SB94 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Education, National Guard, a person does not have to be a resident for Alabama Commission on Higher Education to reimburse if in National Guard, include high school students simultaneously enrolled, Federal funds paid to the student may not be considered to determine benefits under Education Trust Fund Appropriation Act, Secs. 16-64-2, 31-10-3 am'd.

Summary

SB 94 would expand Alabama National Guard tuition benefits by removing residency requirements and allowing broader eligibility, including high school students, with ACHE administering payments within a capped annual appropriation.

What This Bill Does

It eliminates the two-year residency requirement for Guard members to qualify as resident students for tuition benefits and allows active Guard members to receive tuition payments or reimbursements without needing to be Alabama residents. It expands eligibility to include active National Guard members pursuing degrees (associate through doctorate) and high school students who are simultaneously enrolled in higher education. It requires FAFSA for applicants and ensures federal funds paid directly to students are not counted toward benefits; payments are made through ACHE, funded up to a yearly cap (subject to appropriation), and disbursements occur after each academic quarter or semester. The bill also maintains existing safeguards such as GPA requirements, time limits, and pro-rating if funds are insufficient.

Who It Affects

• Active Alabama National Guard members (including high school students who are simultaneously enrolled) who will be eligible for tuition payment or reimbursement regardless of Alabama residency status.
• Alabama public colleges and universities and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE), which will administer eligibility, process payments, set guidelines, and disburse funds within the annual appropriation cap.

Key Provisions

• Removes the two-year Alabama residency requirement for National Guard members to qualify as resident students for tuition benefits.
• Eliminates Alabama residency requirements for the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to pay or reimburse tuition for active National Guard members.
• Authorizes payment or reimbursement of qualifying tuition by ACHE for active National Guard members enrolled in associate, baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral programs, including high school students simultaneously enrolled in higher education.
• Requires FAFSA for applicants and sets eligibility conditions including age (minimum 17) and residency; allows benefits for degree programs at public institutions within Alabama.
• Caps and administering rules: annual appropriation up to $10,000,000; payments made end of each academic quarter/semester; funds prorated if applications exceed appropriation; 2.0 GPA minimum for continued eligibility; limits on total funds allocated for graduate degrees (10%).
• Federal funds paid directly to students are not to be considered when determining tuition benefits under the Educational Trust Fund.

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