AL SB34

Beginning with students entering middle school in the 2026-2027 school year, each public school student must complete a course or program in violence prevention, conflict resolution, and mediation before promotion to high school.

Required instruction shall cover responsible decision-making, causes and effects of school violence and harassment, cultural diversity, nonviolent conflict resolution methods including peer mediation, consequences of violent behavior, causes of violent reactions to conflict, nonviolent conflict resolution techniques, relationship between drugs/alcohol and violence, and voluntary peer mediation programs.

State Department of Education shall prepare and make available instructional materials, models, and curricula to local boards of education by June 30, 2026, with each local board determining appropriate curriculum to meet requirements.

State Department of Education shall provide training to teachers on effective instruction in violence prevention, conflict resolution, and mediation.

State Board of Education shall adopt rules necessary to implement the requirements; act becomes effective October 1, 2025.