The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday passed House Bill 98, sponsored by Representative Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, to establish the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers’ Family Scholarship Program.
The program would help children and spouses of long-serving law enforcement officers pay for college and workforce training. The scholarship could be used at participating public or private institutions in Alabama and would cover tuition, required fees and educational materials after other aid is applied. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education would administer the program and provide annual reports to ensure accountability and transparency. House Bill 98 also would create a distinctive blackout license plate, with proceeds supporting the scholarship fund.
“Being pro-law enforcement not only means supporting the men and women who wear the badge, but also stepping up to support their families,” Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said. “Over the last two sessions, the House has led in passing legislation solidifying Alabama as one of the most pro-law enforcement states in the nation. Our police officers, sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, and every other law enforcement professional deserve nothing less than our full support, and I urge the Alabama State Senate to get this bill passed.”
Treadaway, a retired police officer with more than 30 years of experience, said the legislation is a long-overdue thank you to law enforcement spouses and their children.
“People tend to forget that behind every badge is a family that depends on the man or woman who wears it,” Treadaway said. “For 31 years, I served as a police officer and witnessed every day the sacrifices my family made to support me and the safety of our community. This is the reality for every law enforcement family, and I firmly believe this legislation is a well-deserved and long overdue thank you to these spouses and children.”
The Alabama Law Enforcement Officers’ Family Scholarship Act was included in last session’s Safe Alabama Package.
