RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
Teachers just starting out in their jobs often get gifts this time of year from students. But in Alabama, a teacher who accepts almost any present from a student could theoretically get jail time. That's because of a new ethics law, a law the governor now wants changed. From the Southern education desk at member station WBHM in Birmingham, Dan Carson reports.
DAN CARSON, BYLINE: Unintended consequences seem to be in Governor Robert Bentley's job description. First, there was fallout from Alabama's immigration law. Now he's asking lawmakers to amend a new ethics law that severely restricts gifts to teachers.
GOVERNOR ROBERT BENTLEY: I just don't believe that anyone ever intended to punish teachers or punish children. Teachers need to be exempt.
CARSON: Designed to stem corruption, the vague law bans gifts of significant value to all public employees. The Alabama Ethics Commission tried to clarify the law, but did not provide a dollar figure. So how much should a family spend on a gift card? Parents and teachers are stumped. State lawmakers say they will sponsor a bill to ensure teacher gifts are legal.
For NPR News in Birmingham, Alabama, I'm Dan Carson. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.