HB 62 Summary

• Allows public schools to offer elective Bible study courses in grades 6-12, including courses on Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), New Testament, or both as social studies courses.

• Requires elective courses to teach Bible characters, poetry, and narratives for understanding history and culture, and to familiarize students with Bible contents, history, literary style, and its influence on law, government, literature, art, and customs.

• Mandates teachers maintain religious neutrality, accommodate diverse religious views and perspectives, and prohibits endorsing, favoring, promoting, or showing hostility toward any particular religion or religious perspective.

• Authorizes school principals to display historic artifacts, monuments, symbols, and religious materials in conjunction with relevant courses if appropriate to the course's educational purpose.

• Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules and policies implementing the bill while ensuring compliance with U.S. and Alabama constitutions, federal and state law, and Department of Education regulations.