House Bill 125 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Terri CollinsRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Alabama Commission on Higher Education, ReEngage Alabama Grant Program, minimum age of adult learner decreased, eligibility requirements revised.

Summary

HB125 lowers the adult learner age to 22 and revises eligibility for the ReEngage Alabama Grant Program.

What This Bill Does

It changes who is eligible for the ReEngage Alabama Grant by redefining adult learners as 22 years old or older and by clarifying eligibility for students pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree. It sets grant amounts (up to $3,000 per full-time semester at universities and $1,500 at community colleges), with prorated awards for part-time terms, and allows for renewals as long as the student remains eligible and continuously enrolled. It also requires grants to be paid to the institution on the student’s behalf, ties funding to available money, and requires institutions to inform students about other federal and state benefits. It takes effect October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Adult learners age 22 and older returning to college in Alabama who may become eligible for the ReEngage Alabama Grant if they meet the defined criteria.
• Approved/authorized higher education institutions in Alabama (must be accredited, Title IV eligible, and participate in the program).
• Institutions enrolling eligible adult learners, which will manage grant payments on behalf of students.
• Alabama residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree who seek financial aid through the program.

Key Provisions

• Lower the minimum age for an adult learner from 25 to 22.
• Redefine adult learner and eligible student definitions.
• Grant amounts: up to $3,000 per semester for universities and $1,500 per semester for community colleges; prorated for partial terms.
• Renewal of grants for the number of terms normally required to complete the degree, contingent on ongoing eligibility and continuous enrollment.
• Payments distributed directly to the approved institution on behalf of the student; funding contingent on available funds and nonreverting.
• Institutions must inform students about other federal/state benefits and help them access those benefits.
• Eligibility criteria for institutions (accredited, Title IV eligible, Alabama-based HQ; signed agreement to follow program rules).
• Effective date: October 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