HB261 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joe LovvornRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Education, Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP) created, ACHE to administer, loan repayment awards to eligible public school math and science teachers in underserved areas of state

Summary

HB 261 creates the Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP) to provide loan repayment awards to Alabama public school math and science teachers, with extra support for shortages areas, administered by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

What This Bill Does

Establishes AMSTEP to encourage people to pursue math and science teaching credentials and to fill teacher shortages. Administered by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE), which will set eligibility rules and identify shortage areas in consultation with the State Department of Education. The program offers loan repayments for eligible public school teachers in math and/or science, with a base amount and an additional shortage-area supplement, paid over up to four years if requirements are met, and recipients must reapply each year while funding lasts.

Who It Affects

• Public school teachers in Alabama who hold a valid professional educator certificate endorsed in math and/or science and teach full-time in Alabama public schools, who may receive loan repayments toward their federal student loans.
• Geographic areas in Alabama identified as having acute shortages of math or science teachers, where eligible teachers may receive higher supplemental loan repayments to attract or keep staff.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP) administered by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE).
• Defines eligibility: graduated from an approved institution, holds a valid Alabama professional educator certificate endorsed in math and/or science, teaches full-time in an Alabama public school, and is an Alabama resident with documented residency for at least 12 months prior to deadline; must have outstanding federal student loans.
• Base award: $2,500 per semester ($5,000 per year) for up to four consecutive years for teachers who meet criteria and began after the 2018 spring term, with disbursement in two payments each year (after Jan 1 and after Jun 1).
• Additional shortage-area award: an extra $2,500 per year ($1,250 per semester) for up to four years for teachers in geographic areas with acute shortages, as identified by the commission with the State Department of Education.
• Residency proof options: valid Alabama driver’s license, vehicle registration, or voter registration card to satisfy the 12-month Alabama residency requirement.
• Awards payable toward federal student loans; if the award exceeds the loan balance, payment is reduced to the loan balance.
• Recipients must reapply annually; program funds are contingent on available funding and nonreverting; the commission may set procedures if demand exceeds funding.
• Recipients must notify the commission within 30 days of status changes (name, address, employment, etc.).
• Recipients must register online with the Comptroller to receive loan payment checks; payments are considered income by the IRS.
• The commission will determine which districts have the greatest shortages and may authorize additional funds for those areas.

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