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AlabamaSB1122025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Appropriations from Education Trust Fund for the support, maintenance, and development of public education for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026
Sponsored By: Arthur Orr (Republican)
Enacted
Appropriations
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117 provisions identified: 103 benefits, 5 costs, 9 mixed.
Salary supplements for nationally certified teachers
The law provides about $13.713 million for National Board teacher certification costs and salary supplements in fiscal year 2026. Properly Alabama-certified, full-time public K–12 teachers with National Board certification receive $5,000 annually. Part-time or partial-year service results in prorated payments. Teachers must renew certificates by their expiration year and remain employed by a public K–12 school board. Eligible classroom teachers receive another $5,000 with a qualifying high-poverty school assignment and a valid certificate in a listed subject.
School funding includes $15 wage floor
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Foundation Program gets about $5.698 billion. This includes about $4.783 billion from the Education Trust Fund and $914.359 million from other funds. Local education agencies must set every salary step for every employee class and type at least at $15 per hour. The hourly rate uses each job’s contract days and required daily hours. The Public School Fund also gets an estimated $215 million.
School language therapists get pay supplements
Certified Academic Language Therapists working full-time in Alabama public K–12 systems or public independent schools qualify for $5,000 annually. Therapists must maintain valid Alabama credentials and remain employed at an eligible school. Payments are prorated for part-time work on October 1, later full-time starts, or departures after October 1. Leave exceeding half the school year or credentials expiring during the year also reduces payments. Substitute therapists are excluded, and payment depends on annual legislative funding.
Students get short-term job credential scholarships
The law provides $1 million for short-term credential scholarships in the Alabama Community College System. Alabama residents enrolled in qualifying programs can receive up to $4,500 each. Scholarships cover qualifying tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
Community colleges receive operating program funds
For the year ending September 30, 2026, community college operations receive about $450.6 million from the education fund and $343.81 million from other funds. Education fund allocations follow an outcomes-based model, except at Marion Military Institute. Listed amounts are intended to provide each college at least $125 per full-time-equivalent student, using Fall 2024 figures. The law also provides about $13.469 million for auxiliary enterprises and $756.485 million for restricted funds. These are institutional funds, not direct student payments.
Funding for education assistance and grants
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Financial Assistance Program receives about $4.364 billion. This includes $156.486 million from the Education Trust Fund and about $4.208 billion from other funds. The State Executive Commission on Community Services Grants also receives about $12.605 million. Those grants must promote public education. These provisions do not set household eligibility rules or individual payment amounts.
Universities receive teaching and research funds
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the University of Alabama board receives about $764.639 million in education funds. Its listed total is about $7.763 billion, including $6.998 billion from other funds; drug discovery and genome programs require Southern Research and Hudson Alpha partnerships, respectively. Auburn receives about $414.236 million for university, agricultural research, extension, and Montgomery campus activities; CLT Outreach and Research funds cover capital and equipment, not pay or benefits. South Alabama receives about $171.21 million, including $750,000 for its ALS center and $1.25 million for the Rural Hospitals Resource Center. These appropriations fund institutions and programs, not guaranteed household payments.
Disability services and autism assessments receive funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, rehabilitation services receive $276.19 million: $62.72 million in education funds and $213.47 million in other funds. Services include early intervention, homebound care, and traumatic brain injury services, with $1.5 million for physician-assisted autism assessment clinics statewide. Hospitals receive the Medicaid agency’s standard daily rate for scoliosis and spina bifida care. Education benefits for dependents of blind parents go to qualifying schools as reimbursements under state law. The department may also use its Rehabilitation Projects money to contract with cerebral palsy service providers.
Eye screenings and free glasses for children
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the law provides $2.90 million for student eye care, split equally between screenings and follow-up. Kindergarten, second-grade, and fourth-grade students receive screenings using NASA-developed color photo refraction. Children needing follow-up get help finding and coordinating local care, whether insured or not. Children identified as uninsured or underinsured receive free eye exams and prescription glasses.
Certified career coaches can use teacher pay
The law provides $15.72 million to expand the Career Coaches Program for the year ending September 30, 2026. Coaches who are certified teachers may be paid using the state minimum teacher salary schedule. Pay is based on experience, highest degree, and contract length, as for classroom teachers.
College students receive scholarship program funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, Alabama provides about $39.79 million for its Student Financial Aid Program. Allocations include $10 million each for the Alabama Student Assistance and Student Grant programs. They also include about $9.331 million for National Guard scholarships and $892,500 for Birmingham Promise. Separate funding provides about $1.206 million for Fostering Hope scholarships and an estimated $112,500 for American Legion and Auxiliary scholarships. Awards follow each program's governing law; these appropriations do not set individual award amounts or new household eligibility rules.
Funding covers survivors’ unused sick leave
The law provides $2.5 million for unused sick leave payments through the Employee Benefits Program. The State Comptroller distributes payments to designated beneficiaries or estates entitled under Alabama's existing sick leave law. This appropriation does not set individual payment amounts.
Pay for teacher mentoring and extra duties
For fiscal year 2026, the law provides $5 million for teacher mentoring, with mentors receiving at least $1,000 per academic year. Participating schools with first-year teachers must choose principal-recommended mentors with at least five years of teaching experience. Mentors must meet each new teacher twice monthly and report progress at midyear and year-end. Up to $1 million first supports competitive agriscience grants when enough proposals arrive, covering pay, benefits, and travel for extra-contract duties. Eligible agriscience teachers have contracts of 220 days or fewer; the Superintendent may redirect unused money to other career-technical initiatives.
Speech pathologists receive salary supplements
The law provides $775,000 for $1,000 speech pathologist salary supplements and related benefit costs. Covered staff include speech pathologists at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind and Youth Services School District. This provision does not set a payment date or frequency.
Students get dual enrollment and transfer support
For the year ending September 30, 2026, dual enrollment receives about $44.432 million from the education fund and $10 million from other funds. The Chancellor uses remaining funds to continue and expand scholarships for qualifying academic and career-technical programs. Allocations involve business and industry partners and address identified Alabama needs. Another $799,589 supports college transfer systems and state-approved transfer guides. The higher education commission must work to ensure dual-enrollment courses count toward degrees where applicable.
Veterans and families receive education aid
The law provides an estimated $45 million for veterans' student aid for the year ending September 30, 2026. The money reimburses qualifying state schools for benefits provided to eligible veterans, spouses, widows, or children. Eligibility follows the existing Alabama veterans' education benefits law. Including administration, the department receives about $47.815 million; individual awards are not stated.
Funding for young children and families
For fiscal 2026, Alabama provides about $213.185 million for early childhood services, including $197.448 million for school readiness. This includes $2.85 million for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and $5 million for HIPPY/First Teacher Home Visiting. It also includes $750,000 for Alabama Family Central marketing and about $2.381 million for operations. Another $4.756 million supports Strong Start/Strong Finish, intended to expand learning from pre-K through third grade. Separate appropriations provide $250,000 for Kindervision and $30,000 for Reading Is Fundamental.
Reading funds target struggling elementary schools
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Alabama Reading Initiative gets $151.95 million, targeting the lowest-performing schools. Funds support K–3 reading coaches, specialists, teacher training, summer enrichment, and school reading-growth incentives. The law provides at least $36.8 million for K–3 reading coaches, with each local board getting at least $80,000. Remaining coach funds are divided proportionally by K–3 school and/or student counts, as the state education department determines. Reading Initiative funds stay within the program, and remaining funds must follow the Alabama Literacy Act.
Schools receive math and technology funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative gets about $136.128 million. Resources reflect district needs, and funds are divided by teachers served through training centers; money cannot leave the initiative. The Alabama Numeracy Act gets $95 million, which must follow that act. After awards, vendors can request evaluation notes, scoring sheets, and scoring guides from the education department. Computer Science for Alabama gets another $6 million.
Funding supports Social Security disability decisions
The law provides $107.90 million for Alabama’s Social Security disability determination program for the year ending September 30, 2026. This money supports decisions on disability claims. It does not guarantee approval or a benefit payment for any applicant.
Funding for families’ education savings accounts
The law provides $101.25 million to the Department of Revenue for the Education Savings Account Program. The money comes through an Education Trust Fund transfer for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. This funding provision does not set family eligibility rules or individual award amounts.
Funding supports three regional university campuses
For fiscal 2026, Athens State receives about $23.502 million, supporting its Arts Center, education development center, community college collaboration, and Smart Valley Program. Jacksonville State receives about $61.933 million, including support for the Little River Canyon Field School. Unspent fiscal 2025 Field School money stays with Jacksonville State and must support that school. The University of Montevallo receives about $33.019 million. Its programs include allied health, disadvantaged students' books and materials, rural teacher recruitment, and mental and physical health initiatives.
Operating support for historically Black colleges
For fiscal 2026, Education Trust Fund appropriations provide Alabama A&M about $61.115 million and Alabama State about $66.556 million. Alabama A&M's funding includes $125,000 for artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and science and technology improvements. Another $500,000 is split equally among the State Black Archives Center and Museum, Scottsboro Boys Museum, and Judge Horton Civil Justice Learning Center. Alabama State must transfer $100,000 to the Forensic Services Trust Fund in $25,000 quarterly payments for its campus building. The Alabama A&M–Miles College Consortium receives $493,486, and Stillman College receives $100,000.
Public employee benefit funding rates set
For the year ending September 30, 2026, Foundation Program retirement contributions are 14.57% of salary for Tier I and 13.61% for Tier II. Public education health insurance funding is $904 monthly per full-time employee; state employee insurance funding is $1,025. These are program funding rates, not employee premiums; the state insurance board must adjust its program to maintain its rate. Foundation funding includes $120 daily for fringe benefits for two personal days and five sick days per earned unit. Substitute support employee funding covers days when support staff are absent, as funds are appropriated.
School transportation funding sets leave rate
For the year ending September 30, 2026, school transportation gets about $478.53 million. The program’s funding rate is $50 daily for two personal days and five sick days for transportation workers. The education department must develop a 10-year bus replacement plan by the fifth legislative day of the 2026 Regular Session.
University funding supports learning and careers
For fiscal 2026, the University of North Alabama receives about $57.666 million, including $200,000 for North Alabama Trails and Recreation. Troy University receives about $87.931 million for operations and programs including pre-K teacher training, sign language, civics, and engineering. Its Civics Partnership works with American Village. The University of West Alabama receives about $34.218 million. Its programs include Black Belt science and technology education, Blackbelt Scholars, the Blackbelt Teaching Initiative, and rural workforce development.
Tuition floor limits dual enrollment discounts
Beginning October 1, 2025, colleges receiving Education Trust Fund money face a minimum tuition rate for dual enrollment and early college courses. Their per-credit tuition cannot fall below the rate adopted annually for Alabama Community College System institutions. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education must publish each institution’s rates annually and provide compliance guidance. Families using previously lower-priced courses face a higher tuition floor.
Rural teacher scholarships require hometown service
The law provides $284,875 in matching scholarships for the year ending September 30, 2026. Students must come from high schools federally classified as Rural-Distant or Rural-Remote. They must qualify for both a full Pell Grant and a TEACH Grant. Recipients must graduate from a four-year, in-state teacher education program and teach in their home community for at least five years. Individual scholarship amounts are not stated.
Automotive students receive job training scholarships
The law provides $400,000 in scholarships for high school students and adults enrolled in state automotive manufacturing education programs. The community college board sets qualifications with the state industrial training institute and selects recipients with a scholarship committee. By September 30, 2026, the board must report Fall 2025 awards, schools, recipient names, and years of scholarship receipt. Individual scholarship amounts are not stated.
Free online classes for nonpublic students
During the 2025–2026 school year, Alabama residents who homeschool or attend nonpublic schools pay no ACCESS participation fee. The fee ban applies to the state education department’s distance-learning program. The law also provides $22.5 million for the initiative.
Help teachers pay certification costs
Alabama provides $1.5 million for National Board certification fees and professional development for the year ending September 30, 2026. The State Superintendent gives priority to candidates in certification areas of need. Priority also goes to candidates committing three years to schools with five or fewer National Board Certified Teachers. The Superintendent can set additional need criteria, and unused money also supports candidate assistance and professional development. The law does not set a per-person award.
Principal mentoring opens to additional school staff
The law provides $32.60 million under the Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act for the year ending September 30, 2026. Eligible staff at the Alabama Department of Youth Services and Career Tech may participate. The provision does not state individual payment amounts or full eligibility criteria.
Arts programs and civil rights sites funded
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Fine Arts Program receives $8.47 million from the Education Trust Fund. Federal and local funds add $1.1 million, bringing total funding to $9.57 million. The schedule includes $1.41 million for the Alabama Center for the Arts and $635,000 for its foundation. Separately, at least $300,000 in Historical Commission grants must support civil rights movement sites or monuments. The Commission determines which sites qualify.
Child abuse prevention services receive funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention gets about $10.181 million. The money supports its Social Services Program under the laws governing the department. The provision does not set individual eligibility rules or direct household payments.
Children’s policy councils receive state funding
The law provides $1 million to the Children’s Policy Council Program. The provision does not identify particular services, household payments, or eligibility changes.
Funding for sports and fitness programs
Alabama provides about $2.709 million for the physical fitness commission's Advisory Services Program through September 30, 2026. This includes about $2.700 million from the Education Trust Fund and $9,288 in federal and local funds. Funding includes the Alabama Sports Council, Alabama Sports Festival, and Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
Officer standards and juvenile probation funded
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission receives $5.27 million. That includes $2.32 million from the Education Trust Fund and $2.95 million from the peace officer training fund. The law also provides $750,000 for juvenile probation officers. It does not specify household payments or a required service level for families.
State can fund federal court payments
Beginning October 1, 2025, the law provides amounts needed for state agencies to satisfy qualifying federal court payment orders. These can cover claims, attorney fees, or other costs. The Attorney General must certify the order, and funds must be available. The Finance Director must also determine that other current appropriations are unavailable.
Youth sports safety initiative receives funding
The Coach Safely Initiative receives $800,000 for the year ending September 30, 2026. The provision does not specify funded activities, household eligibility, or individual payments.
Community health and children’s hospital programs funded
The Public Health Services Program receives $16.40 million for AIDS Alabama, tick-borne illness work, health education centers, and the Kidney Foundation. Allocations also support Impact Alabama, Lions Sight screening, PATH, trauma and stroke systems, and rural dental residency training coordinated with UAB. For the year ending September 30, 2026, Children’s Hospital receives $1.39 million, including $800,000 for Poison Control and $250,000 for Sunshine School. The Sickle Cell Oversight and Regulatory Commission receives $1.93 million, including $1.87 million for university and community programs. Sickle cell program funds must follow the same distribution proportions used in fiscal year 2003.
Emergency medical training and trauma communications funded
The law provides $1.64 million for emergency medical technician continuing education and emergency medical services infrastructure. Public Health must offer performance-based awards to regional emergency medical agencies. Another $1 million supports UAB’s Alabama Trauma Communications Center, with spending directed by the State Health Officer. Reports to the Governor and legislative education budget chairs are due March 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027. They must cover spending or spending plans, expected measurable improvements, and later progress toward those goals.
Healthy living organization receives state funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, Healthy Eating, Active Living, Inc. gets $980,000. The provision does not specify funded activities or direct household payments.
Schools receive mental health support funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, school-based mental health grants receive $4.69 million. Local education agencies and public independent schools must submit plans providing for a mental health service coordinator. Preference favors applicants willing to partner with the state mental health department and traditionally high-poverty, underserved districts. Additional program funding is allocated after a system receives $40,000. The law also funds the student telecounseling pilot at $2.5 million and the Mental Health Collaborative at $250,000.
Alabama archives receive history education funding
The Alabama Department of Archives and History receives about $7.906 million for the year ending September 30, 2026. The Historical Resources Management Program must use this money to support the department's educational functions.
Colleges fund nursing and skilled careers
The law provides $4 million for new and existing standalone practical nursing programs statewide, excluding exclusive deals with one healthcare entity. Named college allocations include $552,125 for Coastal Alabama technology and manufacturing and $652,625 for Jefferson State nursing. They also include $450,000 for Northwest-Shoals' Lauderdale County workforce center and construction program, plus $427,875 for Wallace State-Hanceville aviation. These allocations must serve their named purposes. For the year ending September 30, 2026, truck driver training receives $240,790 plus $2 million in other funds, including Central Alabama's program.
Deaf and blind programs receive funding
The Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind receives about $81.835 million for the year ending September 30, 2026. Education fund money supports adult programs, children's and youth programs, and Industries for the Blind. The law does not set individual benefit amounts.
Foundation funding supports students’ education costs
The law provides $750,000 through the Women's Foundation of Alabama for certifications, degrees, scholarships, and related student services. Services can include transportation, tuition, fees, and academic support. The Foundation must supply a $400,000 match through private funding and program support to receive the appropriation. It must report costs, benefits, and economic effects by December 31, 2026.
Funding connects graduates with Alabama careers
Retain Alabama receives $650,000 for the year ending September 30, 2026. This includes $250,000 for the Higher Education Partnership Student Retention Council Program and $400,000 for career outreach. The higher education commission administers the Retain Alabama Project in coordination with Innovate Alabama. Activities can include digital marketing, identifying jobs and internships, college partnerships, and connections with Alabama communities. The provision does not promise direct student payments.
Funding equips students for career training
For fiscal 2026, Alabama provides $10 million for new or updated career and technical education equipment. Equipment must support industry standards and training for new, existing, or expanding jobs. Another $38.747 million expands career learning and student leadership activities defined by the State Superintendent. This includes $726,900 for agribusiness education and $80,000 for the Alabama Cattleman’s Youth Program. It also includes $794,372 for Imagine Academy and $365,000 for ProStart.
Funding for gifted student programs
Alabama provides $1.675 million for the Gifted Student Grant Program in fiscal 2026. The law funds the program but does not set individual student awards or eligibility rules.
Funding for youth services and schooling
The Department of Youth Services receives about $66.729 million through an Education Trust Fund transfer for fiscal 2026. This includes about $8.404 million for school district aid, $54.759 million for youth services, and $3.566 million for SPAN. School district aid must follow the formula jointly established by the Youth Services Board and State Board of Education. The provision does not set household payments.
Funding helps returning adult college students
The ReEngage Program receives $1.935 million for the year ending September 30, 2026. This appropriation and prior Education Trust Fund appropriations go into a separate fund. Allocations follow the program's existing state laws. This provision does not set individual award amounts or eligibility details.
Funding keeps educational television running
The Alabama Educational Television Commission receives about $11.971 million for educational television through September 30, 2026. This includes about $10.700 million from the Education Trust Fund and $1.271 million from other funds. The appropriation supports the program rather than household payments.
Funding supports space science exhibits
The Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission receives $50.571 million for its Special Services Program through September 30, 2026. This includes $3.2 million from the Education Trust Fund and $47.371 million in federal and local funds. The law does not establish household payments or change individual eligibility.
Funding supports students learning cyber skills
The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering receives about $14.555 million for the year ending September 30, 2026. This includes about $13.945 million from the Education Trust Fund and $609,500 from other funds. The schedule also provides $829,000 for the Accel Program's statewide K–12 cyber education.
Funding trains future health care workers
For fiscal 2026, Alabama provides $800,000 for a physician residency program through the Cahaba Clinic. Another $5.5 million pays startup expenses for the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences. Each appropriation must serve its stated purpose. Neither provision sets direct payments to patients, students, or families.
Military children’s support plan receives funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Military Children Support Plan gets $800,000. The provision does not identify specific services, individual eligibility rules, or direct family payments.
Montgomery students get career pilot funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, a Montgomery high school pilot gets $200,000. The pilot provides college credit and job training, not direct payments to students or families.
Prison education programs receive college funding
The law provides about $22.776 million for community college postsecondary prison education through September 30, 2026. Funding supports operations and maintenance. Named programs include the Perry County Facility, Therapeutic Education, LifeTech Institute in Thomasville, and a Day Reporting Center pilot. The law does not set individual awards.
Public charter schools receive startup grants
The law provides $1.5 million through the Alabama Public Charter School Commission for public charter school startup grants. That includes $400,000 for New Schools for Alabama. Grants are awarded competitively to public charter school applicants judged high-quality. The money goes to institutions, not directly to households.
School farm programs receive state funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, Jones Valley Teaching Farm gets $700,000. The Agriculture and Industries Department’s Farm to School Program gets $600,000 from the Education Trust Fund. Neither appropriation sets a direct household payment.
School sports and quiz programs funded
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Alabama Coaches Officials Organization receives $50,000. The Alabama Scholars Bowl TV Show receives $100,000. These are program appropriations, not household payments or individual scholarship awards.
Schools fund bullying prevention and support
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the law provides $5 million for bullying prevention grants. Local school agencies must apply and follow Alabama's school harassment law. Preference goes to evidence-based efforts against harassment, intimidation, violence, and threats. Another $2 million supports the statewide Multi-Tiered System of Support, which addresses students' academic and non-academic needs. That framework is required by Alabama's literacy and numeracy laws.
Schools fund science and technology learning
For the year ending September 30, 2026, Alabama Science in Motion receives about $2.584 million, allocated by each site's latest contract. Site funds cannot be transferred or repurposed, and unused prior-year funds are reappropriated. The Alabama Cyber Range receives $775,000 for online cybersecurity training available to K–12 schools statewide. Data Literacy receives $2.629 million, which must be spent with Quant Hub. The Saban Center receives $1 million for teacher training, development, and internships, subject to education department agreement and emphasizing Black Belt or high-poverty schools.
Schools get grants for unmet needs
The law provides $10 million for unmet K–12 building, equipment, and school needs through September 30, 2026. The state superintendent administers the grants. Before announcing an award, the superintendent must give local legislators five days' notice, except during a declared emergency. Reports to designated state officials and legislative committees must identify awards, amounts, and intended uses.
Schools get safety and violence-prevention funds
For the year ending September 30, 2026, Regional Safety Training Specialists get $800,000. Youth conflict-resolution pilots get $200,000 each in Montgomery and Birmingham/Jefferson County. Both pilots fund communication workshops, peer support groups, and parent engagement to help prevent youth violence. The Jefferson County superintendent runs the Birmingham/Jefferson County pilot.
Schools receive arts education funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, arts education gets $2 million. The law does not specify how schools or students receive this support.
Schools receive assessment and improvement funds
For the year ending September 30, 2026, early childhood classroom assessment gets $1.7 million. The at-risk school improvement program gets about $5.558 million for academic and financial improvement. The school performance recognition program gets $250,000 for awards to schools that qualify under that program.
Schools receive specialized disability service funds
For the year ending September 30, 2026, high-needs special education grants get $14 million. Districts use grants for special education and related services with unusually costly, extraordinary, or beyond-routine needs. The Children First Trust Fund gets $3.05 million for specialized treatment of students with autism, emotional disabilities, and deficit disorders. The education department can also give districts supplemental funds based on counts of students with identifiable disabilities.
Students get tutoring and afterschool support
For the year ending September 30, 2026, summer and afterschool programs get $17.286 million, including $17.2 million in grants. Programs target reading and math gaps, follow state quality guidance, and collect outcome data. The goal is to award at least 60% to community nonprofits or their partnerships with local education agencies. Better Basics gets $500,000 for vulnerable students’ reading and math; the Retired Senior Volunteer Program gets $175,000 for tutoring and mentoring. Volunteer-program funds cannot pay salaries; prior-year volunteer hours, statewide and by school system, must be reported by October 1, 2025.
Students receive Advanced Placement course support
The law provides $13.5 million for Advanced Placement programming through September 30, 2026. Money can support teacher training, equipment, incentives, student support, and rigorous coursework in earlier grades. The law states an intent to cover exam fees for Alabama students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Fee coverage remains subject to appropriations and is not an unconditional guarantee.
Support for future teachers and mentors
For fiscal 2026, Future Teachers of Alabama receives $250,000 for senior high school grants, allocated by November 1. Each grant is capped at $1,500: a $1,000 teacher-director stipend and up to $500 for program costs. The Math and Science Teacher Education Program receives $1 million under its existing state law. The higher education commission must report to the Governor, education budget chairs, and Legislative Fiscal Officer within 30 days after September 30, 2026. Alabama A&M and Athens State split $700,000 equally to recruit, train, and mentor minority teacher candidates.
Targeted training helps people enter work
The law provides about $4.725 million for targeted workforce preparation through September 30, 2026. Programs serve people the community college Chancellor designates as special populations. Training includes pre-employment skills and intensive career-technical education to prepare participants for work. No individual payment amount is stated.
Teacher certification portal receives improvement funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, online teacher certification portal improvements get $450,000. This funding does not change certification requirements or create payments to applicants.
Title I schools get hygiene grants
For the year ending September 30, 2026, feminine hygiene product grants for Title I schools get $400,000. The law does not set how many products each student receives.
Volunteer emergency medical certifications receive funding
The law provides $125,000 for volunteer emergency medical services personnel certifications through September 30, 2026. Spending follows Alabama's governing volunteer emergency medical certification law. The appropriation does not set an individual award amount.
Agencies can use extra and unspent funds
The law makes extra gifts, grants, contributions, insurance proceeds, and entitlements available to receiving state entities. Recurring amounts are reappropriated, and all such money must serve its stated purpose. Beginning October 1, 2025, qualifying unspent 2025 appropriations are available again to the same agencies and institutions. This covers funds that were unspent and reverted on September 30, 2025; no total amount is stated.
Research grants funded with administrative cap
The law provides $5 million for the Department of Economic and Community Affairs’ Research and Development Grant Program. The funding covers the year ending September 30, 2026. The department may use no more than 2.5% for administrative costs; remaining funds support program grants.
Rural companies get product marketing support
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Commerce Department’s Rural Marketing Program gets $400,000. The money features products from Alabama companies in rural counties, rather than providing direct household payments.
State special services program receives funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Commission on Evaluation of Services’ Special Services Program gets $916,638. The money comes from the Education Trust Fund. The provision does not describe individual services, eligibility, or payments.
State technology services receive operating funding
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Alabama Supercomputer Authority’s technology services get about $30.909 million. This includes about $23.909 million transferred from the Education Trust Fund and an estimated $7 million from its revolving fund. Spending must follow the laws governing the authority.
Rural health training programs receive funding
The Family Practice Rural Health Board’s program receives $3.79 million. This includes $300,000 for Auburn’s rural health program and $962,500 for the University of Alabama’s Rural Medical Scholars Program. It also includes $89,815 for TAHEC and $823,400 for UAH’s rural health program. The funding supports training and education, not specified household payments.
Backup funding for education and libraries
Beginning October 1, 2025, the law provides $38 million only when qualifying excess fiscal year 2025 education revenue becomes available. Up to $35 million reimburses the Educational Opportunities Reserve Fund for its CHOOSE Act Fund transfer under SB111. The Public Library Service receives $3 million only if its federal funding falls during the fiscal year.
Camera grants for special education classrooms
Beginning October 1, 2025, public K–12 schools have access to $500,000 in special education classroom camera grants. The grants cover buying, installing, maintaining, and monitoring cameras in self-contained special education classrooms. Schools facing financial challenges or serving high percentages of nonverbal children receive priority.
Funding covers school tenure hearing costs
The law provides $200,000 for court reporter and hearing officer reimbursements in fiscal year 2026. The reimbursements cover costs under Alabama’s law governing tenure personnel hearings. This funds hearing proceedings rather than creating a new employee benefit payment.
Funding education for deaf and blind students
For fiscal year 2026, the law provides $8.5 million for licensed interpreters and teachers serving deaf or hard-of-hearing students. It also provides $1 million to the Woolley Institute for Spoken Language Education. The Southwest School of Deaf and Blind receives $198,865. These appropriations fund institutions and education services, not direct family payments.
Funding for apprenticeships and job credentials
For fiscal 2026, the Department of Workforce receives about $91.061 million total, including $16.781 million from the Education Trust Fund. Its $9.7 million Industrial Development Program includes $4.7 million for regional science and technology hubs with the Education Department. That program also includes $1.6 million for credential services, $2.5 million for apprenticeships, and $900,000 for technical education marketing. The department also receives $700,000 for Talent Triad. Workforce Council funding supports the public credential registry, an annual valuable-credentials list using a two-tier review, and help for credential providers. Separately, $100,000 funds a nonpublic registry of all public-college credentials, shared with the public registry under an agreement. Industry certification initiatives receive about $9.640 million through the community college board; the Chancellor must report spending twice yearly.
Funding for Montgomery preschool programs
The law provides $400,000 for pre-K programs in Montgomery for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. The appropriation supports local early education programs. It does not set family eligibility rules or direct payments to parents.
Funding for teacher training and observations
For fiscal year 2026, the law provides $1 million for the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool. This covers observation training, professional learning, teaching guidance, and electronic reporting for local school systems. Hudson Alpha Institute receives $2 million for science teacher training. Twelve Teacher In-Service Centers share about $3.509 million, with no required changes to existing regions. The Superintendent oversees training priorities, plans, budgets, annual results, and corrective steps when needed.
Funding keeps statewide student testing running
The law provides about $20.405 million for statewide student assessments in fiscal year 2026. The money must cover expenses directly related to assessments and administering assessment requirements. It does not provide payments to students or families.
Funding preschool and specialized student services
For fiscal year 2026, the law provides $30 million for the Special Education Pre-School Program. It provides $13.5 million for certified behavior analysts serving students with autism. The Office of Specialized Treatment Centers receives $27.8 million, including $27 million for approved centers’ education and operating costs. Centers must have Department of Education approval, and allocations depend on student counts and Superintendent-approved licensed capacity. These appropriations do not set individual family payment amounts.
Funding protects schools and injured employees
For the year ending September 30, 2026, Alabama provides $17.5 million for public education liability insurance. It also provides $15.6 million for the Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Program. The law does not specify changes to insurance coverage, individual injury payments, or employee eligibility.
Funding student civics and youth leadership
The law provides $2.575 million to American Village, including $425,000 for the Semiquincentennial Commission and $200,000 for the U.S. History Commission. It includes $750,000 for a Troy University civics partnership and $200,000 for a high-school U.S. Constitution program. The Constitution program must follow Alabama’s 2024 social studies course of study. Fiscal year 2026 funding also provides $525,000 to expand the Youth Leadership and Development Program for high-school juniors and seniors. That program focuses on faith, character, and patriotism.
Funding student learning and music programs
For fiscal year 2026, the law provides $1.175 million to Liberty Learning Foundation and $350,000 to Reach and Teach. It also provides $325,000 to the Symphony in Education Program. These provisions name the recipients but do not set individual student eligibility or household payment amounts. The Liberty Learning and Reach and Teach provisions do not specify funded activities.
Funding student vaping prevention 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 program with the Department of Education. Fiscal year 2026 funding also provides $300,000 for the Athletic Trainers Secondary School Incentive Program. Athletic trainer funds must follow Alabama’s existing program spending law; no individual payment amount is stated.
Funding supports college research and libraries
Alabama's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research receives about $1.260 million through September 30, 2026. The law allows at least 30% to support its administrative offices' operations and upkeep at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The Network of Alabama Academic Libraries receives $384,076 for the same year. The higher education commission must provide for Athens State University's participation in that network.
Funding teacher recruitment and qualified placements
For fiscal year 2026, the law provides $822,000 to Teach for America and $800,000 for Teacher Recruitment and Placement. The law expresses a preference for Teach for America to employ U.S. Armed Forces veterans where possible. Funded teachers may teach only subjects for which the Department of Education has approved their competency. The separate recruitment appropriation does not set individual payments or placement requirements.
Grants support public school improvement efforts
The law provides $10 million for improvement grants at underperforming public elementary schools chosen by the State Superintendent. Selection considers Alabama’s accountability law, state report cards, and additional Superintendent criteria. Starting with the fiscal year 2027 budget request, the department must recommend first-cohort exit pathways and replacement schools; later expansion should remain modest. Fiscal year 2026 funding also includes about $2.201 million for the Office of School Improvement. The Educational Delivery Options for Public Schools Grant Program receives $5 million, without stated award amounts or eligible delivery options.
Private colleges must pursue school tutoring
Private colleges receiving Alabama Student Grant Program funds must make their best effort to support K–12 tutoring and mentoring. The target is an amount equal to 10% of their federal work-study allocations. Colleges must work with their governing boards to develop and carry out the effort. The law does not guarantee tutoring hours or payments to families.
Repair funding for historically Black colleges
Alabama sets aside $5 million for deferred maintenance at historically Black colleges and universities in fiscal 2026. Grants cover existing buildings, not new construction, and awards depend on demonstrated need and scoring. The higher education commission sets application and award procedures and certifies compliance after projects finish. Money unspent on September 30, 2026, remains available and is reappropriated beginning October 1, 2026.
Schools gain flexibility over targeted spending
Beginning October 1, 2025, local school boards may shift money between budget lines without reducing earned teacher units or support personnel. With state superintendent approval, boards may redirect Other Current Expense money designated for pass-through calculations to child nutrition. The nutrition program must maintain a one-month fund balance. With state education advisers’ input, the superintendent may direct At-Risk and High Hopes funds toward programs improving at-risk student outcomes. The education department’s Division of Administrative and Financial Support administers those funds.
State funding goes to Plasma Games
Alabama provides $2 million to Plasma Games for fiscal 2026. The provision does not identify funded activities or establish a household payment.
State must plan older school bus replacements
The State Department of Education must plan how to fund and replace school buses in service for more than 10 years. The plan must consider bus age, mileage, and the number of eligible buses serving morning and afternoon routes. It is due to designated legislative and finance officials by the fifth legislative day of the 2026 Regular Session. This requirement does not itself fund replacements or set a replacement deadline.
Workers receive training and career support
For the year ending September 30, 2026, Commerce's industrial training program receives about $70.626 million, including $52.663 million for Workforce Development. Workforce Development money must mainly train Alabama residents; authorized uses also include recruitment, placement, and company location or expansion projects. Commerce must report allocations, trainees, vendors, and required demographic and residence details twice yearly. Separate funding provides $1 million to expand hospitality training statewide. The Smart Career Workforce Project receives $200,000 for youth work skills, career awareness, and recruitment into high-demand jobs.
Innovation funding includes small business matching grants
The Alabama Innovation Fund receives $28.42 million from the Education Trust Fund for the year ending September 30, 2026. Allocations include $20 million for Innovate Alabama and $5 million for small business innovation and technology matching grants. The Neurological Research Project, Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology, and Southern Research Institute each receive $1 million. Spending must support economic development or research recommended by the Commerce Secretary and approved by the Governor. At least 10 days before disbursement, the Secretary must notify legislative education budget chairs in writing with project descriptions and amounts.
Common Core spending remains limited
The law bars specified Education Department funds from implementing Common Core standards, programs, or student assessments created after April 1, 2013. The restriction controls spending by the department and entities using those funds. It does not impose a personal duty on families.
Funded institutions face compliance and tracking
Beginning October 1, 2025, funded state agencies, local school boards, and public colleges must comply with Act 2024-34. This provision does not describe that act’s requirements. Covered educational and charitable institutions must also track fees, tuition, sales, endowments, trusts, and related income. They must use separate accounts or an accounting system showing those receipts’ cash flow.
Public agencies fund shared government services
Beginning October 1, 2025, covered agencies and institutions must pay providing government agencies fully and promptly for covered services. For the year ending September 30, 2026, funded agencies must transfer specified amounts to the State Personnel Department. Those amounts are listed in the general appropriations act, not this provision. State, local, and educational entities can also agree to help cover state audit costs. Those agreed payments are appropriated to the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts’ audit-services fund.
Schools lose extra instructional salary funding
For the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, the Foundation Program provides no funding for the extra 1% above instructional salary costs. Those costs are calculated using the State Minimum Salary Schedule. This removes that funding amount for local education agencies; it does not state a 1% employee pay cut.
Sports scholarships funded with family exclusions
For the year ending September 30, 2026, the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association receives $125,000 and the football coaches association receives $150,000. The baseball association cannot award scholarships to immediate family members of current baseball coaches. The football association faces the same ban for immediate family members of current football coaches. Individual scholarship amounts are not specified.
Historic education sites get capped grants
For the year ending September 30, 2026, historical education operating grants get $3.5 million, capped at $100,000 per entity. Recipients must focus on historical education and use grants within two years of receipt. Entities receiving state Education Trust Fund or General Fund money, directly or indirectly, and private or for-profit organizations cannot qualify. The first grants are $100,000 for Old State Bank, $75,000 for Somerville Courthouse, and $85,000 for Princess Theater. Preferences cover qualifying publicly owned, accessible pre-1840 sites, qualifying sites built by 1943, and sites important to the civil rights movement.
Older committed funds face spending deadline
Beginning October 1, 2025, covered balances committed from prior-year appropriations expire no later than September 30 of the following fiscal year. Exceptions authorized by Alabama Code Section 41-4-93 remain. Expired balances return to the Education Trust Fund or their original earmarked fund. Agencies lose authority to spend those balances, while the money returns to the relevant state fund.
Adult education funding limited to eligible learners
For the year ending September 30, 2026, adult education receives $14.96 million from the Education Trust Fund. The law also identifies $20.86 million in other funds. This allocation may serve only people receiving benefits under the federal Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. That act is Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.
Classroom funding rates and spending limits set
For the year ending September 30, 2026, Foundation funding includes $100 per pupil for textbooks or digital resources. Pupil counts use average daily membership during the prior school year’s first 20 school days after Labor Day. Each earned unit receives $1,000 for classroom supplies, $500 for technology, $100 for professional development, and $157.72 for library improvements. All classroom supply money must fund in-classroom expenses. It cannot maintain, repair, or replace technology or other state-mandated classroom materials.
Science learning grants with robotics award caps
For fiscal year 2026, the law provides $900,000 for science education staff and expenses at three centers. Cook Natural Science Museum, McWane Center, and Saban Center each receive $300,000. Southern Research Institute receives $1 million to expand science, technology, engineering, and math outreach statewide. Beginning October 1, 2025, school robotics programs have access to $1.25 million, but awards cannot exceed $3,500 per school. The Student Botanical Pilot Project receives $450,000.
Student support funding with overhead limits
For fiscal year 2026, the law provides $3.3 million to the Helping Families Initiative, serving students through local school systems. No more than 15% can cover indirect costs, overhead, administration, training, or support expenses. High Hopes for Alabama Students receives about $11.98 million, and Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates receives about $7.051 million. These funding provisions do not specify High Hopes’ activities, the graduate program’s services, or direct family awards.
Teacher technology training with grant limits
The law provides about $3.46 million for teacher training and related programs in fiscal year 2026. This includes $300,000 for computer science educator training and $613,907 for middle-school computer programming. It also includes $188,907 for special education training and about $2.357 million for Technology in Motion. Middle-school programming grants are competitive and capped at $25,000 per grant to a local school system. Computer science training must support state-approved curricula.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Arthur Orr
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/29/2025
Orr Concur In and Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 848
Yes: 31 • No: 0
House vote • 4/24/2025
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1000
Yes: 103 • No: 0
House vote • 4/24/2025
Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 999
Yes: 103 • No: 0
House vote • 4/24/2025
Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 998
Yes: 103 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/10/2025
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 686
Yes: 32 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/10/2025
Orr motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 685
Yes: 32 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/10/2025
Orr motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 684
Yes: 32 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Enacted
5/6/2025SenateOrr Concur In and Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 848
4/29/2025SenateReady to Enroll
4/29/2025SenateEnrolled
4/29/2025SenateDelivered to Governor
4/29/2025SenateSignature Requested
4/29/2025HouseThird Reading in Second House
4/24/2025HouseWays and Means Education 1st Substitute Offered
4/24/2025HouseMotion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 998
4/24/2025HouseGarrett 1st Amendment Offered
4/24/2025HouseMotion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 999
4/24/2025HouseMotion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1000
4/24/2025HouseWays and Means Education 1st Substitute
4/22/2025HouseReported Out of Committee Second House
4/22/2025HouseRead for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar
4/22/2025HouseRead for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means Education
4/15/2025HousePending Committee Action in Second House
4/15/2025HouseEngrossed
4/14/2025SenateThird Reading in House of Origin
4/10/2025SenateFinance and Taxation Education 1st Substitute Offered
4/10/2025SenateOrr motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 684
4/10/2025SenateOrr 1st Amendment Offered
4/10/2025SenateOrr motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 685
4/10/2025SenateMotion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 686
4/10/2025SenateFinance and Taxation Education 1st Substitute
4/9/2025Senate
Bill Text
As Introduced
Engrossed
Enrolled
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