Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB377

Introduced
3/21/24  
Introduced
3/21/24  

Caption

Spouses and Dependents of Law Enforcement Officers Tuition Scholarship Fund created, Alabama Commission on Higher Education required to administer and adopt rules

Impact

The legislation outlines specific eligibility criteria for scholarship applicants, which include being under 27 years of age and a dependent of a law enforcement officer, or a spouse of such an officer. Additionally, the bill stipulates that scholarships will cover tuition and mandatory fees, partly determined by the average costs at public institutions of higher education. This initiative could potentially alleviate financial burdens on families of law enforcement officers when pursuing higher education, contributing positively to community support for law enforcement families.

Summary

House Bill 377 aims to establish the Spouses and Dependents of Law Enforcement Officers Tuition Scholarship Fund in the state of Alabama. This fund is designed to provide tuition scholarships for the spouses and dependents of law enforcement officers, thereby promoting educational opportunities for those connected to individuals in this critical profession. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) will be responsible for administering the fund and implementing rules for its operation.

Contention

While the bill may be well-received among law enforcement communities and advocates for educational funding, there may be concerns regarding the allocation of state funds and the potential for creating disparities in educational support for other groups. Critics may argue that focusing financial resources specifically on law enforcement families could divert attention from broader educational funding needs across the state, prompting discussions about equity in access to education funding.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB98

College tuition; establishing a scholarship program for the dependents of law enforcement officers.

AL HB188

Scholarship program, to create for dependents of long-term law enforcement officers

AL S2012

Provides tuition-free credits to certain institutions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.

AL A227

Provides tuition-free credits to certain institutions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.

AL A292

Provides tuition-free credits to certain instituitions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.

AL HB487

Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program, veterans, dependents, tuition assistance, disability requirements revised

AL SB224

Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program, veterans, dependents, tuition assistance, disability requirements revised

AL HB2171

Law enforcement; families; tuition scholarships

AL SB177

Providing certified law-enforcement officers tuition-free education up to highest tuition rate for public higher education in WV

AL SB566

Providing certified law-enforcement officers tuition-free education up to highest tuition rate for public higher education in WV

Similar Bills

UT HB0109

Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Alterations

UT SB0107

Education Scholarship Amendments

UT HB0467

Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Modifications

NJ S1027

"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

NJ A1578

"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

SC H4741

Tuition Gap Scholarship Program

SC S0959

Tuition Gap Scholarship Program

OR SB630

Relating to scholarships for use at participating nonpublic schools.