropriations. The funds must remain unspent and revert on September 30, 2026. They are available for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026; the total amount is not specified.
Research grants receive state funding
Alabama provides $5 million for its Economic and Community Affairs Department's Research and Development Grant Program. The funding covers the year ending September 30, 2027. The Department's administrative fee cannot exceed 2.5% of the appropriation. The provision does not limit grant recipients to households or small businesses.
Teachers face focused certificate learning requirements
Teachers keeping a valid Alabama teaching certificate must meet a rule about their professional learning. At least 50% must directly address instructional knowledge and skills that support student development and academic growth. The law does not set a new fee or payment.
Education department faces Common Core limits
The Education Department cannot use its section's funding to implement certain Common Core standards, programs, or student tests. The restriction covers those created by the Common Core State Standards Initiative after April 1, 2013. It limits department spending, not household conduct.
Institutions must comply to receive funding
Institutions accepting money under this law must comply with Article 6, Chapter 1, Title 41 of Alabama's code. Compliance is a condition of accepting the funding. The supplied provision does not explain the referenced requirements.
Sports scholarships exclude coaches’ immediate families
For the year ending September 30, 2027, the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association receives $125,000 and the football association receives $150,000. Their scholarships cannot go to immediate family members of current coaches in the corresponding sport. The law does not set individual scholarship amounts.
Black college repair grants exclude construction
The law provides $5 million for deferred-maintenance grants at historically Black colleges and universities. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education awards grants based on demonstrated need and a scoring process. Money can repair existing structures but cannot fund new construction. Funds left on September 30, 2027, do not revert and remain available for the program beginning October 1, 2027.
Library funding comes with compliance rules
For the year ending September 30, 2027, Alabama allocates $6.6 million for public libraries. It also allocates $3.611637 million for the Virtual Library Project. Libraries must follow Alabama Administrative Code Rule 520-2-2-.03 to receive money from either allocation. The supplied provision does not explain that rule's requirements.
School boards gain guarded budget flexibility
For 2026–2027, staffing funding uses divisors of 14.25 for K–3, 20.06 for grades 4–6, 19.34 for grades 7–8, and 17.95 for grades 9–12. These are funding formulas, not classroom size limits. Districts need State Superintendent approval to adjust state-funded staffing units. Reductions must follow federal rules on comparable services and not replacing required funding. Boards can move money among budget items, but cannot use that flexibility to reduce earned teacher units or support personnel.
Teacher recruitment funding with assignment limits
The law provides $6.2 million for recruitment: AKEEP gets $200,000, urban/rural recruitment $700,000, STEM-major recruitment $4.5 million, and placement $800,000. The first three programs continue with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education as in fiscal year 2026. Teach for America receives $822,000, with a preference for veterans; funded teachers may teach only subjects the state approves. Future Teachers of Alabama receives $250,000 for senior high school grants capped at $1,500 each. Each grant includes a $1,000 teacher-director stipend and up to $500 for activities; school systems must receive notice by July 1, 2026, and schools receive allocations by November 1.
Teacher training funds with grant caps
The law provides $3.50908 million for existing Teacher In-Service Centers, whose plans and budgets require State Superintendent approval. The Superintendent evaluates the centers and can require corrections; the funding does not require changes to existing service regions. Another $3.697293 million supports computer science, special education, Technology in Motion, and middle-school programming. Computer science funds use competitive grants to state entities and state-approved curricula; competitive school-agency programming grants cannot exceed $25,000 each. The Education Department must report on fiscal year 2027 spending and fund use on the 2027 Regular Session’s first day.
Agencies gain funds with spending deadlines
State entities can spend gifts, grants, contributions, insurance proceeds, or entitlements exceeding amounts included in the law. Recurring amounts are reappropriated, and all such funds must serve the purpose for which they were provided. Prior-year balances committed but not yet spent must expire by September 30 of the following fiscal year. Statutory exceptions apply, and expired money returns to the Education Trust Fund or its original earmarked fund.
Public agencies face service payment rules
Public entities can agree to pay part of the cost of state audit services. Those payments fund the Examiners of Public Accounts through its statutory audit-services fund. Covered state entities must transfer personnel funds in amounts listed in the general appropriations act for the year ending September 30, 2027. Agencies and institutions covered by either appropriations act must also pay other covered government agencies fully and on time for services. These rules concern public entities, not household bills.
State worker insurance gets funding cap
The state employee insurance funding rate is $1,175 monthly per full-time employee through September 30, 2027. The State Employees' Insurance Board must adjust the program as appropriate to maintain that rate. This is a program funding rate, not a stated employee premium. The law does not specify changes to employee premiums or coverage.
Nursing training funds bar exclusive partnerships
The law provides $4 million to start and support stand-alone licensed practical nurse programs throughout Alabama. Funding supports community college programs for the year ending September 30, 2027. Colleges cannot use this money for exclusive agreements with a single healthcare entity. The appropriation does not set individual student awards.
University program funding with spending limits
For the year ending September 30, 2027, the law funds named university programs in rural health, research, workforce development, student services, and community work. The State Black Archives Research Center and Museum, Scottsboro Boys Museum, and Judge Horton Civil Justice Learning Center share $600,000 equally. Alabama State University receives $100,000 for its forensic sciences building and must transfer $25,000 quarterly to the state Forensic Services Trust Fund. Jacksonville State University can retain unspent fiscal year 2026 money for its Little River Canyon Field School. Auburn’s CLT Outreach and Research funding is limited to capital costs and equipment, excluding salaries and benefits.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Danny Garrett
Republican • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/7/2026
Garrett Motion to Concur In and Adopt Senate Amendment - Adopted Roll Call 1246
Yes: 103 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/2/2026
Orr motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1105
Yes: 32 • No: 0 • Other: 1
Senate vote • 4/2/2026
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1107
Yes: 32 • No: 0 • Other: 1
Senate vote • 4/2/2026
Orr motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1106
Yes: 32 • No: 0 • Other: 1
House vote • 3/12/2026
Garrett motion to Table - Adopted Roll Call 875
Yes: 104 • No: 0 • Other: 1
House vote • 3/12/2026
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 877
Yes: 104 • No: 0 • Other: 1
House vote • 3/12/2026
Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 876
Yes: 105 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Enacted
4/9/2026HouseEnrolled
4/8/2026HouseSignature Requested
4/8/2026SenateGarrett Motion to Concur In and Adopt Senate Amendment - Adopted Roll Call 1246
4/7/2026HouseReady to Enroll
4/7/2026HouseThird Reading in Second House
4/2/2026SenateFinance and Taxation Education 1st Substitute Offered
4/2/2026SenateOrr motion to Table - Adopted Voice Vote
4/2/2026SenateOrr 2nd Substitute Offered
4/2/2026SenateOrr motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1105
4/2/2026SenateOrr 1st Amendment Offered
4/2/2026SenateOrr motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1106
4/2/2026SenateMotion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1107
4/2/2026SenateFinance and Taxation Education 1st Substitute
4/1/2026SenateReported Out of Committee Second House
4/1/2026SenateRead for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar
4/1/2026SenateThird Reading in House of Origin
3/12/2026HouseWays and Means Education Engrossed Substitute Offered
3/12/2026HouseGarrett motion to Table - Adopted Roll Call 875
3/12/2026HouseGarrett 1st Substitute Offered
3/12/2026HouseMotion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 876
3/12/2026HouseMotion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 877
3/12/2026HouseEngrossed
3/12/2026HouseRead for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education
3/12/2026SenatePending Committee Action in Second House
3/12/2026Senate
Bill Text
As Introduced
Engrossed
Enrolled
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