HB272 Summary

• Renames the Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP) to the Loan Assistance in Support of Educators in Alabama (LASEA) Program.

• Expands eligibility to educators with certification in any program identified as having an acute educator shortage, beyond just math, science, and computer science.

• Provides base support of $7,500 per year ($3,750 per semester) for up to four consecutive years to eligible educators in shortage programs employed by public K-12 schools.

• Offers supplemental support of $3,000 per year ($1,500 per semester) to eligible applicants employed in schools or school systems designated as having acute educator shortages.

• Designates the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, in consultation with the State Department of Education, to determine which educator programs, schools, and school systems qualify as having acute shortages; becomes effective August 1, 2025.