House Bill 124 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Mar 12, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Terri CollinsRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP), renamed the Loan Assistance in Support of Educators in Alabama (LASEA) Program; providing loan assistance in acute educator shortage programs as determined by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education in consultation with the State Department of Education and the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services
Summary: HB124 renames AMSTEP to the Loan Assistance in Support of Educators in Alabama (LASEA) and expands loan-repayment support for math, science, and computer science teachers in acute shortage areas with new eligibility rules, funding provisions, and oversight.
What This Bill Does
The bill changes the program name to LASEA and broadens who can qualify for loan repayments, including teachers who complete shortage programs and obtain the corresponding certification. It creates two levels of payments (base and supplemental) with amounts and maximum durations that vary by subject and graduation year, and adds extra supplements for teachers in locations with acute shortages or designated as failing schools. It establishes an accountability and evaluation plan, allows graduates from out-of-state programs to be eligible, repeals a prior alternative-certification reimbursement provision, and sets an August 1, 2026 effective date with ongoing funding contingent on appropriations.

Who It Affects
Math and science teachers in Alabama public K-12 schools who complete shortage programs and obtain certification
Computer science teachers in Alabama public K-12 schools who meet the program’s eligibility
Educators employed in charter schools (eligible for base program but not the shortage-area supplemental payments)
Public K-12 schools or districts identified as having acute educator shortages or designated as failing schools
Graduates from both Alabama and out-of-state approved programs who seek Alabama certification in shortage areas
Public school systems and the state agencies administering the program (ACHE, SDE, CES)
Recipients of prior loan repayments under AMSTEP who continue eligibility under the new rules

Key Provisions
Renames AMSTEP to the LASEA Program and broadens eligibility to include shortage-certified teachers
Two levels of loan repayment: base (up to 7,500/year for math/science; 3,000/year for computer science) and supplemental for shortage locations; additional supplements for shortage or failing schools
Additional eligibility for out-of-state graduates and those certified after certain dates; guidance on program administration and non-reverting funds
Accountability and evaluation plan requirements; consultation with the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services
Repeal of Section 16-5-54.2 (reimbursement for certain alternative certification programs)
Program administered by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education with possible rules and procedures for awarding funds; disbursement schedule (two payments annually)
Annual reapplication requirement for loan repayment; documentation of teaching employment; online registration with the state Comptroller
Contingent on funding; recipient stays eligible if continuously employed in a qualifying school; travel between shortage locations may affect eligibility for supplements
Effective date of August 1, 2026

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Education