SB67 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to the Alabama National Guard; to amend Sections 31-10-2, 31-10-3, and 31-10-4.1, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to educational benefits for qualified active members; to limit the amount of private tuition reimbursed to eligible guard members to the median tuition of any public institution in the state; to clarify the law relating to undergraduate and graduate credentials; and to repeal Article 2, commencing with Section 31-10-20, of Chapter 10, Title 31, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to supplemental educational assistance benefits.

Summary

SB67 overhauls Alabama National Guard education benefits by capping private tuition reimbursement, clarifying credential rules, extending aid to dual-enrolled students, and repealing the old supplemental aid program.

What This Bill Does

It allows Guard members to receive tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate studies, including those dually enrolled in high school and college. It caps private tuition reimbursement at the median cost of tuition at public Alabama four-year institutions and ensures total benefits do not exceed 100% of qualified tuition and fees when combined with federal benefits. It streamlines administration through the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, sets funding limits, requires FAFSA, and imposes eligibility rules and repayment obligations if a member becomes ineligible.

Who It Affects

• Active Alabama National Guard members (including high school students concurrently enrolled in college) who pursue postsecondary education in-state and may receive tuition reimbursement and Academic Excellence Benefits under defined GPA, residency, and good-standing requirements.
• Alabama higher education institutions and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, which would administer, verify eligibility, disburse funds, monitor standards (including SAP), and ensure compliance with FAFSA and funding limits.

Key Provisions

• Private tuition reimbursement is capped at the median tuition cost per term charged by public four-year institutions in Alabama.
• The program may pay for only the first degree; short/long certificates and associate degrees are considered stepping stones toward a bachelor's degree, with the first degree treated as a baccalaureate degree.
• The bill extends tuition reimbursement to active Guard members who are dual- or concurrent-enrolled in high school and college, and to Guard members enrolled in qualifying postsecondary programs (undergraduate or graduate).
• Annual funding is limited to $10,000,000; reimbursements are issued at the end of each academic quarter/semester based on certified invoices; payments are prorated if funds are insufficient.
• Eligibility requires: active Guard status in good standing, Alabama residency, age 17+, FAFSA completion (except for high school dual-enrollment), and enrollment in credit-bearing courses within a qualifying pathway.
• No nonresident tuition or out-of-state fees may be charged to eligible Guard members.
• Academic Progress standards (SAP) must be met, with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to continue receiving benefits; failure to meet SAP can revoke eligibility.
• Undergraduate benefits: up to 120 total hours (with a maximum of 72 hours at a community college); undergraduate benefits cannot exceed 100% of qualified tuition and fees; 100% limit applies when combined with other aid; Academic Excellence Benefits provide additional funds for high-achieving students (high school GPA > 3.5 and 3.0 college GPA).
• Graduate benefits: up to 60 hours if not used for a bachelor's degree; after earning a bachelor's, no additional benefit for a second degree at the same level; 10% of total funds may be used for degrees above the bachelor’s; repayment obligations apply if ineligible.

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