HB496 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rich Wingo

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Foster care, scholarships, Fostering Hope Scholarship Act, any adopted person from foster care program, regardless of age at time of adoption, scholarships available for, Secs. 38-12B-2, 38-12B-6 am'd.

Summary

HB496 expands the Fostering Hope Scholarship to cover adoptees from Alabama's state foster care program who were seven or older at adoption (including some adopted 7–13 within a year before the act) to help pay college costs or job-training fees at state institutions.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill broadens scholarship eligibility to all adoptees age seven or older from the state foster care program (including those adopted 7–13 within 12 months before this act). It allows scholarships to cover tuition and required fees at public Alabama colleges or fees for approved, non-degree job training programs, funded only if money is available. Eligible students must meet asset limits, be under 26 at the start of the program, enroll in a qualifying program, make progress, file FAFSA annually, and after the first year complete a volunteer or employment requirement to remain eligible.

Who It Affects

• Individuals adopted from Alabama's state foster care program who were seven years old or older at adoption (including those adopted 7–13 within the 12 months before enactment) and want to attend college or pursue job training.
• Public colleges, universities, and publicly funded training programs in Alabama that administer and disburse Fostering Hope scholarships and enforce the program's eligibility and progress requirements.

Key Provisions

• Age eligibility lowered to seven years old or older, with limited retroactive eligibility for adoptions of children who were seven to thirteen years old within 12 months before the act.
• Scholarships may cover tuition and required fees at public two-year or four-year institutions, or fees for approved job training courses or certifications at public institutions or publicly funded programs (not counting toward an associate degree).
• Applicants must meet eligibility criteria including net assets under $30,000, age under 26 at start, enrollment in a qualifying program, and progress requirements; they must also file FAFSA and pursue available federal aid.
• After the first year, scholars must complete annual volunteer service or employment requirements and remain in good standing with their program.
• Scholarship funds are disbursed only if there is sufficient funding available, and the act becomes effective immediately after passage.

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

Subjects

Foster Care