SB10 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

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Guard, to limit amount of private tuition reimbursed to eligible guard members, Secs. 31-10-20 to 31-10-25, inclusive, repealed; Secs. 31-10-2, 31-10-3, 31-10-4.1 am'd.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 10 would cap Alabama National Guard tuition reimbursement at the highest public-tuition rate, extend benefits to dual-enrolled students, and ensure the first degree obtained—whether through certificates, associates, or bachelor’s programs—is the key outcome with stackable credentials allowed toward a bachelor’s degree.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it would limit private-tuition reimbursement to the highest tuition rate charged by a public Alabama institution, extend eligibility to high school students enrolled in college, and apply to certificate and degree programs. It would define short/long certificates and associate degrees as stackable toward a bachelor’s degree, restrict benefits to the first degree, require FAFSA and a 2.0 GPA, and set a limit of 120 eligible credit hours. It would also cap total funding at $10 million per year, require payments to be made after each term based on invoices, and repeal earlier related sections while giving administration and oversight to ACHE.

Who It Affects

• Alabama National Guard members who are students (including those dually enrolled in high school and college) would receive tuition reimbursement up to the public highest-rate cap, with limits on hours and degree type, plus FAFSA and GPA requirements.
• Higher education institutions in Alabama and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) would administer, report, and account for reimbursements, manage the funding cap and prorating if funds run short, and ensure eligibility rules are followed.

Key Provisions

• Cap private tuition reimbursement at the highest tuition/fees rate of any public Alabama institution for ANG members.
• Extend eligibility to dual-enrolled high school/college students and to programs leading to short certificates, long certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees within Alabama.
• Limit benefits to the first degree obtained; certificates and associate degrees are stackable toward a bachelor’s degree, with the first degree effectively being a bachelor’s under this framework.
• Repeal Sections 31-10-20 through 31-10-25 and apply new rules under Sections 31-10-2, 31-10-3, and 31-10-4.1.
• Require FAFSA, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and apply other eligible scholarships first to maximize total aid.
• No nonresident tuition or out-of-state fees for ANG members in good standing.
• Total annual funding capped at $10,000,000; if applications exceed funds, reimbursements prorated among institutions.
• Payments issued at the end of each term; based on certified invoices and student names; include per-student amounts.
• Eligibility ends after 12 years from first payment, or when the first degree is earned; 10 percent of funds reserved for degrees above the baccalaureate.
• Administered by ACHE with oversight on performance standards, and require repayment if a member becomes ineligible or is expelled/dismissed; promissory notes may be used for recovery.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education