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Alabama creates American History and Civics Initiative for high school teachers with $3,000 stipend

Original title: Teacher certification; American History and Civics Initiative, created within the Department of Education; online course of study and endorsement for high school teachers, provided for; one-time stipend, provided for; State Board of Education, required to adopt rules

Last action · March 3, 2026: Pending Committee Action in House of OriginSponsor: Arnold Mooney

Companion · SB 335same policy, Senate version
Introduced
Committee
Floor Vote
Passed
Law

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What This Bill Would Do

High school teachers in Alabama may complete a 50-hour online course to earn an American History and Civics Seal of Excellence and apply for a one-time $3,000 stipend starting October 1, 2026. The legislation establishes the initiative within the State Department of Education, requires Senate confirmation for a program director, and directs the State Board of Education to adopt implementation rules.

Why it matters

High school educators holding valid state certification gain access to professional credentials and potential state-funded financial awards tied to course completion.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

high school teachers

High school teachers holding a valid Alabama certificate are eligible to complete the 50-hour online course, receive the endorsement, and apply for the one-time $3,000 stipend.

Directly affected

State Department of Education

The department houses the new initiative, processes applications, and manages course administration.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to take the online course of study?
High school teachers who hold a valid Alabama Teacher Certificate issued by the department may complete the course.
How many hours does the online course take?
The online course of study takes a minimum of 50 educational hours to complete.
What financial award is available upon completing the course and receiving the endorsement?
Teachers who successfully complete the course and receive the may apply for a one-time stipend of $3,000, subject to appropriation by the Legislature.

What else do you want to know?

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

2 actions
  1. Mar 3, 2026HouseCommittee
    Pending Committee Action in House of Origin
  2. Mar 3, 2026HouseIntroduced
    Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

View official text →

Lobbying Activity

No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.

Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

Sponsors

Connected Entities

State Board of Education, Arnold Mooney, State Department of Education and 2 more
OrganizationState Board of Education“Board required to oversee the initiative and adopt rules”Map →
PersonArnold Mooney“Representative sponsoring the bill”Map →
OrganizationState Department of Education“House where the American History and Civics Excellence Initiative is created”Map →
PersonYarbrough“Representative co-sponsoring the bill”Map →
PersonState Superintendent of Education“Official responsible for appointing a program director and developing the endors”Map →

Sources

Open source document

alison.legislature.state.al.us

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance60
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy45
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment10
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz30
    Current news / social attention level

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