HB164 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Poole

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

National Guard Educational Assistance Act, definition of tuition revised, annual benefit increased, Sec. 31-10-2 am'd.

Summary

The bill changes how Alabama National Guard members receive in-state tuition assistance by redefining tuition and adjusting benefit calculations.

What This Bill Does

It revises the tuition definition used by the Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Act to include the cost of instruction and fees listed in the institution's catalog plus the average cost of books and supplies, with a minimum of $100 and caps of up to $500 per semester or quarter and up to $1,000 annually, plus 50% of any remaining balance after federal benefits are applied, with a total annual limit of $2,000. It specifies who is eligible (active members of federally recognized Alabama National Guard units) and who is ineligible (veterans with more than 180 days of active duty who are already entitled to federal benefits under Title 10). It also makes the language gender-neutral and sets the effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Active Alabama National Guard members seeking in-state tuition assistance; their benefits would be calculated under the new per-term and annual caps and the 50% remaining-balance provision.
• Veterans with more than 180 days of Title 10 active duty who receive federal educational benefits; they would be ineligible for benefits under this act.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 31-10-2 to revise the definition of tuition for the Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Act.
• Tuition is defined as the cost of instruction and fees plus the average cost of books and supplies, with a minimum of $100, up to $500 per semester or quarter, up to $1,000 annually, 50% of the remaining balance after federal benefits are applied, and a total annual limit of $2,000.
• Defines Alabama National Guard, Active Member, Veteran, and includes gender-neutral language.
• Veterans with more than 180 days of active duty who are entitled to federal education benefits are not eligible for benefits under this article.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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

Subjects

Education