AL HB487

Reduces minimum disability rating requirement for Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program from 40 percent to 30 percent for veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Establishes a pilot program (Section 31-6-11.1) beginning January 1, 2026, allowing up to 100 dependents annually of veterans with 50 percent or higher disability ratings to qualify even without the standard one-year Alabama residency requirement, if the veteran has been an Alabama resident for at least five years.

Pilot program benefits expire December 31, 2027, unless extended by the Legislature, with priority given to dependents of veterans with the highest disability ratings.

Makes technical corrections to references to the State Department of Veterans Affairs and Armed Forces throughout the statute.

Effective date: June 1, 2025.