HB 240 provides $16.3 million from Alabama's Education Trust Fund to Tuskegee University for the 2027 fiscal year to support its educational programs and operations. The bill requires Tuskegee to submit an operations plan and audited financial statements before funds are released, along with quarterly spending reports and a final year-end performance report. At least $2 million of the appropriation must be used for agricultural research and extension services. This funding supports Tuskegee University as a state-supported institution with a unique historical relationship to Alabama, distinct from public universities or private colleges.
HB 125 lowers the minimum age for Alabama's ReEngage Alabama Grant Program from 25 to 22 years old, expanding eligibility to younger adult learners. It also creates a new eligibility path for students who previously earned an associate degree, took a two-year break from college, and are now pursuing their first bachelor's degree without having received a grant before. The bill does not change the grant amounts ($3,000 per semester for universities, $1,500 for community colleges) or other core program rules. This directly affects Alabama residents aged 22-24 who are returning to college for their first bachelor's degree after an associate degree and a two-year gap. The bill is scheduled to take effect October 1, 2026.
HB 306 would create a temporary teaching certificate for military veterans seeking to teach in Alabama K-12 schools. It would allow veterans with 48 months of honorable military service to qualify for a temporary license if they have 60 college credits (2.5 GPA), pass a state teaching exam, and meet other requirements. The certificate would be valid for five years (non-renewable) and require mentorship for two years, but time teaching under it wouldn’t count toward regular certification. If passed, this bill would directly affect veterans transitioning to teaching careers in fields typically requiring a bachelor’s degree.
HB 98 establishes the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers' Family Scholarship Program, providing tuition and required educational expenses for dependents (children under 27 or spouses) of qualifying law enforcement officers who served full-time for at least seven years in Alabama. The scholarship covers up to $3,000 per academic period (semester/quarter) for undergraduate programs at participating Alabama public or private colleges, technical schools, or universities, after other financial aid is applied. Funding comes from an annual state appropriation (capped at $10 million) and proceeds from a special "blackout" license plate program. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education administers the program, requiring applicants to submit documentation proving eligibility and maintaining academic progress. The bill is pending committee review in the Alabama House of Representatives.
HB 237 transfers $362.45 million from Alabama's Educational Opportunities Reserve Fund to the RAISE Fund for the 2026 fiscal year, with $137.55 million specifically allocated to 13 public higher education institutions. The funding supports start-up or transitional programs at Alabama's public colleges and universities to expand student educational opportunities. Institutions like the University of Alabama System ($31.8 million), Auburn University ($15.3 million), and Alabama Community College System ($51.3 million) receive targeted allocations for these initiatives. The bill redirects existing reserve funds without creating new taxes or spending.
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.
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.
HB 241 appropriates $1,372,572 from Alabama's Education Trust Fund to Talladega College for its 2027 fiscal year operations. The bill directly affects Talladega College, requiring it to submit an operations plan with performance goals, an audited financial statement for 2025, quarterly expenditure reports, and an end-of-year performance report before funds are released. All funding is subject to state budget laws and requires approval from the Director of Finance. The bill becomes effective October 1, 2026, and is pending committee review.
HB 116 expands Alabama's Volunteer Rescue Squad Tuition Reimbursement Program to include the Alabama Department of Public Health's regional emergency medical services (EMS) agencies. Currently, only Alabama Community College System schools, the Alabama Fire College, and the University of South Alabama could offer the required EMS education for tuition reimbursement. This bill adds designated EMS regional agencies under the Department of Public Health as eligible institutions to provide education and receive reimbursement. Students enrolled in these new programs would still need to contract to work for two years with volunteer rescue squads, fire departments, or ambulance services after obtaining their EMS license. The change primarily affects EMS students and volunteer emergency services organizations by broadening educational pathways for tuition assistance.
HB 233 expands Alabama's National Guard Educational Assistance Program to cover workforce development programs (such as certified training or non-degree courses) alongside traditional college degrees. It also adds eligibility for on-campus living expenses and meal plans. The bill removes the previous requirement for members to maintain a 3.0 GPA to qualify for basic tuition assistance, replacing it with revised eligibility rules. It repeals outdated qualification language but maintains the existing $10 million annual funding cap for the program. This directly affects Alabama National Guard members seeking education or training beyond standard academic programs.
