AL SB391

Allow public schools to offer elective social studies courses on the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), New Testament, or both combined to students in grades six through 12.

Require elective Bible courses to teach students about Bible characters, poetry, and narratives relevant to understanding history, contemporary society, culture, art, music, and public policy, plus familiarize students with Bible contents, history, literary style, and its influence on law, government, literature, and customs.

Prohibit teachers from endorsing, favoring, promoting, disfavoring, or showing hostility toward any particular religion or nonreligious perspective, and require compliance with federal and state guidelines on religious neutrality.

Authorize school principals to display historic artifacts, monuments, symbols, and religious materials in conjunction with eligible courses if the display is appropriate to the overall educational purpose of the course.

Require the State Board of Education to adopt rules and policies for implementation while ensuring compliance with the U.S. Constitution, federal law, Alabama Constitution, and state law.