SB42 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Jimmy HolleyDick BrewbakerTom Whatley

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Higher Education, 2-year institutions authorize to charge resident tuition for nonresident distance learning students Sec. 16-64-4 am'd.

Summary

SB42 would let Alabama public colleges set nonresident online distance learning tuition by their governing boards.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes two-year and four-year public colleges to charge nonresident online distance learning students at tuition rates determined by the institution's governing board. This provides flexibility beyond the existing rule that nonresident undergraduates pay at least twice the resident rate. The boards may set, or extend, resident rates or other rates for distance learning courses over the Internet. It also preserves the authority for near-campus tuition adjustments for students within 50 miles of a campus. If enacted, the act would take effect on the first day of the third month after the governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• Nonresident online distance learning students: tuition for their online courses may be set by the institution's governing board, potentially differing from a fixed rate.
• Public colleges and their governing boards (four-year boards and the State Board of Education for two-year institutions): empowered to determine or extend tuition rates, including for distance learning and for near-campus residents within 50 miles.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 16-64-4 to authorize nonresident online distance learning tuition rates set by the governing board.
• Maintains the existing rule that undergraduate nonresidents pay at least twice the resident rate; nonresident graduates pay at least the nonresident undergraduate rate.
• Governing boards may extend resident tuition or other rates to nonresident distance learning students taking Internet courses.
• Governing boards retain power to extend resident rates to nonresident students residing within 50 miles of a campus (four-year boards; two-year institutions via the State Board of Education).
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

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

Subjects

Colleges and Universities