SB251 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom ButlerSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Arthur Orr

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Education, Math and Science Teacher Education Program, to increase the loan repayment award for qualified math and science teachers per semester, Secs. 16-5-54, 16-5-55 am'd.

Summary

SB251 would raise AMSTEP loan repayments for math and science teachers and adjust related eligibility and shortage supplements.

What This Bill Does

It increases the base AMSTEP repayment for math and science teachers to $3,750 per semester ($7,500 per year) starting after the 2022 spring semester. Computer science base remains $1,500 per semester ($3,000 per year). The bill adds shortage-based supplements: up to $2,500 extra per year ($1,250 per semester) for math/science and up to $1,000 extra per year ($500 per semester) for computer science, for up to four years. If a teacher leaves a designated shortage or failing school, supplemental funds stop; otherwise, they must reapply annually and meet existing eligibility requirements with disbursements in two annual installments, subject to available funds.

Who It Affects

• Math and science teachers who qualify for AMSTEP would receive higher per-semester payments and could get extra supplements if they teach in shortage areas.
• Computer science teachers eligible for AMSTEP would keep base payments and may qualify for shortage supplements; eligibility criteria and annual reapplication apply, and designated shortage status affects supplement availability.

Key Provisions

• Base AMSTEP payment for math and science teachers increased to $3,750 per semester ($7,500 per year) starting after the 2022 spring semester; computer science base remains $1,500 per semester ($3,000 per year).
• Additional shortage supplements: math/science receive $2,500 per year ($1,250 per semester) and computer science receive $1,000 per year ($500 per semester) for four years, for teachers in designated shortage areas.
• Eligibility criteria for AMSTEP remain, including appropriate degrees, valid teacher certificates, teaching load in the relevant subjects, residency, and outstanding federal loans; ongoing eligibility to be determined by the Commission.
• Recipients must reapply annually; disbursements occur in two installments each year (after January 1 and after June 1) and may be reduced if the loan balance is less than the award.
• Funding is contingent on available funds; the Commission may adjust procedures if applications exceed funds; changes in status must be reported within 30 days; recipients must register with the state Comptroller to receive payments.
• If a recipient leaves a shortage-designated or failing school for a non-shortage school, supplemental funds stop, though the base repayment may continue.

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

Subjects

Education