HB219 Summary

• Increases mandatory school attendance age from 17 to 18 years old for children in Alabama.

• Maintains existing exemptions including opt-out provisions for six-year-olds (parents may delay enrollment until age seven) and church school exemptions prior to age 16.

• Requires attendance at public school, private school, church school, or instruction by a competent private tutor for the entire school term.

• Excludes the bill from Amendment 621 constitutional requirements because expenditures are required only from school boards, not local governmental entities.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.