AL SB292

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

Allows subpoenas to be issued by the State Superintendent or any circuit judge, magistrate, or district judge and served by sheriff, process server, authorized department employee, or U.S. mail with delivery confirmation 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 penalties as provided for contempt violations.

Authorizes the State Superintendent to appoint special investigators within the Office of General Counsel who must sign an agency access agreement to access law enforcement records and systems, subject to state and federal law and audits by the Criminal Justice Information Services Division.

Grants special investigators general investigative powers including serving subpoenas, accessing public school property, interviewing witnesses, accessing law enforcement records, obtaining evidence, and performing additional duties directed by the State Superintendent.

Effective date: August 1, 2025.