SB315 Summary

• Increases minimum disability rating for veteran dependents from 20% to 40%, with a transitional provision allowing 20-40% disabled veterans' dependents to file applications by July 31, 2023.

• Changes tuition benefits for applicants filing on or after July 31, 2017 from full tuition waivers to reimbursement model capped at the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance rate plus maximum $1,000 per semester for books and fees.

• Requires all other federal, state, and institutional scholarships/grants be applied first before state veteran benefits are used, with students required to submit FAFSA and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

• Establishes Alabama National Guard member tuition reimbursement program capped at average tuition of state four-year institutions, with members required to maintain 2.0 GPA, remain in good standing, and be subject to repayment if service is terminated.

• Implements residency requirements allowing veterans and dependents to qualify through various means including Alabama residency prior to service, or current Alabama residence with recent discharge, with income tax return information exempted from confidentiality provisions to verify eligibility.