SB263 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Tom Butler

Session

Regular Session 2022

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Guard, to limit amount of private tuition reimbursed to eligible guard members, Secs. 31-10-20 to 31-10-25, inclusive, repealed; Secs. 31-10-2, 31-10-3, 31-10-4.1 am'd.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

SB263 would expand Alabama National Guard tuition benefits to dual-enrolled students, cap private tuition reimbursements at the highest public rate, and treat stackable credentials as part of a first bachelor’s degree.

What This Bill Does

It extends tuition reimbursement to students who are simultaneously in high school and college. It caps private college reimbursement at the rate of the highest-cost public institution and clarifies that benefits pay only for the first degree, with short and long certificates and associate degrees considered stackable toward a bachelor’s degree. It repeals the old supplemental benefits program and creates a new framework administered by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, with a $10 million annual cap, eligibility rules, and standard payment and funding safeguards.

Who It Affects

• Active Alabama National Guard members (including those dual-enrolled in high school and college) who participate in the education assistance program and must meet eligibility rules, caps, and GPA requirements.
• Colleges and universities in Alabama (both public and private) and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, which would administer the program, process reimbursements, and ensure compliance with funding limits and eligibility rules.

Key Provisions

• Extends tuition reimbursement to students dually enrolled in high school and college.
• Caps private college tuition reimbursement at the highest tuition/fees charged by any public four-year institution in the state.
• Provides that the program may pay only for the first degree earned; short certificates, long certificates, and associate degrees are stackable toward a baccalaureate degree, with the first degree considered a baccalaureate.
• Defines tuition as the per-semester cost up to the average cost of tuition at state-supported four-year institutions; excludes private differential tuition from the cap.
• Sets an annual funding cap of $10,000,000 and prorates reimbursements if funds are insufficient.
• Requires eligibility criteria including active Guard status, good standing, Alabama residency, age 17+, FAFSA (except for dual enrollment), and satisfactory academic progress with a 2.0 GPA.
• Payments are made at the end of each term based on certified invoices; no more than 120 academic hours or until the first degree is earned; reimbursement limited to the first degree.
• No nonresident tuition for eligible Guard members; administration handled by ACHE; promissory notes may be required; conditions for repayment if eligibility ends or benefits are misused.
• Repeals existing Article 2 regarding supplemental educational assistance benefits.

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