Alabama Senate Approves Bill Requiring Ten Commandments Displays in Alabama Public Schools

March 31, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Legislation that would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in Alabama public schools cleared the Senate on Tuesday, advancing a proposal that supporters say highlights the historical influence of Judeo‑Christian tradition on American civic life.

Senate Bill 99 is sponsored by State Sen. Keith Kelley (R‑Anniston). It mandates that each local board of education place a display of the Ten Commandments-along with a context statement-in every history classroom serving grades 5–12. Schools that serve only students in fifth grade or above would also be required to place a display in a common area accessible to students.

Donation‑Based Implementation

To avoid imposing new costs on school systems, the legislation conditions the requirement on the availability of donated displays or donated funds. The bill also directs the State Department of Education to identify and publicize free resources that local boards may use to comply with the mandate.

Supporters say this approach ensures that schools can meet the display requirement without diverting money from instructional needs.

Debate Cut Short by Cloture

The Senate approved the measure after Republicans voted to invoke cloture, limiting debate from Democrats who raised concerns about the bill's implications and potential legal challenges. The cloture motion allowed the chamber to move quickly to a final vote.

Kelley: Displays Recognize Historical Influence

Sen. Kelley framed the legislation as an acknowledgment of the Ten Commandments' role in shaping Western legal and cultural traditions.

He added that the intent is not to mandate religious instruction but to recognize the historical role of the Ten Commandments and the broader Judeo‑Christian tradition in the development of American civil society.

Next Steps

With Senate approval secured, SB99 now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives for consideration. The House passed similar legislation last year, but it got bogged down in the Senate where filibuster rules allows three or four Senators to grind the process to a standstill. The Senate is considering rule changes that will allow a more orderly process. Representative Mark Gidley (R-Hokes Bluff) is expected to carry SB99 in the House. If SB99 is passes by the House and signed into law, the measure would take effect once donated displays or funding become available for each school system.