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AlabamaSB992026 Regular SessionSenate

Ten Commandments; required to be displayed in certain public schools, subject to the availability of donations

Sponsored By: Keith Kelley (Republican)

Enacted

Education

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Alabama schools must display the Ten Commandments

Beginning January 1, 2027, Alabama school boards must post approved Ten Commandments displays when donated money or displays are available. The State Superintendent decides whether donations are available and approves the layout. Displays must appear in every fifth-through-twelfth-grade classroom where U.S. history is routinely taught, plus school entryways or other common areas. Schools serving only kindergarten through fourth grade are exempt from the common-area rule. Each poster or framed document must measure at least 11 by 14 inches and include the required historical context. Its title is “Historical Truths: The Ten Commandments and America’s Founding Documents.” The required text discusses the Mayflower Compact, Northwest Ordinance, Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Alabama’s ban on establishing a religion. Boards can accept donations and do not have to spend their own money to buy displays. Beginning October 1, 2026, the education department must find free resources and list them on its website once identified. The State Board of Education can adopt rules to carry out the display requirement.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Keith Kelley

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • David Sessions

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 166 • No: 27

House vote • 4/9/2026

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1347

Yes: 81 • No: 10 • Other: 10

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

Third Reading in House of Origin

Yes: 30 • No: 4

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 979

Yes: 28 • No: 6

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

Petition To Close Debate- Adopted Roll Call 978

Yes: 27 • No: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Enacted

    4/13/2026Senate

  2. Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1347

    4/9/2026House

  3. Ready to Enroll

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Enrolled

    4/9/2026Senate

  5. Signature Requested

    4/9/2026House

  6. Delivered to Governor

    4/9/2026Senate

  7. Reported Out of Committee Second House

    4/7/2026House

  8. Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

    4/7/2026House

  9. Re-referred to Committee in Second House

    4/7/2026House

  10. Reported Out of Committee Second House

    4/7/2026House

  11. Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

    4/7/2026House

  12. Third Reading in House of Origin

    3/31/2026Senate

  13. Petition To Close Debate- Adopted Roll Call 978

    3/31/2026Senate

  14. Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 979

    3/31/2026Senate

  15. Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy

    3/31/2026House

  16. Pending Committee Action in Second House

    3/31/2026House

  17. Carried Over to the Call of the Chair

    3/19/2026Senate

  18. Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

    2/12/2026Senate

  19. Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

    2/11/2026Senate

  20. Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Education Policy

    1/13/2026Senate

  21. Pending Committee Action in House of Origin

    1/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

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