SB234 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Kim Benefield
Democrat
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: SB234 would raise Alabama's graduate nursing scholarships, tie awards to enrollment, require a two-year in-state service commitment, and provide funding and administration for the program.
What This Bill Does
Creates and funds graduate nursing scholarships in Alabama, with each award up to $10,000 per year and tied to 5% of total enrollment in Alabama graduate nursing programs. Eligibility requires Alabama residency, active nursing license, admission to an accredited graduate nursing program, a BSN from an accredited school, and agreement to practice in Alabama for two years after completing the graduate degree. Prefers applicants pursuing a career in nursing education and allows scholarships for master's or doctoral degrees in nursing (doctorates in education are also acceptable if the applicant holds a nursing graduate degree). Funding and administration are provided through an annual appropriation (about $57,000 from the Education Trust Fund), managed by the Alabama Board of Nursing, with renewal and repayment rules if a recipient does not complete the program or service.

Who It Affects
Alabama residents pursuing graduate-level nursing programs (master's or doctoral) who would be eligible for scholarships and must agree to a two-year in-state practice requirement after graduation.
Licensed nurses in Alabama who apply for graduate nursing programs and participate in the scholarship program; the Alabama Board of Nursing administers the program and enforces repayment and service requirements, with funding provided by the Education Trust Fund.

Key Provisions
Scholarships up to $10,000 per year for graduate nursing education.
Scholarship awards equal to five percent of total enrollment in Alabama graduate nursing programs.
Eligibility: Alabama residency for at least one year, good character, active Alabama nursing license, acceptance into an accredited graduate nursing program, BSN from an accredited school, and agreement to practice in Alabama for two years after graduation.
Preference given to applicants pursuing a career in nursing education.
Eligible programs: master's or doctoral degrees in nursing; doctoral degrees in education acceptable if applicant has a nursing graduate degree.
Administration: Alabama Board of Nursing; five percent of the appropriation goes to the Board to administer the scholarships.
Funding: annual appropriation from the Education Trust Fund (about $57,000) dedicated to these scholarships; renewal or reallocation contingent on ongoing funding.
Repayment: if a recipient fails to complete the graduate program, must repay funds; death or certain disabilities can cancel the repayment obligation.
Effective date: immediate upon passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Nurses and Nursing