SB184 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donnie ChesteenSenator

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

The bill would let the Alabama Commission on Higher Education provide AMSTEP loan assistance to licensed athletic trainers, expanding the program beyond math and science teachers.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the commission to award AMSTEP loan assistance to eligible licensed athletic trainers who work at qualifying institutions and have federal student loans. Eligible trainers must hold an approved master's degree from an approved institution, be licensed and in good standing, provide an average of at least 20 hours of athletic training services per week, and have outstanding federal student loans, plus meet ongoing eligibility criteria set by the commission in consultation with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers. Awards can be up to $7,500 per year (or $3,750 per semester) for up to four consecutive years, paid in two disbursements each year, and recipients must register online and report status changes; changes could affect future eligibility. Recipients are informed that loan assistance is considered income by the IRS, and the program's implementation depends on available funding and rules adopted by the commission.

Who It Affects

• Licensed athletic trainers in Alabama who have outstanding federal student loans and meet the program's eligibility criteria.
• Qualifying institutions (K-12 schools, school systems, and higher education institutions) that employ athletic trainers and host athletic training services.
• The Alabama Commission on Higher Education and the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers, which will administer and oversee the program and set eligibility rules.
• Applicants who must register online and report employment status changes; changes in status can affect continued eligibility.

Key Provisions

• Adds Article 5 to Chapter 5 of Title 16 to authorize loan assistance for athletic trainers under the Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP).
• Defines terms such as approved degree, approved institution, athletic training services, certification, eligible applicant, licensed athletic trainer, loan assistance support, program, and qualifying institution.
• Authorizes the Commission to administer the program in consultation with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers and to use a portion of funds for operation and administration, contingent on funding.
• Sets eligibility criteria for loan assistance: U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, approved degree from an approved institution, licensed and in good standing, at least 20 hours of athletic training services per week at qualifying institutions, outstanding federal student loans, and additional continuing eligibility criteria.
• Provides loan awards up to $7,500 per year (or $3,750 per semester) for up to four consecutive years, distributed as two disbursements per year after January 1 and after June 1.
• Requires online registration with the Comptroller and verification of employment; ongoing employment maintains eligibility for the four-year limit; status changes must be reported within 30 days and can affect eligibility.
• Requires the Commission to inform recipients that loan assistance is considered income by the IRS and to establish procedures if funding is insufficient.

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