SB54 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Tom WhatleyPhillip W. Williams

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

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

Summary

SB54 updates how tuition is calculated for the Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Act and raises the annual benefit to $2,000, with eligibility rules clarified.

What This Bill Does

It defines tuition as the cost of instruction and fees listed in the college catalog, plus the average cost of books and supplies, with a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $500 per semester or quarter or up to $1,000 annually, plus 50 percent of the remaining balance after federal benefits are applied, with a total annual limit of $2,000. It clarifies that veterans who have more than 180 days of active duty and receive federal education benefits are not eligible for these Alabama benefits. It uses gender neutral language and sets an effective date for the bill to take effect in the required timeframe after passage.

Who It Affects

• Alabama National Guard members eligible for the state's Educational Assistance who would see a revised tuition calculation and a higher potential annual benefit (up to $2,000).
• Veterans with federal education benefits who would become ineligible for these Alabama benefits due to the new rule excluding those with existing federal benefits.

Key Provisions

• Tuition is defined as the institution's cost of instruction and fees plus the average cost of books and supplies, with a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $500 per semester or quarter, or not more than $1,000 annually, plus 50 percent of the remaining balance after federal benefits have been applied, for a total not to exceed $2,000 annually.
• A veteran is defined as someone with more than 180 days of active duty under Title 10 who is entitled to federal educational benefits, and such person would be considered ineligible for benefits under this Alabama act.
• The act uses gender neutral language to ensure applicability to all students.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and governor 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

Education