HB640 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program allowing eligible K-12 students with disabilities to attend a different public school or receive a scholarship to attend a private school of their choice.

• Eligible students must have an active individual educational plan (IEP) under State Board of Education rules or a current 504 accommodation plan under federal Rehabilitation Act Section 504.

• Scholarship amount equals the base student allocation in the Foundation Program multiplied by the appropriate cost factor and district cost differential, plus a share of guaranteed allocation for exceptional children, capped at actual tuition and fees.

• School districts must notify parents annually of available options by April 1 and offer enrollment in alternative public schools; parents may choose public school option with continued transportation or pursue private school scholarships with 60-day advance notice.

• Private schools participating must maintain physical locations in Alabama, provide annual written progress reports, be accountable to parents, submit annual compliance statements, and comply with state requirements for teacher credentials and background screening.