House Bill 233 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ed OliverRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

National Guard; Educational Assistance Program, applied to workforce development programs, amount of benefits revised

Summary

HB233 would expand Alabama's National Guard Educational Assistance Program to cover workforce development programs, additional education costs, and revised eligibility rules.

What This Bill Does

It would authorize tuition assistance for workforce development programs and allow funds to cover on-campus living expenses and meal plans. The bill removes references to academic excellence benefits and revises the qualifications for tuition assistance, including repealing a previous qualifications section. It sets a $10 million annual appropriation, outlines payments based on invoices, caps benefits at 120 undergraduate hours or 60 graduate hours, and requires repayment if the Guard member leaves or is dismissed (with certain medical exemptions). It also prohibits charging nonresident rates to eligible in-state members and becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Active members of the Alabama National Guard who would be eligible for tuition reimbursement for degrees, workforce development programs, and related costs under the program, subject to caps and repayment rules.
• Colleges, universities, and state education authorities (the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and the Adjutant General/National Guard Education Services Officer) responsible for administering and paying benefits and ensuring program compliance.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes tuition assistance for workforce development programs and allows using funds for on-campus living expenses and meal plans.
• Revises eligibility and funding rules, including removal of academic excellence benefits, repeal of Section 31-10-4.1 qualifications, sets a $10 million annual appropriation, and establishes hour caps, repayment rules, and administrative responsibilities.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Military