HJR 713 Summary

• Reaffirms Alabama's designation as a "State of Character" previously declared in 2000 and 2005, and commits to promoting character education statewide.

• References the 1995 Alabama Character Education Mandate requiring public schools to teach 26 character traits for at least 10 minutes daily, including kindness, courage, loyalty, honesty, and obedience.

• Calls for cooperation from the Board of Education, Character Council of Alabama, and various state agencies, schools, homes, churches, and community groups to implement and sustain character development initiatives.

• Cites Alabama's prison capacity at approximately 200 percent of planned capacity and asserts that character education reduces juvenile delinquency and recidivism rates.

• Directs that copies of the resolution be provided to Alabama Constitutional Officers and the Governor's cabinet requesting collaborative support for the Alabama State of Character Initiative.