HB41 Summary

• Deletes the requirement that tablets and mobile computers be pen-enabled and removes phase-in and reassignment provisions from the Alabama Ahead Act, effective with the 2016-2017 school year.

• Makes participation by local school systems voluntary rather than mandatory for providing digital devices and electronic textbooks to grades 9-12 students.

• Establishes the Alabama Ahead Oversight Committee composed of legislative committee chairs, legislative appointees, the Governor's Broadband Director, State Superintendent, and school superintendent representative to evaluate applications and provide implementation oversight.

• Directs funds to prioritize purchase and installation of high-quality, standards-based broadband Wi-Fi infrastructure in all public school classrooms, with remaining funds available for device upgrades, digital content, and support services.

• Removes the requirement that Act 2012-560 implementation be contingent upon separate legislative enactment.