The Alabama House of Representatives unanimously passed HB98 Thursday, reviving a scholarship program for law enforcement families that cleared the House last session but died in the Senate.
The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris), would establish the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers’ Family Scholarship Program, providing tuition assistance to the children and spouses of qualifying city, county, and state law enforcement officers.
The scholarship would cover up to eight semesters of tuition, fees, and required course materials at public or private colleges, universities, or technical schools in Alabama, capped at $3,000 per academic period. Funding would come through an annual Education Trust Fund appropriation of up to $10 million, supplemented by a new optional blackout license plate carrying a $50 annual fee.
The bill originated as part of Governor Kay Ivey’s “Safe Alabama” public safety package, which she named her top priority in her 2025 State of the State address.
The package largely passed the Legislature last session, but the scholarship bill ran out of time before the Senate could vote on it.
RELATED: Lawmakers introduce ‘Safe Alabama’ package to strengthen law enforcement and tackle violent crime (2024)
To qualify, an officer must have served at least seven years at a single agency or 12 continuous years across multiple agencies. Eligible dependents include children under 27 and current or surviving spouses who have resided in Alabama for at least two years.
Treadaway, a retired Birmingham police officer with 31 years on the force, said the bill is a long overdue recognition of what law enforcement families sacrifice.
“People tend to forget that behind every badge is a family that depends on the man or woman who wears it,” Treadaway said. “For 31 years, I served as a police officer and witnessed every day the sacrifices my family made to support me and the safety of our community. This is the reality for every law enforcement family, and I firmly believe this legislation is a well-deserved and long overdue thank you to these spouses and children.”
State Rep. David Standridge (R-Hayden), a 21-year law enforcement veteran, echoed that sentiment.
“I spent 21 years in law enforcement. Know what struggles law enforcement officers have to do, especially on salaries that most make,” Standridge said. “I know most of us had to work multiple jobs to do that career. This is important; it’s important for those families in law enforcement.”
Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) urged the Senate to finish the job and send the bill to the governor.
“Being pro-law enforcement not only means supporting the men and women who wear the badge, but also stepping up to support their families,” Ledbetter said. “I urge the Alabama State Senate to get this bill passed.”
The scholarship would be administered by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, which would be required to report annually to the Legislature on enrollment, costs, and graduation rates. The blackout plate, featuring a black background with white text, would be available beginning January 1, 2027.
HB98 now heads to the Senate.
Thursday is the 17th day of the legislative session.
Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
