MONTGOMERY - AL -
The governor calls the signing of the Alabama Accountability Act historic. But other lawmakers describe it as stepping into the Twilight Zone. Even Governor Robert Bentley says there are problems with the law.
Different groups are seeking change through the courts, legislature and other state departments.
Some members of the House felt it would certainly be accomplished through a new bill. The bill changes one sentence and does not require schools to take students from failing schools. But the Senate sponsor isn't planning on push the bill through just yet.
"Schools are going to have flexibility, flexibility in programs, flexibility how they spend money. It's going to change the schools in the state. There is no excuse anymore for a failing school," said Governor Bentley after signing the bill into law.
Students in those failing schools will have the option of transferring to another school. Tax credits are available for private school.
Some Republicans and Democrats are getting flooded with emails and calls from concerned parents and educators about the transfer provision.
"[They say] please put something in here, so we don't have to accept children that are failing. It's going to have overcrowded classrooms. It's going to be burden on teachers," said Senator Linda Coleman, (D) Birmingham.
Representative Paul DeMarco was racing about the house floor huddled with lawmakers about his new bill. It will change one sentence to not "force any school, whether public or nonpublic, to enroll any student."
"It's very important because I think we draft legislation we need to make sure it is crystal clear," he said.
But other lawmakers, including Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh.. argue the law is already clear. He says any uncertainties, like funding and the definition of failing, can be worked out by regulation. Yet, Marsh filed DeMarco's bill in the Senate just in case regulation isn't enough
"I told Representative DeMarco I would not move the legislation if that were the case. But right now, I think the language is clear," he said.
Coleman believes the message going to voters is also clear.
"Why are we coming in after the fact? Now, you're asking the public to trust us?," she said.
Lawsuits will follow. A spokesperson for AEA says there are multiple issues, so the battle will continue once again in court.
