The Alabama Commission on Higher Education held its quarterly meeting on Friday, where members formally approved administrative procedures for the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers’ Family Scholarship.
The scholarship program was first introduced by Governor Kay Ivey in her State of the State Address earlier this year and later passed by the Legislature through HB188, sponsored by Representative Allen Treadaway, R-Morris. The measure was framed as a way to support the families of officers who dedicate their careers to law enforcement in Alabama.
Under the law, the program will reimburse participating colleges and universities for the educational costs of eligible dependents of law enforcement officers. The scholarship covers up to eight semesters or 12 quarters in an approved postsecondary undergraduate program at public technical schools, community colleges or universities across the state.
To qualify, law enforcement officers must be accredited by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission and employed full-time for at least seven consecutive years at one agency or for 12 continuous years across multiple agencies within Alabama. Dependents must be age 27 or younger, have lived in the state for at least two years before applying, and maintain full-time residency in Alabama while enrolled.
For students taking a full course load, participating four-year institutions will be reimbursed up to $3,000 per term, while community colleges will receive up to $1,500 per term. The program’s funding comes from the Education Trust Fund Appropriation Act, with lawmakers capping the annual allocation at $10 million.
Students must also meet academic progress standards to continue receiving assistance, and the law requires the degree to be completed within 66 months.
ACHE officials noted that preliminary approval of the administrative procedures took place at the June meeting, after which the rules were sent to the Legislative Services Agency for publication in the Alabama Administrative Monthly. A public comment period was open until August 15, though no comments were submitted. With Friday’s approval, the rules will now be filed with the Alabama Procedures Office and are expected to take effect within 45 days.
While the program is designed as a benefit for law enforcement families, it also aligns with state efforts to expand access to higher education. Alabama has rolled out several targeted scholarship initiatives in recent years, such as the Alabama G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship Program for military families.
Ivey called the initiative “a meaningful way for us to give back to those who serve and protect our communities” when she first announced her support earlier this year.
