HB554 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Kerry Rich
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Higher education, comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs for children of disabled veterans with intellectual disabilities, tuition reimbursement provided for, Secs. 31-6-2, 31-6-4, 31-6-6 am'd.
Summary: HB554 gives educational benefits to children of disabled or deceased veterans who attend a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities at a state four-year college or university, matching those benefits to other undergraduates.
What This Bill Does
It creates a new provision (Section 31-6-2.1) ensuring eligible CTS program students at state four-year colleges/universities receive the same educational benefits as other undergraduates under this chapter. It also updates definitions in Section 31-6-2 to align terms (like Armed Forces and the CTS program) with the new benefit. The changes take effect immediately after the governor signs the act.

Who It Affects
Children of disabled or deceased veterans who enroll in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities at a state four-year college or university; they will receive the same educational benefits as other undergraduates under this chapter.
Other children eligible for educational benefits under this chapter who attend a CTS program at a state four-year college or university; they will also receive benefits equal to those provided for traditional undergraduate students, regardless of program type (degree, certificate, or non-degree).

Key Provisions
Adds Section 31-6-2.1 to provide equal educational benefits under the chapter to children in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities at a state four-year college or university, regardless of whether the program leads to a degree, certificate, or non-degree.
Amends Section 31-6-2 to update definitions (Armed Forces, CTS program, and related terms) to support the new benefit, with the act taking effect immediately after the governor's 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: Higher EducationColleges and Universities