SB209 Summary

• Increases graduate nursing scholarships from $3,800 to $10,000 per year for eligible Alabama nurses.

• Sets scholarship number at five percent of total enrollment in graduate nursing programs in Alabama.

• Requires applicants to hold an active Alabama professional nursing license and commit to practicing in Alabama for two years (increased from one year).

• Gives preference to applicants pursuing careers in nursing education and allows scholarships for master's or doctorate degrees in nursing, or doctorate degrees in education if applicant holds a graduate nursing degree.

• Requires all scholarship appropriations be funded through the Education Trust Fund rather than general state treasury funds.