HB398 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Yusuf Salaam

Co-Sponsors

Alan HarperJay LoveRandy WoodSteve ClouseBarry MaskPhil WilliamsGreg WrenRobert Bentley

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Nursing scholarships, qualifications altered, funding increased, appropriation, Graduate Degree Scholarship for Nurses, Secs. 34-21-60, 34-21-61, 34-21-62, 34-21-63 am'd.

Summary

HB398 would expand Alabama's graduate nursing scholarships by increasing the award, tying awards to enrollment, and requiring in-state practice after graduation, with a preference for those pursuing nursing education.

What This Bill Does

It raises the scholarship amount from $3,800 per year to $10,000 per year and sets awards at five percent of the total enrollment in Alabama graduate nursing programs. Applicants must have an active Alabama nursing license and agree to practice in Alabama for two years after completing the program, with preference given to those pursuing nursing education. Scholarships are funded by an annual appropriation tied to graduate nursing enrollment (up to $10,000 per scholarship, about $57,000 total) and administered by the Alabama Board of Nursing. If a recipient fails to complete the degree, dies, or becomes disabled, the funds can be repaid or the obligation canceled according to the rules.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents pursuing graduate nursing degrees (master's or doctorate) in-state, who would be eligible for larger scholarships based on enrollment and must meet licensure and two-year in-state practice requirements.
• The Alabama Board of Nursing and the state's funding process, which would administer and disburse the scholarships, set selection criteria, enforce repayment terms, and manage annual appropriations based on enrollment.

Key Provisions

• Scholarship amount increased from $3,800 to $10,000 per year and scholarships tied to five percent of total enrollment in Alabama graduate nursing programs.
• Eligibility requires an active Alabama nursing license, Alabama residency for at least one year, acceptance into an accredited Alabama graduate nursing program, and a two-year in-state practice commitment after graduation.
• Preference given to applicants pursuing a career in nursing education; doctorates in education are acceptable if the applicant has a nursing degree; programs may cover master's or doctorate degrees in nursing.
• Scholarships administered by the Alabama Board of Nursing; five percent of total appropriation allocated for administration; annual appropriation funded by the Education Trust Fund equal to five percent of total enrollment, up to $10,000 per scholarship (estimated $57,000 annually).
• Repayment obligations apply if the recipient does not complete the course; in cases of death or disability, the obligation is canceled.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Nurses and Nursing