AL HB498

Authorizes the State Superintendent of Education to issue subpoenas and summon witnesses to testify regarding matters the State Department of Education has authority to administer or regulate.

Allows subpoenas to be issued by the State Superintendent or any circuit judge, magistrate, or district judge, and permits service by sheriff, process server, authorized department employee, or certified mail.

Establishes that witnesses who fail or refuse to appear, testify, or produce records are subject to contempt proceedings in circuit court with potential punishment for contempt.

Authorizes the State Superintendent to appoint special investigators within the Office of General Counsel of the State Department of Education with general investigative powers including serving subpoenas, accessing school property, interviewing witnesses, and accessing law enforcement records.

Becomes effective August 1, 2025.