On January 6, 2025, Alabama lawmakers introduced House Bill 85 (HB85), a legislative proposal aimed at addressing school safety and accountability in public education. The bill outlines significant measures regarding student behavior, particularly focusing on the consequences of making terrorist threats and the financial responsibilities of parents for their children's actions.

One of the key provisions of HB85 mandates that students adjudicated or convicted of making a terrorist threat in the first or second degree will face expulsion from school. Additionally, the bill requires that both the student and their parent or guardian pay restitution to law enforcement, emergency medical service providers, and the local board of education for any costs incurred as a result of the crime. This provision aims to deter such threats and ensure that those responsible for the disruption bear the financial burden of their actions.

The bill also emphasizes the importance of transparency in school discipline policies. It requires that each school system distribute its discipline plan to all enrolled students and their guardians, who must then acknowledge receipt and understanding of the policies. Furthermore, school boards are mandated to review their discipline plans annually to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Debate surrounding HB85 has already begun, with proponents arguing that the bill is a necessary step toward enhancing school safety and holding families accountable for student behavior. Critics, however, express concerns about the potential for disproportionate impacts on students from lower-income families who may struggle to pay restitution costs.

The implications of HB85 extend beyond immediate school safety concerns. By placing financial responsibility on parents, the bill raises questions about equity and access to education, particularly for families facing economic hardships. Experts suggest that while the intent to improve safety is commendable, the execution of such financial penalties could lead to unintended consequences, including increased dropout rates among affected students.

As HB85 moves through the legislative process, its future remains uncertain. Lawmakers will need to balance the goals of enhancing school safety with the potential social and economic ramifications of the proposed measures. The ongoing discussions will likely shape the final form of the bill and its impact on Alabama's educational landscape.