HB 233

This act amends Sections 31-10-2, 31-10-3, and 31-10-4, Code of Alabama 1975, to: (1) add workforce development programs to those academic pathways that qualify for tuition assistance payments under the Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program for active members of the Alabama National Guard; (2) authorize the Adjutant General and the Executive Director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) to determine which workforce development programs qualify for assistance; (3) require assistance be paid to schools within 90 days after the academic period beginning and ACHE verifying the member's enrollment; (4) limit assistance to the median cost of tuition per term of all public four-year institutions in the state; (5) limit assistance to 120 academic hours or the completion of the first bachelor's degree or 60 academic hours or the first graduate degree; (6) prohibit universities from charging members out-of-state tuition or fees; (7) prohibit using assistance for a second bachelor's or master's degree; (8) add that a student must be over 16 years of age, comply with the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards under the Federal Higher Education Act, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and sign a promissory note for repayment if disqualified from the program to receive assistance; (9) exempt from repaying assistance any member disqualified from serving due to a disability rating of at least 40 percent; (10) authorize the Adjutant General and Alabama National Guard Education Services Officer to consult with ACHE to determine criteria for disqualification for assistance; (11) require ACHE to collaborate with the State Military Department in adopting rules to administer the program; (12) provide the Adjutant General is the final authority in determining eligibility to receive assistance; and (13) provide that any assistance currently being received shall continue until the completion of the academic course. This act also repeals Section 31-10-4.1, Code of Alabama 1975, which provided qualifications for tuition reimbursement under the program.