SJR111 Summary

• Creates a Joint Interim Study Commission on Responsible Technology Purchases by Public Education to examine short-term and long-term fiscal impacts of mass technology purchases by K-12 and higher education institutions.

• Commission membership includes 11 positions: State Superintendent of Education, Chancellor of Alabama Community College System, Executive Director of Alabama Commission on Higher Education, chairs of relevant legislative committees, minority leaders, State Finance Director, and an educational hardware technology specialist appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.

• Directs commission to consider viability of establishing a total cost of ownership (TCO) matrix or calculator for public education technology purchases, incorporating residual value, leasing options, device buyback programs, sustainability plans, environmental disposal impact, and data privacy assurances.

• Cochairs designated as the Chairs of Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee and House Ways and Means Education Committee; commission shall meet as soon as practical with notice per legislative interim committee rules.

• Commission must report findings and proposed legislation to the Legislature and publish final report on the Legislature website no later than January 1, 2022, at which time the commission dissolves.