HB 46 Summary

• Amends the Alabama Ahead Act to redirect up to $100,000,000 in bond funds from digital textbooks to priority installation of high-quality, standards-based broadband Wi-Fi infrastructure in all public school classrooms statewide within 24 months.

• Allocates up to $50,000,000 as first priority for wireless local area network (WLAN) infrastructure meeting AETA and SEND standards, with remaining funds available for mobile digital computing devices after infrastructure completion.

• Establishes specific WLAN standards requiring regular classrooms and gymnasiums to support 30-40 simultaneous wireless devices, cafeterias to serve one-third of school enrollment, and includes funding formula based on enrollment, buildings, classrooms, and infrastructure components.

• Requires school systems to submit applications including technology plans, infrastructure readiness reports, and accountability measures; State Department of Education to oversee implementation with semi-annual progress reports to legislative committees.

• Revises advisory committee membership to include select members from Alabama Educational Technology Association (AETA) and Educational Technology Department; removes contingency requirement allowing bonds to be issued immediately upon State Director of Finance approval.