SB159 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rusty Glover
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Rescue squads, included in definition of firefighters, Secs. 36-21-101, 36-21-102, 36-30-1 to 36-30-5, inclusive, 36-30-7 am'd.
Summary: SB159, signed into law in 2016, adds rescue squad members to the firefighter definition so their surviving beneficiaries can receive free college tuition and compensation if the firefighter dies in the line of duty.
What This Bill Does
It expands eligibility for the state's free undergraduate tuition and related compensation to rescue squad members. It changes the firefighter definition in the law to include rescue squad members who are part of the Alabama Association of Rescue Squads. It specifies who can receive the benefits (dependent children under 21 and spouses within five years of death or total disability) and that these benefits apply when the member dies or is disabled in the line of duty.

Who It Affects
Rescue squad members: will be counted as firefighters for the purpose of the tuition and compensation program.
Surviving spouses and dependent children of rescue squad members who are killed or totally disabled in the line of duty: eligible for free undergraduate tuition and related compensation.

Key Provisions
Amends 36-21-102 to include rescue squad members in the definition of firefighter for tuition and benefits.
Amends 36-30-1 to include rescue squad members in the firefighter definition and to align benefit eligibility with other firefighters.
Tuition and costs: for eligible dependents (under 21 or spouse within five years of death/disability) of a killed or disabled firefighter, the state will cover undergraduate tuition and related costs.

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