SB351 Summary

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

• Establishes the Alabama Ahead Oversight Committee to evaluate applications and oversee implementation, replacing the previous advisory committee, with membership including legislative chairs, State Department of Education officials, and representatives from technology and educational organizations.

• Prioritizes funds for purchase, installation, maintenance, and upgrade of high-quality standards-based broadband Wi-Fi infrastructure in all regular classrooms and libraries as the first priority, with remaining funds used for mobile digital resources and devices.

• Makes participation in Alabama Ahead voluntary for local school systems, requiring them to submit applications to the State Department of Education that include technology plans, infrastructure readiness reports, and professional development components.

• Modifies Act 2012-560 to remove the requirement that implementation be contingent upon separate legislative enactment, allowing the program to proceed with current authorization.