SB219 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Education, National Guard, to limit amount of private tuition reimbursed to eligible guard members, Secs. 31-10-20 to 31-10-25, inclusive, repealed; Secs. 31-10-2, 31-10-3, 31-10-4.1 am'd.

Summary

SB 219 would cap private tuition reimbursement for Alabama National Guard members at the highest public tuition rate, extend benefits to dual-enrolled students, and redefine how benefits stack toward a bachelor's degree while repealing older provisions.

What This Bill Does

It limits private college tuition reimbursements to the highest rate charged by a public Alabama institution and clarifies that the Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program pays for only the first degree, with certificates and associate degrees treated as stackable credentials toward a bachelor’s degree. It extends eligibility to dually enrolled high school/college students and requires FAFSA, a 2.0 GPA (SAP) standard, and application of other aid first to maximize benefits, with a total benefit not exceeding 100% of qualified tuition and fees. It repeals sections 31-10-20 through 31-10-25 and assigns administration to ACHE, while prohibiting nonresident tuition charges for eligible Guard members at public institutions.

Who It Affects

• Active and eligible Alabama National Guard members (including those who are dual-enrolled in high school and college) who would receive tuition reimbursements under the new caps and stacking rules.
• Institutions of higher education in Alabama and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE), which would implement, administer, and enforce the revised benefits and stacking rules.

Key Provisions

• Private tuition reimbursements may not exceed the highest tuition and required fees charged by any public Alabama institution.
• The program will pay for the first degree only; short certificates, long certificates, and associate degrees are treated as stackable credentials toward a bachelor’s degree.
• Eligibility includes dual-enrolled high school students; applicants must complete FAFSA; recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress with a 2.0 GPA.
• Total benefits may not exceed 100% of qualified tuition and fees when combined with other federal benefits; benefits are limited to 120 academic hours or until the first degree.
• No nonresident tuition or out-of-state differential fees for eligible Alabama National Guard members at public institutions.
• The bill repeals Sections 31-10-20 to 31-10-25 and consolidates administration under ACHE, with an annual funding cap of $10,000,000 for the education program.

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