The proposed bill establishes the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers' Family Scholarship Program, which aims to provide financial assistance for tuition to dependents of qualifying law enforcement officers attending higher education institutions in Alabama. The program will be administered by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and will create the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers Family Scholarship Fund. Eligible dependents include natural or adopted children under 27 years of age and spouses of qualifying law enforcement officers who have resided in Alabama for at least two years. The scholarship will cover required educational expenses for up to eight semesters or 12 quarters, with a maximum award of $3,000 per academic period, contingent upon annual appropriations not exceeding $10 million. The bill also outlines specific eligibility criteria for both dependents and law enforcement officers, mandates contracts with participating institutions, and requires the commission to oversee the application process and report annually to the Legislature.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers' Family Scholarship Fund within the State Treasury, allowing for the deposit of funds from various sources, including public and private donations. The commission is authorized to accept additional funding and must prioritize expenditures for the scholarship program each fiscal year. A new provision allows residents to obtain personalized blackout license plates for their vehicles, with a $50 annual fee, which will help fund the scholarship program. The allocation of the fee includes 2.5% for commission fees, $1.50 for manufacturing costs, and $1 for administrative costs, with the remaining funds directed to the scholarship fund. The design of the blackout plates will feature a black background with white text and will be available starting January 1, 2026, with the bill set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Engrossed: 36-21-220, 36-21-220, 36-21-221, 36-21-222, 36-21-223, 36-21-224, 36-11-223, 36-11-222, 36-11-222, 36-21-225, 36-21-226, 36-21-227, 41-4-80, 41-4-96, 41-19-1, 41-19-12