HB311 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joe LovvornRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Colleges and Universities, Alabama G.I. and Dependents' Educational Benefit Act, use of scholarship benefits at 2 year or 4 year public or private institutions of higher education physically located in state provided, Sec. 31-6-8 repealed; Secs. 31-6-2, 31-6-2.1, 31-6-3, 31-6-4, 31-6-5, 31-6-6, 31-6-9, 31-6-11, 31-6-12, 31-6-13, 31-6-14, 31-6-15, 31-6-15.1, 31-6-16 am'd.

Summary

HB311 expands the Alabama G.I. and Dependents' Educational Benefits to in-state two- and four-year colleges that receive state funds and removes the old correspondence-course benefit.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows eligible dependents of veterans to use the scholarship benefits at any public or private two-year or four-year institution located in Alabama that receives state funds. It repeals the obsolete correspondence-course benefit (31-6-8) and updates multiple code sections to current language. It maintains tuition reimbursement and books/fees reimbursement, with details on federal aid coordination (FAFSA) and satisfactory academic progress requirements, and it updates definitions and program rules to reflect in-state, state-funded institutions. It also clarifies provisions for certain dependents and ensures institutions receive reimbursement from the Education Trust Fund with auditing and reporting requirements.

Who It Affects

• Dependents of veterans (children, spouses, widows, or widowers) who would receive benefits for tuition, books, and fees at Alabama in-state colleges and universities that receive state funds.
• Alabama state-supported and qualifying private colleges and universities, which would administer the benefits, verify eligibility (including FAFSA and SAP), and receive reimbursements from the Education Trust Fund, along with audits and annual reporting requirements.

Key Provisions

• Expands eligibility to use Alabama G.I. and Dependents' Educational Benefits for instruction at any public or private two-year or four-year institution located in Alabama that receives state funds.
• Repeals Section 31-6-8, removing the obsolete Alabama G.I. Scholarships related to correspondence courses.
• Updates and standardizes definitions (e.g., Qualifying State School, Qualifying Private School) and makes technical revisions to update the Code language to current style.
• Maintains tuition reimbursement and books/fees reimbursement, with specified caps and requirements, including reliance on federal student aid (FAFSA) and compliance with Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Institutions receive reimbursement from the Education Trust Fund and are subject to audits; the act requires annual reporting to the Legislature and preserves entrance standards for qualifying schools.

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

Subjects

Alabama G.I. and Dependents' Educational Benefit Act