The bill SB67 amends Sections 31-10-2, 31-10-3, and 31-10-4.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975, focusing on educational benefits for active members of the Alabama National Guard. Key changes include the introduction of a cap on private tuition reimbursement, limiting it to the median tuition of public institutions in the state, and the establishment of "Academic Excellence Benefits" for guard members who maintain a high GPA. The bill also specifies that tuition reimbursement can cover ancillary costs like textbooks and course fees, while outlining eligibility criteria that require applicants to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be enrolled in a credit-bearing course at a regionally accredited institution. Additionally, the bill repeals Article 2, starting with Section 31-10-20, which pertains to supplemental educational assistance benefits, and sets a limit of 12 years for guard members to receive these benefits.

Moreover, the bill removes the previous requirement for a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to maintain eligibility for tuition reimbursements, replacing it with a proration of reimbursements among institutions if requests exceed appropriated amounts. It clarifies that educational benefits will be applied in a "last-dollar" manner, ensuring that all other financial aid is maximized before applying the benefits. The bill also establishes that members who fail to maintain good standing in the National Guard or are expelled from an educational institution must repay any benefits received. Overall, SB67 aims to streamline the reimbursement process while enhancing the educational support available to active members of the Alabama National Guard.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 31-10-2, 31-10-3, 31-10-4, 31-10-20
Enrolled: 31-10-2, 31-10-3, 31-10-4, 31-10-20, 31-10-2, 31-10-3, 31-10-4