1. (a) The commission may award loan assistance from the program to eligible applicants.

2. (b) To be eligible for loan assistance of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) per year worked or three thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($3,750) per semester worked, for a maximum of four consecutive years, an applicant shall satisfy all of the following:

   1. (1) Is a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
   2. (2) Holds an approved degree from an approved institution.
   3. (3) Is licensed and in good standing with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers pursuant to Chapter 40 of Title 34.
   4. (4) Provides an average of at least 20 hours of athletic training services per week at qualifying institutions throughout the year in this state.
   5. (5) Has outstanding subsidized or unsubsidized federal student loans.
   6. (6) Satisfies additional continuing eligibility criteria established by the commission in consultation with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.
   7. (7) Has not received, and does not intend to receive, a grant from the Athletic Trainer Secondary School Incentive Program.
3. (c) Loan assistance awards shall be distributed directly to eligible applicants in two disbursements during the applicable year with one disbursement being made after January 1 and the second disbursement being made after June 1.

4. (d) An eligible applicant shall notify the commission in writing of any change in status within 30 days after the change. Failure to notify the commission of a change in status shall affect future eligibility. A change in status includes all of the following:

   1. (1) A change in name.
   2. (2) A change in residence.
   3. (3) A change in employment status.
5. (e) The commission shall inform an eligible applicant awarded loan assistance that loan assistance is considered income by the Internal Revenue Service.

6. (f)

   1. (1) The commission shall determine the necessary procedures for awarding loan assistance if an eligible applicants’ total awards exceed available funding.
   2. (2) The commission shall prioritize loan assistance to eligible educators prior to awarding loan assistance to eligible licensed athletic trainers.

(Act 2025-337, §1.)