AL HB178

Two or more contiguous city boards of education may consolidate under one remaining controlling board by adopting a formal resolution detailing debt payment, consolidation process, and implementation timeline

If 25% of qualified electors in any affected school system submit a written protest within 30 days, a referendum election must be held requiring majority approval from voters across all combined territories

The referendum must occur within 60 days of the judge of probate's order, with 30 days' notice published in local newspapers or on school system websites

Consolidation does not relieve boards of pre-existing liabilities or impair existing rights; the remaining controlling board may enforce contractual obligations from abolished boards

Effective date: October 1, 2026; passed Alabama House 104-0 on February 3, 2026