Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program, veterans, dependents, tuition assistance, disability requirements revised

SB 224 would amend Alabama’s G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program by lowering the minimum disability rating required for veterans’ dependents to qualify from 40% to 30%. This change would directly affect children and spouses of disabled veterans whose disability rating is 30-39% (previously excluded). The bill also establishes a pilot program to admit additional dependents of eligible veterans beyond current eligibility limits. These changes would adjust existing statutes (Sections 31-6-4, 31-6-6, and 31-6-9) to expand access to tuition assistance for veterans’ families. The bill is pending committee review as of its first reading on January 29, 2026.