SB44 Summary

• Establishes graduate nursing scholarships for Alabama residents equal to five percent of total graduate nursing program enrollment, with each scholarship limited to $10,000 per year.

• Requires applicants to be Alabama residents for at least one year, hold an active professional nursing license, be accepted to an accredited graduate nursing program, and commit to practicing nursing or teaching nursing in Alabama for at least two years after degree completion.

• Scholarships are available for master's or doctoral degrees in nursing, or doctoral degrees in education if the applicant already holds a graduate nursing degree, with preference given to those pursuing nursing education careers.

• Authorizes the Alabama Board of Nursing to receive five percent of total appropriations to administer the program and establish selection criteria, with funding to come through the Education Trust Fund.

• Requires students who fail to complete their graduate degree to repay scholarship funds, but cancels repayment obligations in cases of death or mental/physical disability preventing course completion or service.