By BOB JOHNSON
Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Textbooks have been a part of the student life since the days of the one-room school house. But several members of the Alabama Legislature say it's time to throw out many of the books and replace them with laptop computers, tablets and other modern technology.
First up on the agenda in the Alabama House and Senate for the session opening in January are bills calling for a $100 million bond issue to allow school systems, on a voluntary basis, to buy the equipment needed to allow most students to use modern technology instead of textbooks.
Not all legislators support the plan. Republican Rep. Phil Williams of Huntsville says he backs the concept but questions whether the state can afford millions of dollars in expenses after years of tight budgets.