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 limiting tuition reimbursement to the median tuition of public institutions in Alabama and introducing new terms such as "Academic Excellence Benefits," which provides additional funds for guard members who maintain a high GPA. The bill also clarifies definitions related to educational benefits, defines "ancillary costs" and "qualifying academic pathway," and establishes a reimbursement cap of $10 million on annual appropriations. It streamlines the reimbursement process, requiring timely payments based on certified invoices, and ensures that no guard member can receive benefits for more than 12 years after their first payment.

Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for tuition reimbursement eligibility and introduces new criteria, such as the completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrollment in a credit-bearing course at a regionally accredited institution. It specifies that members with a baccalaureate or graduate degree are ineligible for further tuition reimbursement at the same level and mandates repayment of benefits for members who fail to maintain good standing, with exemptions for those with a Veterans Administration disability rating of 40% or greater. The bill also repeals previous provisions related to supplemental educational assistance benefits, streamlining the eligibility and benefits process for guard members.

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