HB266 Summary

• Establishes the REACH Act, creating a nontraditional high school diploma option through the Alabama Community College System's Adult Education Division for students 18 years or older who have withdrawn from high school.

• Students who withdraw and enroll in the nontraditional program within one year are not counted as dropouts for high school graduation rate calculations on the State Report Card.

• Requires local high schools to provide students withdrawing from school with information about available adult education programs, including GED preparation and the nontraditional diploma option, along with academic records and counseling referrals.

• Mandates the Alabama Community College System Chancellor submit annual reports starting January 1, 2026, to the House and Senate Education Policy Committees summarizing program participation, student retention, and diplomas awarded.

• Amends driver's license eligibility requirements to allow individuals under 19 who are enrolled and making satisfactory progress in the nontraditional high school diploma option program to receive a driver's or learner's license.

• Requires data sharing agreements between the State Department of Education and the Adult Education Division regarding students who have withdrawn from high school.

• Effective June 1, 2025.