HB260 Summary

• Creates a Teacher Bill of Rights establishing nine specific rights for public K-12 teachers in Alabama, including protection from frivolous lawsuits, qualified immunity, and legal defense through the Liability Insurance Program.

• Grants teachers the right to use appropriate discipline including corporal punishment, remove persistently disruptive students from classrooms, and have their professional disciplinary recommendations respected by administrators.

• Establishes teacher rights to teach in a safe environment free from hazards, be treated with civility and respect, communicate with parents about student discipline, and receive limited, non-burdensome paperwork.

• Requires beginning teachers receive mentorship and support from qualified, experienced mentors to meet performance standards and professional expectations.

• Mandates local school boards distribute the bill of rights to all teachers annually, post it in schools and administrative buildings, provide copies to parents, and post it on district websites; the Paperwork Reduction Committee must report findings by December 1, 2021.