Senate Bill 72 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donnie ChesteenSenator

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

SB72 lowers the adult-learner age to 22 and expands eligibility for the ReEngage Alabama Grant, including a new pathway for a first bachelor’s degree after a two-year stop-out, effective October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

It lowers the minimum age for adult learners from 25 to 22 and adds a new eligible group: students who have not previously received a grant and are pursuing a first bachelor’s degree after a two-year stop-out following an associate degree. It keeps grant awards at up to $3,000 per semester for universities and $1,500 per semester for community colleges, with prorated amounts for part-time or shorter terms. Grants can be renewed for the number of terms normally required by the institution as long as the student remains eligible and enrolled, with renewal contingent on verification. Funding for the program is contingent on available funds, may be nonreverting, and a portion may be used for operation and maintenance; institutions must inform students of other benefits and help them utilize all available aid.

Who It Affects

• Adult learners aged 22–24 pursuing their first associate or first bachelor’s degree who meet FAFSA and other eligibility requirements.
• Adults who have not previously received a grant and are pursuing a first bachelor’s degree after a two-year stop-out following an associate degree.

Key Provisions

• Decrease minimum age of adult learner from 25 to 22.
• Expand eligible student definition to include the two-year stop-out pathway to a first bachelor’s degree for those who have not previously received a grant.
• Maximum grant amounts: up to $3,000 per semester for universities and $1,500 per semester for community colleges; prorated for six–eleven credit hours and nonstandard terms.
• Grants are renewable for the number of terms normally required by the institution, contingent on continued enrollment and eligibility.
• Grants are paid directly to the approved institution on behalf of the student.
• Funding is contingent on available funds; funds may be nonreverting and a portion may be used for program operation and maintenance; procedures defined if demand exceeds funding.
• Authorized institutions must inform students of other federal/state benefits and encourage use of all available aid.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education