HB439 Summary

• Renames the position of "technology coordinator" to "technology director" in public K-12 schools, requiring a 12-month contract with a local board of education employee (effective July 1, 2024).

• Establishes minimum qualifications for technology directors hired after October 1, 2024: a degree in technology from an accredited institution, OR a degree in another field with technology work experience, OR a high school diploma with current industry certifications in networking, cybersecurity, or data management plus technology work experience.

• Requires the Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology to establish a professional development program including mandatory Chief Technology Officer Academy training within 24 months for new hires and 12 annual continuing education hours for existing directors.

• Amends the K-12 Capital Grant Program to allow recipients to return unused funds to the state, use grant funds to pay off debt, and amend grant proposals once within 12 months to fully utilize funds for eligible purposes.

• Repeals the Distressed Institutions of Higher Education Revolving Loan Program (Act 2023-560) and transfers any remaining funds to the Education Trust Fund as nonrecurring revenue.