Public institutions of higher education; authorized to accept the Classic Learning Test to the same extent as the American College Test and the Scholastic Aptitude Test

Plain English Breakdown

The official metadata lists conflicting status labels ('Passed Legislature' vs. 'Pending Committee Action'), but the text of Section 2 confirms an effective date of June 1, 2026.

Allowing Public Colleges to Accept the Classic Learning Test

This bill allows state-supported public colleges in Alabama to accept scores from the Classic Learning Test just like they do for the ACT and SAT.

What This Bill Does

• Allows state-supported public universities to take Classic Learning Test (CLT) scores.
• Requires CLT scores to be treated the same as American College Test (ACT) scores if accepted.
• Requires CLT scores to be treated the same as Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores if accepted.
• Applies these rules for showing college readiness and meeting admission requirements.

Who It Names or Affects

• State-supported public institutions of higher education in Alabama
• The Alabama Commission on Higher Education
• Boards of trustees at each individual institution

Terms To Know

Classic Learning Test (CLT)

A test that public colleges may accept for admissions and college readiness.

American College Test (ACT)

A standardized test currently accepted by the institutions mentioned in this bill.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

Another standardized test currently accepted by the institutions mentioned in this bill.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill uses 'may accept,' meaning schools are allowed but not forced to use CLT scores.
• Final rules on how scores are used depend on the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and each school's board of trustees.
• This law takes effect on June 1, 2026.

Official Summary Text

Public institutions of higher education; authorized to accept the Classic Learning Test to the same extent as the American College Test and the Scholastic Aptitude Test

Current Bill Text

HB640 INTRODUCED
Page 0
HB640
11USKZL-1
By Representative Mooney
RFD: Education Policy
First Read: 19-Mar-26
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11USKZL-1 03/18/2026 KMS (L)cr 2026-1391
Page 1
First Read: 19-Mar-26
SYNOPSIS:
This bill would authorize public institutions of
higher education to accept Classic Learning Test (CLT)
scores to the same extent as American College Test
(ACT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores for
demonstrating college readiness and satisfying
admissions criteria.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to public institutions of higher education; to
authorize the institutions to accept the Classic Learning Test
(CLT) to the same extent the institution accepts the American
College Test (ACT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for
demonstrating college readiness and satisfying admissions
criteria.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. A state-supported public institution of
higher education may accept the Classic Learning Test (CLT) to
the same extent the institution accepts the American College
Test (ACT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for
demonstrating college readiness and satisfying admissions
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HB640 INTRODUCED
Page 2
demonstrating college readiness and satisfying admissions
criteria, as determined by the Alabama Commission on Higher
Education and the individual boards of trustees of each
institution.
Section 2. This act shall become effective on June 1,
2026.
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