HB163 Summary

• Creates the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, an independent, state-wide residential institution located in Demopolis, Marengo County, with operations beginning fall semester 2026.

• Establishes a 21-member board of trustees composed of state education officials, healthcare organization leaders, university presidents, legislative committee chairs, and eight governor-appointed members (five with healthcare backgrounds, one per congressional district plus one at-large from Marengo County).

• School shall be funded by state appropriations, grants, donations, and contributions from corporations, individuals, and foundations; coordinates curriculum with the State Department of Education but operates independently of state and local board control.

• Board of trustees has authority to award certificates and diplomas in addition to regular high school diplomas, establish admission criteria ensuring at least one qualified applicant per state senate district, and prescribe educator qualifications allowing advanced degrees or recognized expertise instead of standard certification.

• Designed to address healthcare workforce shortage by providing STEMM and healthcare sciences education to academically motivated Alabama students; may offer summer programs, short courses, workshops, and extension courses at other educational institutions.