HB175 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Joe LovvornRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Math and Science Teacher Education Program, computer science teachers included in student loan repayment program, certain other qualifed teachers may earn certification in math, science, or computer science to participate, requirements per participation modified, Secs. 16-5-54.1, 16-5-54.2, 16-5-56 added; Secs. 16-5-51 to 16-5-55, inclusive, am'd.
Summary: HB175 expands the Math and Science Teacher Education Program to include computer science and other qualified teachers, lowers the teaching-load requirement for loan repayment eligibility, and adds new funding paths and targets for shortages and failing schools.
What This Bill Does
It allows computer science teachers and certain teachers from other fields who return to college to complete a math, science, or computer science program and obtain certification to qualify for loan repayments, and lowers the required full-time load to three-fourths for eligibility. It expands loan repayments to math, science, and computer science teachers in failing or shortage schools and introduces additional supplements for shortages. It creates new pathways for out-of-state graduates and alternative certification program participants to qualify, including tuition reimbursement for up to 12 college credit hours, with funding and administration handled by the state Commission on Higher Education. Recipients must reapply annually, receive disbursements in two parts each year, and payments are contingent on available funding and other specified requirements, including tax considerations.

Who It Affects
Computer science teachers in Alabama public schools may qualify for loan repayments after completing required programs and earning CS certification.
Math and science teachers (and CS teachers) who return to college to obtain the necessary certification and teach at least 3/4 of a full-time load may qualify.
Teachers in Alabama public schools located in or designated as failing schools or areas with acute shortages may receive eligible loan repayment supplements.
Out-of-state graduates or teachers who complete approved programs and seek Alabama certification may be eligible under new provisions for nonresident or cross-state entrants.
Teachers pursuing an alternative certification pathway (Section 16-23-3) may receive tuition reimbursement for up to 12 semester credit hours to obtain math/science/CS certification.

Key Provisions
Expands the program to include computer science teachers and certain qualified teachers who return to college to obtain math, science, or computer science certification, making them eligible for loan repayments.
Reduces the required full-time teaching load for eligibility to three-fourths of a full-time load in math, science, or computer science courses.
Establishes base loan repayments: $2,500 per semester ($5,000 per year) for math/science teachers and $1,500 per semester ($3,000 per year) for computer science teachers, with a maximum of four consecutive years.
Adds supplemental payments for teachers in acute shortage areas or failing schools: an additional $2,500 per year for math or science (and $1,000 per year for computer science) under specific eligibility criteria, plus an extra $1,000/year ($500/semester) for CS teachers meeting all criteria who teach in CS shortage areas.
Creates new eligibility pathways in Sections 16-5-54.1 and 16-5-54.2: allows certain out-of-state graduates and alternative-certification program completers to qualify, with up to 12 semester hours of tuition reimbursement for required coursework.
Requires annual reapplication, provides two disbursements per year, and ties payments to remaining loan balance; funds and procedures may be adjusted based on funding and enrollment; payments are considered income for tax purposes.
Authorizes the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to set rules and determine program administration, residency, and other eligibility criteria; includes a rehearing provision in Section 16-5-56 for aggrieved applicants.
Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: TeachersTeachers' Retirement System