AL SB74

Renames the Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP) to the Loan Assistance in Support of Educators in Alabama (LASEA) Program and expands eligibility beyond math, science, and computer science teachers to educators certified in any program identified as having an acute educator shortage.

Provides base support of $7,500 per year ($3,750 per semester) for up to four consecutive years to educators certified in acute shortage programs who work in Alabama public K-12 schools.

Offers supplemental support of $3,000 per year ($1,500 per semester) for up to four consecutive years to eligible educators employed in schools or school systems designated as acute educator shortage locations.

Requires the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, in consultation with the State Department of Education and the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services, to determine acute educator shortages and shortage locations at least once every academic year.

Mandates development of an accountability and evaluation plan for the program and allows up to 10% of annual appropriations for program operation and maintenance, with funds being non-reverting at fiscal year end. Effective date: August 1, 2026.