SB45 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

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

Summary

SB45 would redefine who qualifies as a resident student for tuition and grant public colleges authority to set distance-learning tuition rates for distance programs at both two-year and four-year schools.

What This Bill Does

The bill expands the definition of a resident student to include several specific circumstances, such as certain employees and spouses, military personnel, graduate assistants, consular staff, and participation in interstate college programs. It lets four-year public institutions' governing boards set tuition rates for students in distance-learning programs. It lets the Chancellor of the Department of Postsecondary Education set distance-learning tuition rates for distance programs at two-year institutions. It maintains the existing rule that nonresident undergraduates pay at least twice the resident rate (with graduate rates tied to the nonresident undergraduate level) and preserves the 50-mile residency extensions for both four-year and two-year institutions.

Who It Affects

• Public college students (undergraduate and graduate) who are nonresident, especially those enrolled in distance-learning programs, who may see tuition rates set by boards or the Chancellor for distance formats.
• Public colleges and universities in Alabama (four-year institutions' governing boards and the Chancellor) who gain authority to determine distance-learning tuition rates, affecting pricing and revenue.

Key Provisions

• Defines resident student more precisely to include employees or spouses, in-state employment, active-duty military stationed in Alabama, graduate assistants or fellows, accredited consular staff, and participation in interstate consortium programs, among others.
• Authorizes the governing boards of four-year public institutions to set tuition rates for distance-learning students.
• Authorizes the Chancellor to set tuition rates for distance-learning programs at two-year public institutions.
• Affirms existing nonresident tuition framework: undergraduates pay at least twice the resident rate, nonresident graduates pay at least the level of nonresident undergraduates, and maintains to extend resident tuition to nearby counties within 50 miles for certain institutions.

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