SB33 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

National Guard Educational Assistance Act, definition of tuition revised, applicant required to submit Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA), Secs. 31-10-2, 31-10-3 am'd.

Summary

SB33 updates the National Guard Educational Assistance program by redefining tuition, adding a FAFSA requirement, and setting new funding and eligibility rules.

What This Bill Does

It revises the tuition definition to include instruction costs, fees, and average books, with a minimum of $100 per semester and a cap of 50% of the remaining balance up to $1,000 per semester, for a total of up to $2,000 per year. It requires all applicants to complete a FAFSA. It authorizes the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to pay or reimburse tuition for eligible active Alabama National Guard members in Alabama degree programs, with limits such as a 12-year total from the first payment, a 10% cap for degrees above a bachelor’s, and a 100% cap when combined with federal benefits, and sets minimum performance standards; it also specifies that anyone with more than 180 days of Title 10 active duty who receives federal benefits is not eligible. The act becomes effective three months after passage and uses gender-neutral language.

Who It Affects

• Active Alabama National Guard members enrolled in degree programs in Alabama who would be eligible for tuition grants under the new limits and requirements (note: those with more than 180 days of Title 10 active duty who are entitled to federal benefits are not eligible).
• Higher education institutions and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, which administer the grant program, set standards, and issue payments.

Key Provisions

• Tuition definition updated to include the cost of instruction and fees, plus average book costs, with a minimum of $100 per semester and a cap of 50% of the remaining balance up to $1,000 per semester, for a total not to exceed $2,000 annually.
• All applicants for a tuition grant must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• The Alabama Commission on Higher Education is authorized to pay or reimburse tuition for active Alabama National Guard members enrolled in degree programs in Alabama, with eligibility requirements (good standing, at least 17 years old, Alabama resident) and limits (undergraduate or graduate study; 100% of covered costs cannot be exceeded when combined with federal benefits; 12-year lifetime limit; for degrees above bachelor’s, only 10% of funds may be used; ACHE to set minimum performance standards).
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage; language updated to be gender-neutral.

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