SB1 Summary

• Amends the Alabama Ahead Act to begin implementation in the 2014-2015 school year instead of 2012-2013, eliminating the phased-in process requirement.

• Removes the requirement that tablets and mobile computers be pen-enabled, allowing schools to use any tablet, mobile computer, or similar wireless electronic device.

• Makes participation in Alabama Ahead voluntary for local school systems, requiring participating systems to contribute 25 percent of funding from local school system funds (with authority to waive or reduce this requirement based on financial condition).

• Restructures the advisory committee to include the Chairs of the House Ways and Means Education Committee and Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee, appointed legislative members, state education officials, and ex officio representatives from various technology and library organizations.

• Deletes the requirement that implementation be contingent upon separate legislative enactment, allowing the program to proceed once this act takes effect.