HB288 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Arnold MooneyRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Alabama Commission on Higher Education; authorized to award loan assistance to athletic trainers under Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program
Summary: HB288 would allow the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to award AMSTEP loan repayment assistance to eligible licensed athletic trainers and require an accountability plan.
What This Bill Does
The bill expands AMSTEP to include loan assistance for licensed athletic trainers who work at qualifying Alabama institutions. It sets loan amounts at $7,500 per year (or $3,750 per semester) for up to four consecutive years and specifies eligibility criteria and two annual disbursements. It requires notification of any status changes, notes that loan awards count as income for tax purposes, and requires the creation of an accountability and evaluation plan; if funds are limited, the commission will determine procedures and must give priority to eligible educators before awarding to athletic trainers.

Who It Affects
Licensed athletic trainers in Alabama who provide athletic training services at qualifying institutions and have outstanding federal student loans.
Educators eligible for AMSTEP (math and science teachers) who may receive priority for loan assistance when funding is limited.

Key Provisions
Authorization for the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to award AMSTEP loan assistance to eligible licensed athletic trainers.
Maximum loan amounts: $7,500 per year worked or $3,750 per semester worked, for up to four consecutive years.
Eligibility criteria: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; holds an approved degree from an approved institution; licensed and in good standing with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers; provides at least 20 hours of athletic training services per week at qualifying institutions; has outstanding federal student loans; meets continuing eligibility requirements; not receiving a grant from the Athletic Trainer Secondary School Incentive Program.
Disbursement schedule and status reporting: awards are distributed in two disbursements each year (after January 1 and after June 1); recipients must notify the commission within 30 days of any change in status; changes can affect future eligibility; the aid is treated as income for IRS purposes.
Funding and administration: the commission determines procedures if total awards exceed available funding and must prioritize eligible educators before those for licensed athletic trainers; the program is administered in consultation with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.
Accountability and evaluation: the commission must develop an accountability and evaluation plan detailing goals, activities, metrics, monitoring, and impact assessment, with input from the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services.
Effective date: the act takes effect on August 1, 2025.

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