AL HB377

Expands Alabama G.I. and Dependents' Educational Benefit Act to include graduate courses in medical fields (physical health care, mental health care, allied health care, and health care administration programs) for eligible children, spouses, and widows of qualifying veterans, effective July 31, 2026

Eligible beneficiaries include dependents of veterans who were killed in duty, listed as missing in action, were prisoners of war, died from service-connected disabilities, or have 40-100% service-connected disability ratings

Caps tuition reimbursement at $400 per semester hour and books/fees reimbursement at $1,000 per semester for those filing after July 31, 2017 or attending qualifying private schools

Children may receive up to 5 academic years (45 months) of benefits; spouses/widows of veterans with 40-90% disability may receive up to 27 months of benefits

Act becomes effective January 1, 2028