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SJR 78

Alabama, A State of Character

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Arthur Orr

A nonbinding resolution reaffirms Alabama as a 'State of Character' and urges voluntary, cross-sector partnerships to promote character education.

Enacted
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Bill Summary · SJR 78

Summary — SJR 78: "Alabama, A State of Character" (Enacted)

Overview

SJR 78 is a concurrent legislative resolution formally reaffirming Alabama’s declaration as “A State of Character.” Introduced March 14, 2025 (Sen. Orr, lead), the resolution was enrolled April 29, 2025, and listed as enacted May 6, 2025. It is a nonbinding statement of legislative intent and encouragement rather than a change to statute or appropriation.

Purpose / Intent

The resolution:
- Reaffirms prior legislative declarations (2000, 2005, 2008, 2014, 2018, 2022; House action in 2011) that Alabama is a “State of Character.”
- Encourages development, support, and collaborative implementation of character‑building strategies across the state.
- Calls for cooperation among local education agencies (LEAs), schools, businesses, churches, families, local governments, state agencies, media, and community groups in promoting character education.

Key Provisions / Content

  • Lists and promotes “universally recognized character qualities,” including: kindness, courage, loyalty, diligence, generosity, truthfulness, honesty, and obedience.
  • Cites reasons for emphasis on character: reducing juvenile delinquency and recidivism, easing prison overcrowding, improving school climates, increasing workplace morale and safety, and enhancing economic competitiveness.
  • Specifically references the Alabama Superintendent’s Commission on Citizenship and Character Education recommendation to encourage partnerships between LEAs and stakeholders.
  • Appeals to public and private partners to collaborate on practical, affordable character‑building strategies and to cooperate with other states participating in the “States of Character” movement.

Affected Parties

  • Encouraged (but not required) parties: LEAs, public schools, businesses and employers, faith organizations, families, local governments, state agencies, media, and community groups.
  • No individual rights or legal obligations are created or altered.

Legal Effect & Limitations

  • SJR 78 is a resolution (concurrent, adopted by both houses) and is symbolic and advisory in nature.
  • It imposes no new statutory duties, regulatory requirements, or funding commitments.

Procedural Timeline (selected)

  • Filed / Received: March 14, 2025
  • First read (Senate): April 7, 2025
  • Passed Senate: April 24, 2025
  • Enrolled / Delivered to Governor: April 29, 2025
  • Enacted: May 6, 2025
  • Companion: HJR 174

Potential Impact

Because it is nonbinding, the resolution’s primary effect is to signal legislative support for character education and to encourage voluntary partnerships and programs. Local school districts, community organizations, and employers may cite the resolution when adopting or expanding character‑education initiatives or seeking collaborative funding and support, but any programmatic changes would require separate policy actions or budgets.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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