SB 72 Alabama Senate · 2026 Regular Session

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

SB 72 lowers the minimum age for Alabama's ReEngage Alabama Grant Program from 25 to 22 years for adult learners pursuing their first associate or bachelor's degree. It also expands eligibility to include individuals who previously earned an associate degree, paused studies for two years, and are now seeking their first bachelor's degree without having received a prior grant. The program provides up to $3,000 per semester for university students and $1,500 for community college students to cover tuition and mandatory fees. This change directly affects Alabama residents aged 22+ returning to education after a break, making the grant accessible to a broader group of adult learners.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Feb 19, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
5
Committee
4
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported Out of Committee Second House
lower
Feb 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Pending Committee Action in Second House (Education Policy)
lower
Feb 12, 2026
Upper · Passed
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 398
upper
Jan 21, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported Out of Committee House of Origin
upper
Jan 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Education Policy)
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Donnie Chesteen
Donnie Chesteen
RRepublican
AL
29