HB288INTRODUCED
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HB288
F9RTDCD-1
By Representatives Mooney, Gray, Tillman, Woods
RFD: Education Policy
First Read: 13-Feb-25
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5 F9RTDCD-1 02/10/2025 ZAK (L)ZAK 2025-253
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First Read: 13-Feb-25
SYNOPSIS:
Under existing law, the Alabama Commission on
Higher Education provides loan assistance to certain
math and science public school teachers through the
Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program
(AMSTEP).
This bill would authorize the commission to
award loan assistance to eligible licensed athletic
trainers through the program.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to Alabama Commission on Higher Education ; to
add Article 5 to Chapter 5 of Title 16, Code of Alabama 1975,
to authorize the c ommission to award loan assistance to
eligible athletic trainers through the Alabama Math and
Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP) .
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. Article 5 is added to Chapter 5 of Title 16
of the Code of Alabama 1975 to read as follows:
§16-5-100
For the purposes of this article, the following terms
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For the purposes of this article, the following terms
have the following meanings:
(1) APPROVED DEGREE. A completed master’s degree
recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic
Training Education for an athletic training program through
which students become eligible for an approved degree.
(2) APPROVED INSTITUTION. A public or private nonprofit
institution of higher education that satisfies both of the
following:
a. Is accredited by the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges or by a nationally
recognized accrediting agency that provides the institution
with eligibility to receive Title IV federal student aid.
b. Is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of
Athletic Training Education for an athletic training program
through which students become eligible for national
certification upon successfully completing the Board of
Certification, Inc. examination.
(3) ATHLETIC TRAINING SERVICES. Services provided by a
licensed athletic trainer within the scope of athletic
training practice pursuant to Chapter 40 of Title 34.
(4) CERTIFICATION. National recognition by successfully
completing the Board of Certification, Inc. examination for
athletic training.
(5) CHARTER SCHOOL. A public K-12 school established
pursuant to Chapter 6F.
(6) COMMISSION. The Alabama Commission on Higher
Education.
(7) ELIGIBLE APPLICANT. An individual who satisfies the
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(7) ELIGIBLE APPLICANT. An individual who satisfies the
criteria set out in this article and is eligible under rules
adopted by the commission in consultation with the Alabama
Board of Athletic Trainers.
(8) LICENSED ATHLETIC TRAINER. A healthcare
professional who is legally authorized to perform athletic
training services within this state upon satisfying all of the
following requirements:
a. Graduated from an approved athletic training program
at the master’s degree level from an approved institution.
b. Passed the Board of Certification, Inc. examination.
c. Holds a valid license from the Alabama Board of
Athletic Trainers that verifies the individual meets
state-specific requirements, including continuing education.
(9) LOAN ASSISTANCE SUPPORT. Financial assistance
provided to a licensed athletic trainer who provides athletic
training services at a qualifying institution and has an
outstanding federal student loan balance.
(10) PROGRAM. The Alabama Math and Science Teacher
Education Program (AMSTEP), or any successor program,
administered by the commission in consultation with the
Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.
(11) QUALIFYING INSTITUTION. A public or private K-12
school or school system or two-year or four-year institution
of higher education in this state that requires athletic
training services for sanctioned activities governed by an
organization, including the Alabama High School Athletic
Association, the Alabama Independent School Association, the
Alabama Community College Conference, the National Collegiate
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Alabama Community College Conference, the National Collegiate
Athletic Association, the National Association of
Intercollegiate Athletics, or the National Intercollegiate
Rodeo Association.
(12) YEAR. The fall, spring, and summer semesters of an
academic year of a qualifying institution.
§16-5-101
(a) This article shall be administered by the
commission in consultation with the Alabama Board of Athletic
Trainers.
(b) A percentage of the funds appropriated to the
program may be expended for the operation and administrative
requirements provided in this article.
(c) The requirements of this article are contingent
upon available funding for the program.
(d) The commission, in consultation with the Alabama
Board of Athletic Trainers, may adopt rules for the
administration and implementation of this article.
§16-5-102
(a) The commission may award loan assistance from the
program to eligible applicants.
(b) To be eligible for loan assistance of seven
thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) per year worked or
three thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($3,750) per
semester worked, for a maximum of four consecutive years, an
applicant shall satisfy all of the following:
(1) Is a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the
United States.
(2) Holds an approved degree from an approved
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(2) Holds an approved degree from an approved
institution.
(3) Is licensed and in good standing with the Alabama
Board of Athletic Trainers pursuant to Chapter 40 of Title 34.
(4) Provides an average of at least 20 hours of
athletic training services per week at qualifying institutions
throughout the year in this state.
(5) Has outstanding subsidized or unsubsidized federal
student loans.
(6) Satisfies additional continuing eligibility
criteria established by the commission in consultation with
the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.
(c) Loan assistance awards shall be distributed
directly to eligible applicants in two disbursements during
the applicable year with one disbursement being made after
January 1 and the second disbursement being made after June 1.
(d) To receive loan assistance, an eligible applicant
shall register online with the Comptroller and verify his or
her employment. An eligible applicant who receives loan
assistance and remains employed shall continue to receive
assistance for the four-year limit.
(e) An eligible applicant shall notify the commission
in writing of any change in status within 30 days after the
change. Failure to notify the commission of a change in status
shall affect future eligibility. A change in status includes
all of the following:
(1) A change in name.
(2) A change in residence.
(3) A change in employment status.
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(3) A change in employment status.
(f) The commission shall inform an eligible applicant
awarded loan assistance that loan assistance is considered
income by the Internal Revenue Service.
(g) The commission shall determine the necessary
procedures for awarding loan assistance if an eligible
applicants' total awards exceed available funding.
§16-5-103
Any individual or institution not satisfied with the
commission's actions in administering the program may submit a
written petition to the commission within 30 days after notice
of the action complained of. If the individual or institution
is not satisfied with the commission's response, the
individual or institution may request a rehearing within 20
days after the commission's response. The commission shall
schedule the rehearing within 20 days after receiving the
rehearing request. The individual or institution may present
written and oral evidence supporting the petition and may be
represented by counsel. The decision of the commission
following the rehearing is final.
Section 2. This act shall become effective on August 1,
2025.
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