HB 271 Alabama House · 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Commission on Higher Education and ReEngage Alabama Grant Program, minimum age of an adult learner decreased from 25 to 22; definition of eligible student expanded

HB 271 modifies the ReEngage Alabama Grant Program, which provides financial aid for adult learners returning to college. The bill lowers the minimum age requirement for an "adult learner" from 25 to 22 years old, expanding who can qualify for the program. It also refines the definition of an "eligible student" to include individuals pursuing their first associate or baccalaureate degree, or their first baccalaureate degree after a two-year break following an associate degree. This program offers grants up to $3,000 per semester for universities and $1,500 for community colleges to help cover tuition and fees for qualified students.

Issues: ✓ Education

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2025

House Passage

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 13, 2025 Last action Apr 24, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Engrossed · 6 edits · Apr 1, 2025

MODERATE

This bill was amended to expand eligibility for the ReEngage Alabama Grant Program by lowering the minimum age for adult learners from 25 to 22 years old and adding a new category for students who pause their studies for two years before returning to pursue a bachelor's degree. The changes also clarify institutional requirements and update administrative procedures for grant distribution and renewal.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to include younger adult learners (ages 22-24) and students returning after a two-year break from their first associate degree.

ELIGIBILITY

Lowered the minimum age for adult learners from 25 to 22 years old, allowing younger students to qualify for grant assistance.

Added eligibility for students pursuing a first bachelor's degree after a two-year stop-out period following their first associate degree, provided they haven't previously received a grant award.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'Approved Institution' requiring institutions to maintain their primary headquarters in Alabama.

Added a new definition for 'Authorized Institution' requiring institutions to file a signed agreement with the commission to comply with program rules.

REQUIREMENT

Added new provisions requiring institutions to inform eligible students about other federal and state educational benefits they may be entitled to.

Added new administrative provisions regarding funding availability, procedures for exceeding available funding, and designation of nonreverting funds.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 23, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

upper

Apr 3, 2025

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Finance and Taxation Education)

upper

Apr 1, 2025

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 583

lower

Apr 1, 2025

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 582

lower

Apr 1, 2025

Introduced

Education Policy Engrossed Substitute Offered (Education Policy)

lower

Feb 26, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin (Education Policy)

lower

Feb 26, 2025

Introduced

Education Policy 1st Amendment (Education Policy)

lower

Feb 18, 2025

Committee

Re-referred to Committee in House of Origin (Education Policy)

lower

Feb 13, 2025

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Ways and Means Education)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors