HB385 Summary

• Establishes the Volunteer Rescue Squad Tuition Reimbursement Act of 2018 requiring the Alabama Community College System, Alabama Fire College, and University of South Alabama to jointly develop and administer a tuition reimbursement program for students completing Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification programs.

• Students receiving reimbursement must sign enforceable contracts agreeing to serve 3 years with a volunteer rescue squad or volunteer fire department in Alabama to receive reimbursement of actual tuition costs paid for certification.

• Program is funded by direct appropriation from the Education Trust Fund with unexpended fiscal year funds carried forward; the joint agreement must ensure operational expenses do not exceed 2% of program funding annually.

• Recipients who fail to meet 3-year service requirements for reasons other than extreme hardship must repay the full tuition amount plus 8% interest as monetary damages to the state.

• The Alabama Community College System must submit annual reports by the fifth legislative day of each session detailing program participation, tuition reimbursed, and usage rates; if usage falls below 50%, recommendation to expand program to include volunteer firefighter certifications.