Alabama House Bill HB98

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26
• Report Pass: 2/11/26
• Refer: 2/26/26
• Report Pass: 4/1/26
• Enrolled: 4/8/26
• Passed: 4/9/26

Caption

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

Impact

The bill will create a specific scholarship fund managed by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, with annual reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability. The program will be funded through state appropriations, capped at $10 million annually, as well as through proceeds from the sale of a specially designed blackout license plate. The scholarship is expected to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with higher education for dependents of law enforcement officers who may face unique challenges due to the nature of their parent's occupation.

Summary

House Bill 98 aims to establish the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers' Family Scholarship Program, which will provide financial assistance for tuition and related educational expenses for eligible dependents of long-term law enforcement officers in Alabama. The program is designed to support children and spouses of qualifying officers who have served in the line of duty, helping them pursue undergraduate studies at accredited institutions within the state. The scholarship can cover up to $3,000 each academic period and is aimed at promoting educational opportunities for these families.

Contention

While the program is generally viewed positively, there might be discussions around the sustainability of funding, especially regarding the reliance on donations and special license plate sales. Some may express concern regarding eligibility criteria, ensuring that only deserving candidates benefit from the program. There could also be debates surrounding the adequacy of the cap on funding per academic period and whether it effectively meets the rising costs of education. Additionally, feedback from law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups may shape the implementation process and oversight of the scholarship fund.